Restoration Grazing Manager

MNL

  • Foley, MN
  • $28.00-32.00 per hour
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 12 days ago
  • Apply easily
Are you passionate about using sheep as a tool to Heal the Earth? Do you bring both an ecological mindset and hands-on livestock experience? Are you confident planning rotational grazing schedules, caring for animal health, and working collaboratively to improve soil health and vegetation outcomes? If you're ready to take ownership of a growing program that blends conservation and animal stewardship, this could be the perfect fit.About UsMNL is a full-service ecological restoration company dedicated to Healing the Earth. Our services include native seed and plant production, shoreline and wetland restoration, prescribed burns, conservation grazing, vegetation management, and ecological consulting. We also support solar and infrastructure projects with pollinator-friendly practices and land stewardship expertise.As part of our Restoration Grazing program, we use sheep to meet ecological goals-whether that's managing vegetation, controlling invasive plants, improving soil health, or improving native habitat. Our team manages rotational grazing systems across diverse landscapes.The OpportunityThe Restoration Grazing Manager will oversee and grow our conservation grazing efforts across Minnesota and beyond. This is a unique opportunity for someone who can combine strategic planning and ecological insight with hands-on leadership and daily livestock care.You'll build and implement grazing plans, coordinate fencing and watering infrastructure, monitor animal health and field conditions, mentor seasonal and year-round staff, and ensure each project meets both ecological and operational goals. This is a field-based leadership role, with an emphasis on practical execution, adaptive thinking, and strategic growth.What You Will Do
  • Design and manage site-specific grazing plans that align with ecological restoration goals (stocking rates, rotations, seasonality, outcomes).
  • Implement targeted sheep grazing strategies to control invasive species, reduce wildfire risk, and improve soil regeneration.
  • Monitor grazing impacts, forage quality, and ecological indicators, and adjust plans as needed.
  • Oversee daily operations: herd movement, paddock rotation, fencing, watering systems, general sheep care, forage availability, and optimal grazing duration per site.
  • Maintain all grazing-related infrastructure, tools, and vehicles in safe working order.
  • Track livestock health, vaccinations, preventative care, and coordinate with veterinarians as needed.
  • Maintain compliance with local, state, and federal grazing regulations on conservation lands.
  • Lead adaptive management efforts-evaluate performance and implement improvements based on field data and outcomes.
  • Lead our team of grazing technicians; provide work direction, support, training, & mentorship.
  • Maintain accurate records of grazing schedules, herd movement, field observations, and ecological monitoring.
  • Cultivate relationships with landowners, government agencies, NGOs, and research institutions to expand conservation grazing initiatives.
  • Support long-term program development through contracts, partnerships, and conservation grants, in addition to managing the departmental budget ensuring cost-effective operations.
What You Will Need to Be Successful
  • 5+ years of experience managing sheep or other livestock in rotational or regenerative grazing systems.
  • Strong working knowledge of ecological restoration, plant identification (native/invasive), soil health, and grazing as a land management tool.
  • Ability to develop, adjust, and implement rotational grazing schedules and paddock systems.
  • Experience with fencing installation and repair, water infrastructure, and field troubleshooting.
  • Familiarity with ecological monitoring tools, mapping software, or adaptive land management frameworks.
  • Comfortable operating equipment such as ATVs, trailers, pumps, and small engines in field conditions.
  • Excellent organizational and communication skills, both in the field and with external stakeholders.
  • Prior experience in project management, small team leadership, or field crew coordination.
  • Willingness to travel regularly throughout Minnesota to support active sites.
MNL requires all selected applicants who accept a job offer with the company to complete a pre-employment background check and motor vehicle records (MVR) search. All hired employees are also subject to random drug testing under our zero tolerance drug & alcohol policy.

MNL