As a Restoration Manager I, you will play a critical role in ensuring our projects are delivered safely, efficiently, and to the highest ecological standards. You’ll be hands-on in the field—operating equipment, managing invasive species, and conducting QA/QC—while also leading crews, managing safety initiatives, and supporting project managers with scheduling and reporting.

This is a great opportunity if you love being outdoors, thrive in a leadership role, and want to directly impact the success of restoration projects that improve the environment and communities.

The ability and willingness to travel up to 50% with overnight stay is required. Hotel and Per Diem provided. Indiana, Southern and Central Illinois, Eastern and Northern Missouri 

What Your Day-to-Day Will Look Like

• Lead daily tailgate safety meetings, coach team members, and ensure compliance with all safety policies.
• Operate, maintain, and train others on equipment and vehicles (skid steers, tractors, UTVs, etc.).
• Develop site-specific ERP plans and ensure consistent safety reporting, inspections, and hazard remediation.
• Implement and manage invasive species and herbicide management programs, including training others in plant ID and application.
• Support prescribed burn activities (where required), ensuring compliance and safe execution.
• Oversee subcontractors and vendors, ensuring work quality, compliance, and corrective actions where needed.
• Collaborate with Project and Operations Managers to schedule and track construction and maintenance tasks, manage resources, and maintain records.
• Complete administrative tasks including timecards, expense reports, project expense tracking, and compliance reporting.
• Provide leadership by training, hiring, orienting, and evaluating crew members.
• Engage with clients, stakeholders, and the public to communicate project updates and participate in meetings.

We Would Like to Talk to You If You Have Many of the Following

• Bachelor’s degree in applied sciences, natural resources, or a related field (or equivalent construction/restoration experience).
• 5+ years of ecological restoration experience.
• Valid Commercial Pesticide Applicator License (applicable categories).
• CPR, AED, and First Aid certification.
• Valid DOT medical card.
• S130/190 wildfire certifications (if required by region).
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, mapping software, and GPS systems.
• Strong knowledge of ecological restoration practices, invasive species management, and QA/QC processes.

You Will Thrive in This Role If You:

• Lead with a safety-first mindset and coach others to do the same.
• Enjoy being outdoors, operating equipment, and solving problems in the field.
• Communicate clearly and effectively across all levels—from crew members to clients.
• Are detail-oriented and thrive at managing compliance, reporting, and documentation.
• Can balance hands-on field work with administrative and leadership responsibilities.
• Excel at building, training, and motivating a team.