Senior Ecological Restoration Field Lead

Position Summary

Merjent, Inc. (Merjent) is seeking a full-time Senior Ecological Restoration Field Lead to join our growing team in Northeast Wisconsin, with project work throughout Wisconsin and the Upper Midwest. This position is field-based and plays a critical leadership role in executing and overseeing ecological restoration projects including native plant installation, invasive species management, erosion control, and habitat enhancement.

Responsibilities

• Lead, supervise, and coordinate daily activities of restoration field crews.
• Execute and oversee restoration work including native seeding and planting, erosion control installation, invasive species control, herbicide application, mowing, and site maintenance.
• Plan work activities, schedule crews, and anticipate material, equipment, and staffing needs to ensure efficient project delivery.
• Interact professionally with clients, landowners, contractors, inspectors, and internal project managers.
• Train, mentor, and develop field staff, promoting strong crew cohesion and performance.
• Ensure adherence to project specifications, environmental regulations, and health and safety plans.
• Identify and mitigate job-site hazards; promote a strong safety culture.
• Operate, inspect, and ensure proper maintenance of vehicles, tools, and equipment.
• Accurately complete daily field documentation, reports, and logs.
• Assist with map reading, GPS/GIS data collection, and basic data entry.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support project and team success.

Qualifications and Experience

• Associate or bachelor's degree in natural resources, life sciences, or a related field.
• 3+ years of leading crews performing ecological-based project work.
• Operating various types of equipment and power tools including trucks, trailers, UTVs, boats, tractors, skid steers, pumps, chainsaws, brush cutters, backpack and skid sprayers, small engines/pumps, etc.
• Basic understanding of above-listed equipment and power tool troubleshooting and maintenance.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. and perform repetitive, physical work in a range of weather and field conditions including rough and sometimes steep terrain.
• Ability to conduct field work for 10+ hours per day, work weekends, multi-week shifts on the road and regularly work more than 40 hours per week.
• Experience in native and invasive species plant identification.
• Experience with herbicide, including selection, calibration, application types, and application equipment.
• Experience in map reading and basic GIS data entry.
• Detail-oriented with good oral communication and problem-solving skills.
• Standard First Aid and CPR (or ability to obtain).
• Commercial Pesticide Applicators Certifications in Categories 5.0 and 6.0 (or ability to obtain).
• Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.
• Active Fed Med Card or Class A Commercial Driver's License (or ability to obtain).
• Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screen.