Habitat Restoration Lead

HELIX Environmental Planning, Inc. (HELIX), a growing, California-based employee-owned environmental consulting firm, is seeking an experienced, highly motivated Habitat Restoration Lead with critical thinking skills and a strong work ethic to join our team in Orange County. HELIX offers biological and cultural resources, regulatory permitting, landscape architecture, acoustical, air quality, habitat restoration, and GIS services to both the public and private sectors.

About the role

The Habitat Restoration Lead duties include crew oversight at maintenance and/or construction sites. On a day-to-day basis, the Habitat Restoration Lead is responsible for transporting the crew from our HELIX locations to their jobsites in a company vehicle (which may at times include hauling a trailer), executing daily safety tailgate meetings and ensuring crews are following HELIX safety standards, training and directing crew members to perform tasks as assigned and performing these tasks alongside the crews, occasional client and project manager interaction, and reporting data as requested. Habitat Restoration Leads also participate in multiple training programs periodically. Additional responsibilities may be required and/or vary by project/task. Occasional out-of-town travel is required. This is not a landscaping company or position.

The ideal candidate for this position will have strong leadership and organizational skills, as well as good writing and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee crews at maintenance and/or construction sites
• Transport crew to jobsites using a company vehicle, including hauling a trailer when necessary
• Conduct daily safety tailgate meetings and ensure adherence to HELIX safety standards
• Train and direct crew members, performing tasks alongside them
• Interact with clients and project managers as needed
• Report data as requested
• Participate in periodic training programs
• Occasional out-of-town travel, including overnight stays

Requirements

• 3+ years of landscape and/or habitat restoration experience
• Ability to operate a smartphone and electronic devices (e.g., tablet, iPad) for reporting purposes
• Willingness to travel out of town occasionally
• Valid California Driver’s License with a clean driving record over the last three years
• Physically able and willing to work in varying terrain (including uneven surfaces and steep slopes) and weather conditions
• Able to lift up to 50 lbs. and stand for extended periods of time
• Able to operate small equipment (weed whacker, chainsaw, backpack sprayer, hedger, pole saw, etc.)

Preferred Skills

• Knowledge of native plants and weed species
• Plan reading and takeoff experience
• Grading experience
• Planting experience
• Knowledge of Best Management Practices
• Mechanical skills
• Minor electrical experience
• Fence installation experience
• Irrigation systems experience (installation, layout, valves, controllers, troubleshooting/repairs, etc.)
• Previous experience in a crew lead position

Benefits

• Robust health coverage (Medical, Dental, Vision) for employee and dependents
• Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Paid Personal Time Off accrual
• Bonus Program
• Wellness Program
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) participation
• 401K participation with employer contributions

Pay

Starting hourly rates range between $26 to $29 per hour, based on qualifications and experience.

Why work at HELIX?

• Employee-owned since 2004
• Hybrid work schedule with flexibility of working in-office and remotely
• Invested in professional growth, employee development, and training
• Recognized for workplace practices, employee wellness programs, and community contributions
• Named as one of the 2023 Best Firms to Work For by ZweigGroup