Ecological Restoration Operator

Achieve Your Purpose

At RES, we’re looking for purpose-driven individuals passionate about restoration and sustainability, and eager to make a lasting environmental impact. Our team thrives on teamwork, open communication, and diverse perspectives, valuing resilience, adaptability, and resourcefulness in the face of challenges.

A Day in the Life

In the field, you will operate a variety of equipment, including excavators (10,000–60,000 lbs.), skid steers with standard and forestry attachments, small to medium-sized tractors (40–125 hp) with various implements, ATVs, zero-turn lawn mowers, and equipment used for herbicide application. You will also operate chainsaws, gas-powered brush cutters, and augers, and calibrate native seed drills and herbicide preparation equipment. Using mapping equipment and apps to track field progress will be part of your daily routine.

• Invasive brush clearing, tree felling, planting, seeding, erosion, and sediment controls
• Maintenance and mowing of solar fields through equipment operation and herbicide application
• Restoration activities, including identifying and protecting native species, identifying, and controlling invasive species, and site clearing
• Loading plant and project materials at nurseries and other suppliers

Physical Requirements

• Ability to travel up to 50% within the Midwest Region. Significant travel may be required for some projects.
• Travel throughout Midwest with overnight stays of 2–4-night periods will be required for some job sites.
• Exposure to insects including ticks and mosquitoes, or poisonous plants such as poison ivy.
• The ability to lift up to 50 pounds is needed.

Qualifications

• A high school degree or GED
• 1+ years working on natural resources, farming or water resource infrastructure projects
• Experience with the repair and maintenance of small engines and equipment
• Ability to understand project plans, details, and specifications
• An up-to-date DOT medical card
• Reliable means of transportation to get to the field office

What Will Make You Stand Out

• Native plant identification knowledge
• Knowledge of appropriate mixing and application of herbicides for managing invasive species
• Knowledge of proper planting and seeding techniques
• Commercial Pesticide Applicator License
• S-130/190 Burn Certification
• Experience leading a prescribed burn line
• Class-A commercial driver’s license

About the Role

We are seeking a Restoration Operator to join our team. This hands-on role offers the unique opportunity to work outdoors, make a tangible impact on vital ecosystems, and operate a variety of specialized equipment—all while gaining valuable experience in the field of environmental restoration.

Benefits

RES is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Pay

Details on pay are not specified in the job posting.

Schedule

Details on schedule are not specified in the job posting.