Operations Manager

Position Overview

NRP is seeking an experienced ecological restoration leader to serve as Operations Manager at our West Saint Paul location. This leadership role oversees our Twin Cities-based field operations— managing active restoration contracts, supervising Project Managers, supporting field crews, and ensuring the highest standards of ecological practice across all assigned projects. The ideal candidate is a proven field practitioner who has grown into an operational leader.

You bring deep technical knowledge of restoration practices, a strong track record managing complex multi-project portfolios, and the organizational ability to keep multiple contracts and crews moving forward simultaneously.

This role is both field-forward and operationally complex. You’ll be on-site regularly — up to 40% of your time — while also managing project financials, forecasting, and project managers.

60%-70% – Active project oversight — leading Project Managers and field crews; managing project financials and forecasting; ensuring on-time, on-spec, on-budget delivery; daily problem-solving.

30%-40% – Field work — conducting site assessments, pre-project visits, and hands‑on restoration support alongside crews.

10% – Business development — completing assigned bids for new project work.

~10% – Administrative, outreach, sales, and HR duties.

The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive.

• Oversee multiple concurrent habitat restoration projects from planning through close‑out
• Maintain monthly-to-quarterly project forecasting and profitability reporting
• Track and manage project expenses for assigned Project Managers
• Conduct monthly scheduling for all assigned projects
• Assist Project Managers with solution‑finding, escalated issues, and reporting

• Conduct in-field restoration activities as needed: invasive species management, brush removal, tree felling, seeding, planting, prescribed fire, and related tasks
• Maintain technical proficiency with all restoration activities; provide guidance and training to Project Managers and field staff
• Conduct pre-project site assessments and pre-work site visits
• Provide leadership in specialized areas such as: prescribed fire, heavy equipment, drone operations, prairie restoration, and wildland fire
• Promote a safety‑first culture and maintain situational awareness for all team members

• Supervise assigned Project Managers; provide operational direction, coaching, and performance feedback
• Assist with staff hiring, onboarding, and training as needed
• Mediate interpersonal issues and support a healthy team culture
• Maintain company and personnel confidentiality

• Maintain and develop client relationships appropriate for the assigned branch
• Conduct client communications and documentation throughout each project

• Ensure smooth, appropriate communication across all levels of NRP — from Executives to Field technicians
• Participate in company‑wide meetings and contribute to NRP standards, policies, and continuous improvement
• Maintain proficient knowledge of company software:
  Google Workspace, project management tools, CRM, and mapping software
• Report any known or observed vehicle and equipment maintenance issues
• Travel as needed to fulfill duties; overnight travel up to 25%
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Operational Directors must have an advanced understanding of ecological restoration/habitat management principles, as well as experience with in-field conservation techniques and practices.

• Minimum 2 years of field work in habitat management, ecological restoration, or a related field
• Minimum 2 years of experience leading field crews in ecological restoration, natural resources management, or similar industry
• Minimum 2 years of experience managing projects within the industry or closely related field
• Strong proficiency with a variety of restoration activities: invasive species removal, brush removal,…