Ecological Restoration Project Manager - FPDDC

Position Summary:

The Project Manager is responsible for managing all aspects of ecological restoration projects, including administrative operations, resource allocation, and team leadership. This role oversees key staff, ensures compliance with project specifications, and delivers high-quality restoration outcomes across diverse habitats.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage all project work and key staff with a focus on administrative operations, including invoicing and documentation.
• Perform scouting and develop proposals for high-level project estimates.
• Schedule and coordinate multiple crews and resource types (hand crews, machine crews, subcontractors) for long-term tasks.
• Oversee project execution to ensure compliance with ecological restoration standards and client expectations.
• Prepare and manage full project budgets and estimates for crews, equipment, and subcontractors.
• Provide technical guidance on species identification, herbicide application, and restoration methodologies.
• Monitor environmental and biological conditions to adjust project plans proactively.
• Deliver follow-up recommendations for ongoing habitat management.

Work Planning & Coordination:

• Collaborate with Contracting Manager to review project goals, specifications, and
• Organize and communicate work schedules, equipment needs, and material reservations with the superintendent.
• Ensure timely and accurate documentation of schedule changes and project

Client & Subcontractor Interaction:

• Act as the primary project contact for clients during project
• Coordinate with superintendent, ensuring quality control and adherence to

Compliance & Documentation:

• Maintain accurate records of field activities using GPS and ArcGIS
• Ensure pesticide applications are supervised by licensed
• Support contract compliance including inspections, notifications, and

Required Qualifications:

Education & Experience:

• • Degree in Natural Resource Sciences, Ecology, Biology, or related field plus five (5) years of experience with Midwest or Southwest Great Lakes ecosystems
    OR
  • Minimum ten (10) years of experience without an applicable degree.
• Proven experience managing multiple crews for ecological restoration projects, including hand crews, machine crews, and subcontractors.
• Proficient in scheduling and resource allocation for long-term projects.
• Advanced knowledge of native and non-native woody and herbaceous species during both dormant and growing seasons.
• Expertise in herbicide application methods and integrated pest management techniques.
• Strong understanding of effective timing for species control and adaptive management strategies.

Technical Skills

• Advanced working knowledge of selective restoration methods and materials for highly diverse and imperiled plant communities.
• Proficient in project estimating, budgeting, and reporting.
• Ability to identify and mitigate environmental challenges (rain, heat, freeze, thaw) and biological conditions affecting project success.

Additional Notes:

Candidates without prior ecological restoration experience may apply if they meet all other project management criteria.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience supervising restoration work on high-quality natural
• Familiarity with DuPage County ecological standards and restoration
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to adapt to environmental and biological conditions during project

Benefits:

• A full list of our competitive benefits will be provided upon request and at the interview stage