Environmental Field Equipment Operator (Ecological Restoration)

You’ll spend your days outside, working on diverse natural landscapes and seeing real environmental improvements take shape under your hands.

You’ll work with passionate people who care about ecological impact and community restoration.

You’ll operate cool equipment, solve field challenges, and learn something new almost every day.

You’ll be part of a mission that matters—restoring ecosystems, protecting biodiversity, and contributing to a more sustainable future

A Day in the Life

In the field, as Environmental Equipment Field Operator, 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. Since you will be servicing the equipment you use, mid-level ability to troubleshoot and diagnose field equipment issues is essential, along with knowledge of auto, truck, and construction equipment maintenance schedules, fluid requirements, and basic diagnostic processes.

Additionally, you will 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.

Some of the main tasks our Environmental Equipment Field Operators perform are the following:

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 include 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 to the Environmental Equipment Field Operator job:

Ability to lift 50 lbs, walk on uneven ground, and climb onto construction equipment

We would like to talk to you if you have many of the following:

High School Diploma or GED

At least 1 year of experience in ecological restoration, landscaping, agriculture, or related work

Experience with the repair and maintenance of small engines and equipment

Ability to understand the project plans, details, and specifications.

Valid Commercial Pesticide Applicator License (state-specific, or ability to obtain)

Valid Driver's License

What would make you stand out?

S-130/190 Burn Certification or experience with prescribed burns (region-specific)

Knowledge of native and invasive plant species and ecological restoration methods

Knowledge of appropriate mixing and application of herbicides for managing invasive species.

Knowledge of proper planting and seeding techniques.

Experience leading a prescribed burn line

Class-A commercial driver’s license

You’ll thrive in this role if you are:

A strong communicator who works well independently and within a team

Self-motivated with the ability to solve problems in the field with minimal supervision

Excited by hands-on work that contributes to ecological restoration and conservation

Please note that the “Day in the Life” section is not intended to be an exhaustive list of job duties, but rather a representative snapshot of typical responsibilities and work experiences at RES.

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.