Restoration Operations Manager

About the role

The Operations Manager is responsible for building and leading a stormwater and vegetation services operation in Iowa. This role is not remote and requires frequent, hands-on field presence across Iowa and Southern Minnesota.

Responsibilities

• Build, lead, and directly manage a regional operations team including supervisors, field technicians, equipment operators, and seasonal labor.
• Provide day-to-day leadership with regular jobsite and field presence.
• Establish and enforce operational procedures, safety standards, and quality control protocols specific to stormwater compliance and vegetation work.
• Recruit, hire, onboard, train, and retain field staff with an emphasis on developing reliable, long-term crews.
• Care for equipment, materials, and supplies necessary to support daily field operations.
• Lead and actively support field execution of SWPPP implementation, erosion and sediment control, construction stormwater compliance inspections, and vegetation establishment and management.
• Ensure work complies with approved plans, specifications, permits, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Work closely with project managers to plan schedules, staffing levels, equipment needs, and budgets.
• Support proposal development, pricing reviews, and go/no-go decisions with a focus on constructability and efficiency.
• Actively pursue additional clients and contract opportunities throughout Iowa and Southern Minnesota.
• Identify opportunities to grow recurring maintenance, compliance, and vegetation management programs.

Qualifications and experience

• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in stormwater compliance construction, erosion and sediment control, construction-related restoration, or vegetation management.
• Demonstrated experience managing field crews, equipment, shops, and multi-project operations.
• Strong, working knowledge of SWPPP requirements, erosion and sediment control BMPs, and vegetation establishment practices.
• Proven ability to build, lead, and scale field-based operations, including start-up or expansion environments.
• Experience managing fleets, construction equipment, and hands-on field logistics.
• Comfortable working in active construction environments and coordinating with contractors and inspectors.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Possess or be willing to maintain a strong on-site presence across the service area.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel extensively within Iowa and Southern Minnesota.

Preferred qualifications

• Current residence in Eastern or Central Iowa.
• Established relationships with contractors, developers, and agencies within Iowa and/or Southern Minnesota.
• Experience launching or leading a regional construction or compliance services operation.
• Class A or B CDL (or ability to obtain).