Restoration Operations Manager

Operations ManagerMerjent is seeking a highly experienced, local Operations Manager to build and lead a boots-on-the-ground stormwater and vegetation services operation in Iowa. This role is not remote and not hybrid. The Operations Manager must be based in Eastern/Central Iowa and available for frequent, hands-on field presence across Iowa and Southern Minnesota.This is a senior, hands-on leadership role responsible for building and managing crews, establishing and operating a small start-up office and equipment shop, and overseeing a fleet of vehicles and construction equipment while executing active construction-related contracts.The role is best suited for a candidate with deep, practical experience in SWPPP construction and implementation, erosion and sediment control, and vegetation establishment and management who is comfortable leading from the field, shop, and jobsite-not from behind a desk.The anticipated annual salary range for this position starts at $110,000 and will be determined based on qualifications and experience. This position is also bonus eligible.ResponsibilitiesOperations & Team LeadershipBuild, 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.Coordinate staffing, scheduling, and logistics to support multiple active projects simultaneously across Iowa and Southern Minnesota.Office, Shop & Fleet ManagementEstablish and operate a small regional office and equipment shop in Cedar Rapids (or immediate vicinity).Manage a fleet of trucks, trailers, and construction equipment used for erosion control, SWPPP implementation, and vegetation services.Oversee equipment inspections, maintenance, repairs, storage, procurement, and utilization tracking.Manage materials, supplies, subcontractors, vendors, and local service providers necessary to support daily field operations.Project Execution – Core Scope of WorkLead and actively support field execution of:SWPPP implementation and ongoing maintenanceErosion and sediment control installation, repair, and troubleshootingConstruction stormwater compliance inspections and corrective actionsVegetation establishment (seeding, planting, grading support, soil prep) and vegetation managementEnsure 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.Provide real-world operational input during estimating, pre-construction planning, and means-and-methods development.Contract Management & Business DevelopmentExecute and manage existing stormwater and vegetation contracts to achieve scope, schedule, quality, and financial objectives.Maintain strong working relationships with clients, general contractors, inspectors, and regulatory agencies.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 Experience10+ 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 QualificationsCurrent 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).E-VerifyMerjent, 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.Candidates interested in applying should submit a completed Application for Employment (cover letter and resume) to merjent.applicantpro.com.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.Merjent is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity.