Semper Fi Land Services

Ecological Restoration Crew Leader

Semper Fi Land Services is seeking candidates who have the passion, interest and dedication to work in land management and habitat restoration. 

The Ecological Restoration Crew Leader provides technical and scientific support for ecological restoration projects and team members. The position works to restore damaged ecosystems, maintain healthy systems and restore sites post construction. This position requires daily travel to job sites and administrative office work. Excellent communication skills, time management, flexibility and attention to detail are critical skills. Reports to the Ecological Supervisor and Director of Operations.

We offer a great work environment, fantastic benefits program, and competitive pay. We value our employees and understand they are the reason for our success. We promote work life balance, career pathways, celebrating work anniversaries and recognizing employee performance.

Permanent authorization to work in the U.S. is required. We do not offer sponsorships.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage and oversee crews and project sites including daily site operations, task assignments, and safety procedures and troubleshooting
• Maintain responsible/confidential reporting practices (ie. incident reporting)
• CPR training is required for this role.
• Supervise 1 to 6 team members as a project requires.
• Ensure tasks are completed in a timely and detailed manner.
• Train and mentor Ecological Restoration Technicians.
• Communicate with stakeholders on project updates. Maintain positive relationships with customers.
• Facilitate site assessments, field monitoring, and reporting.
• Collaborate with Ecological Project Manager and Ecological Supervisor(s) to review and complete work orders, track daily logs, project performance, working with the division manager to ensure proper project budgeting.
• Assist with and prepare written reports, tables, spreadsheets, databases, and maps for clients as required or as requested.
• GPS data collection and mapping support when necessary
• Documentation of endangered or threatened flora and fauna on sites upon observation.
• Monitor and track important vegetation locations and habitat types for high quality species and target vegetation.
• Operate a variety of power tools and equipment safely.
• Restore overall site health implementing realistic strategies based on the site assessment.
• Be aware of weather forecast and recognize changes in weather: re-work assignments as necessary to accommodate weather (e.g., do not mix chemicals when rain is imminent, do not conduct burns if high winds are predicted or apparent, etc.)
• Maintain and repair (if able, in the field), or arranging for the repair of, equipment (including hand tools) daily. Ready equipment at the end of each day: Be ready for tomorrow, today.
• Other duties as assigned by the Ecological Division Manager, Supervisor and/or Director of Operations.

Job Qualifications:

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in biological sciences or related fields preferred; high school degree required.
• A minimum of three years’ experience in Ecology, Horticulture or Forestry is preferred.
• Current Pesticide Herbicide Operators license in the state of Illinois.
• Complete the S130/190, S290, IC 100.c, Burn Boss Certification via the IDNR to be obtained
• Experience operating chainsaws and other related equipment.
• Experienced towing a trailer with equipment preferred (at least one year of industry related driving, towing, and backing)
• Must have a current driver’s license
• Advanced knowledge and understanding of Midwetern habitats and ecosystem characteristics
• Advanced knowledge of local flora and fauna (native and non native).
• Advanced knowedge of equipment operations and ability to train crew members on safe operations and maintenance of various equipment types.
• Advanced knowledge of herbicieds, application methods, and combinations for herbicide treatments and ability to coach proper mixing, and combination ratios to other crew members.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:

• Ability to delegate tasks, train and mentor others.
• Communicate and coordinate projects and tasks with Division Manager and Supervisor(s).
• Exceptional time management, multi-tasking and interpersonal skills.
• Attention to detail, well-organized, and ability to prioritize tasks.
• Strong verbal communication skills, to work effectively with customers, co-workers, vendors, management team.
• Strong technology skills (ie. Microsoft suite, google suite, Arc GIS, other related platforms).
• Excellent attendance, reliable and accountable to complete work assignments.
• Knowledge of and follow Semper Fi safety protocols.
• Knowledge of OSHA standards and safety policies, and ability to obtain OSHA 30 credentials within 6 months.
• Able to report to the shop for a fleet truck and equipment.

Physical Requirements:

Prolonged periods of standing, walking, stooping, lifting for long periods of time. Able to lift 50 pounds at a time.

Semper Fi Land Services is a minority and veteran-owned company. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.