Western Reserve Land Conservancy has an immediate opening for a Restoration Team Crew Lead. The position reports to the Parks and Preserves Manager and will be located at the Land Conservancy’s office in Moreland Hills, Ohio. There will be extensive work at field locations throughout northeast Ohio.
This is a full-time position with a salary range of $46,000 to $55,000 annually, commensurate with experience, and the position is eligible for benefits.
BACKGROUND
Western Reserve Land Conservancy is transforming communities across Ohio by protecting the land and water that sustains us and reimagining the places where we live. Headquartered in Moreland Hills, we are the largest land conservancy in the state and a nationally accredited nonprofit through the Land Trust Alliance.
Our work spans the state of Ohio—from the Lake Erie shoreline, to working farms and forests, and into the heart of our cities. Through partnerships statewide, we have permanently protected more than 80,000 acres across 1,000 properties, including the creation of 250 public parks and preserves. We collaborate with private landowners, farmers, public agencies, corporations, and community partners to conserve natural landscapes, prime soils, and bring nature back into neighborhoods. Our nationally recognized Urban Conservation program is at the forefront of urban revitalization—turning vacant and blighted properties into vibrant green spaces, advancing innovative land reuse strategies, planting trees, and creating healthier, more resilient communities.
None of this is possible without the commitment and dedication of our talented staff. We are very proud that since 2021 we have been recognized 5 times as a Top Workplace in Northeast Ohio by The Plain Dealer/cleveland.com.
Reporting to the Parks and Preserves Manager, the Restoration Team Crew Lead (Crew Lead) will be responsible for overseeing field operations associated with Western Reserve Land Conservancy's habitat management, ecological restoration, and land stewardship initiatives throughout Northeast Ohio.
This position will coordinate day-to-day restoration activities, assist with project implementation, supervise field staff and seasonal employees as assigned, manage equipment and project logistics, and ensure that restoration work is completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with project specifications. The position will play a critical role in expanding the Land Conservancy's restoration capacity while supporting habitat management, fee land stewardship, and conservation initiatives throughout the region.
The Crew Lead will work closely with the Parks and Preserves Manager and Fee Land Steward to implement invasive species management, wetland restoration, forestry improvement, native plant establishment, and other conservation projects across Land Conservancy fee properties and restoration sites. The position will regularly travel to project locations throughout Northeast Ohio and will assist with developing operational systems and procedures necessary to support the continued growth of the Parks and Preserves program.
This position requires a highly organized individual with strong leadership abilities, extensive equipment operation experience, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining high standards for quality, safety, and productivity.
KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY
Ecological Restoration and Habitat Management
The Crew Lead is responsible for implementing and coordinating ecological restoration activities across Land Conservancy properties. Working closely with the Parks and Preserves Manager and Fee Land Steward, the Crew Lead will help plan and execute restoration projects intended to improve habitat quality, restore ecological function, and support long-term conservation objectives.
Projects may include invasive species management, forest management activities, wetland restoration, prairie establishment, native seeding, tree and shrub planting, wildlife habitat improvements, prescribed maintenance activities, and other land stewardship initiatives. The Crew Lead will ensure restoration work is completed efficiently, safely, and according to project specifications, grant requirements, and organizational standards.
Project Management and Quality Control
A primary responsibility of the Crew Lead is managing the day-to-day implementation of multiple restoration projects occurring simultaneously throughout the region. The position will coordinate equipment, materials, contractors, and field activities while ensuring projects remain on schedule and within budget.
The Crew Lead will conduct routine site inspections and quality control reviews to verify that completed work meets established restoration standards. The position will maintain accurate project records, document completed work, identify operational challenges, and communicate project progress and resource needs to the Parks and Preserves Manager.
Because restoration projects often occur across numerous properties and jurisdictions, the Crew Lead must possess exceptional organizational skills and the ability to effectively prioritize work across multiple active projects.
Equipment Operations and Maintenance
The Crew Lead will serve as the primary operator and coordinator for restoration equipment utilized by Western Reserve Land Conservancy. This position is responsible for safely operating, transporting, maintaining, and overseeing the use of equipment necessary to complete restoration and land management activities.
Equipment regularly utilized by the program may include skid steers and associated attachments, tractors and mowing equipment, Argo amphibious vehicles, UTVs and utility vehicles, herbicide application equipment and tank sprayers, chainsaws and forestry equipment, utility trailers and equipment trailers, and pickup trucks and work vehicles. Experience trailering equipment is required.
Staff Supervision and Training
The Crew Lead will assist with supervising field staff and supporting the continued growth of the Land Conservancy's restoration operations. The position will help train employees in restoration techniques, equipment operation, herbicide application, and workplace safety while fostering a productive and professional work environment.
As Western Reserve Land Conservancy's Parks and Preserves program continues to grow, the Crew Lead will play an important role in helping develop operational systems, procedures, and efficiencies that support the long-term success of restoration and stewardship operations. The position will assist with onboarding new staff and may help oversee seasonal employees, contractors, interns, and volunteers as projects require.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND CAPABILITIES
Education
An associate's degree in Natural Resources, Forestry, Environmental Science, Ecology, Wildlife Management, Conservation, Agriculture, Landscape Management, or a related field is required. A bachelor's degree in one of these fields is preferred. Equivalent combinations of education, technical training, certifications, and significant professional experience may be considered.
Experience and other qualifications
The ideal candidate will have demonstrated experience leading field operations and implementing restoration, forestry, agricultural, landscaping, or conservation projects. While a bachelor's degree is preferred, candidates with an associate's degree and substantial hands-on experience in habitat management, ecological restoration, forestry, agriculture, landscaping, construction, or related outdoor operations are strongly encouraged to apply.
Successful candidates will demonstrate a commitment to conservation and habitat restoration and possess experience operating and maintaining heavy equipment, implementing field projects, and working independently in outdoor environments. The position requires strong decision-making abilities, sound judgment, and the ability to communicate effectively with staff, contractors, vendors, landowners, and project partners. Experience managing multiple priorities, coordinating field operations, and maintaining a high standard of safety and professionalism is highly desirable.
Technical skills
The Crew Lead must possess strong equipment operation and organizational skills necessary to manage daily restoration activities across multiple project sites. Candidates should have experience operating skid steers and associated attachments, towing trailers and transporting equipment safely, maintaining equipment and performing routine repairs, and utilizing herbicide application equipment. Possession of, or the ability to obtain, an Ohio Commercial Pesticide Applicator License is preferred.
Experience using GPS units, GIS applications, field data collection software, and Microsoft Office programs including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is preferred.
Other skills
The successful candidate will possess strong organizational and leadership abilities and be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment where priorities may shift frequently. Strong communication skills, attention to detail, project management abilities, problem-solving skills, and a commitment to workplace safety are essential. The ability to work independently while contributing positively to a team environment is critical to success in this role.
Physical requirements
The position requires regular outdoor work and physical activity associated with ecological restoration, habitat management, and equipment operation. Candidates must be capable of working outdoors in all weather conditions throughout the year, safely operating equipment for extended periods, performing manual labor associated with restoration and maintenance projects, lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds, walking uneven terrain including wetlands and forested habitats, and loading and unloading equipment, tools, and materials as necessary. Regular travel between project sites throughout northeast Ohio is required.
Western Reserve Land Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to hiring staff members who represent the rich diversity of our community. At the Land Conservancy, all employees and applicants for employment are judged on their merits. The Land Conservancy is committed to providing an environment free of illegal discrimination of any kind, and does not base any employment decisions on race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, religion, age, disability, military or veteran status, or any other protected category under federal and state laws.
