Senior Ecological Restoration Field Lead

Merjent; Kaukauna (WI); On-site; USD 38,572 - 49,593; Full time

Job summary

Merjent in Kaukauna, Wisconsin is seeking a full-time Senior Ecological Restoration Field Lead. This field-based role involves overseeing ecological restoration projects, leading crews, and ensuring project quality across various natural communities in the Upper Midwest. Candidates should have relevant degrees and experience in ecological project management, equipment operation, and plant identification. The position offers competitive hourly pay and full-time benefits.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of leading ecological restoration projects with field crews.
• Experience with equipment and power tool operation and maintenance.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs and work in varied field conditions.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate daily activities of restoration field crews.
• Execute restoration tasks including planting and site maintenance.
• Plan work activities and manage project deliveries.

Skills

Leading ecological project crews

Equipment operation

Plant identification

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

Associate or bachelor’s degree in natural resources or life sciences

Tools

Trucks

UTVs

GPS/GIS equipment

Chainsaws

Job description

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. The Senior Ecological Restoration Field Lead is responsible for leading, training, and mentoring field crews, coordinating daily field operations, and ensuring projects are completed safely, efficiently, and to a high standard of quality. Work will occur across a variety of natural communities including prairie, wetland, woodland, shoreline, and in‑water environments, as well as infrastructure‑related sites such as utility rights‑of‑way, solar facilities, and roadside corridors. This position is based out of the Freedom, Wisconsin office and requires regular travel throughout the Upper Midwest, with periodic overnight travel, extended work weeks, and seasonal overtime (primarily April–October). These are full‑time benefits eligible opportunities with an anticipated base wage between $28 to $36 per hour depending on qualifications and experience.

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, promote 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

• 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 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.

E-Verify

Merjent, Inc. participates with the United States Customs and Immigration Services (USCIS) E-Verify program. We will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Merjent, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We are pleased to consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected factors. Disability‑related accommodations during the application process are available upon request.