Restoration Field Operations Manager

Restoration Field Operations Manager

Big Sur Land Trust

📍 Salinas & Monterey County, California

💼 Full-Time, Exempt

💰 $80,000 - $92,000 per year

About the Role

Big Sur Land Trust is seeking a Restoration Field Operations Manager to help steward one of Salinas' most visible and transformational habitat restoration projects. This hands-on leadership role will oversee the care and long-term success of 67 acres of restored wetlands, grasslands, and upland habitat within the 73-acre Ensen Community Park.

The ideal candidate is a field-oriented restoration professional with experience in habitat management, irrigation operations, ecological monitoring, contractor coordination, and community engagement. This position offers the opportunity to shape a highly visible urban restoration site while working alongside conservation professionals, volunteers, community organizations, and public partners.

What You'll Do

• Lead day-to-day field operations for a large-scale habitat restoration project.
• Manage invasive species control, planting, seeding, and vegetation management activities.
• Monitor restoration progress using GIS/GPS tools, photo monitoring, plots, and transects.
• Operate and oversee a large irrigation system supporting approximately 30 acres of restored habitat.
• Troubleshoot irrigation issues and coordinate repairs as needed.
• Coordinate contractors, volunteers, community groups, and City partners.
• Maintain a regular on-site presence to assess habitat conditions and identify management needs.
• Manage field equipment, tools, and operational supplies.
• Serve as a professional and welcoming representative of Big Sur Land Trust.

Must-Have Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Ecology, Biology, Natural Resources, Botany, Resource Management, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in habitat restoration, land management, natural resources, landscaping, or a related field.
• Experience operating and maintaining irrigation systems.
• Knowledge of ecological restoration principles and vegetation management practices.
• Experience using GIS and/or GPS technology for field monitoring and data collection.
• Ability to identify and manage native and invasive plant species.
• Experience leading contractors, crews, volunteers, or community partners.
• Strong project management, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and solve problems in dynamic field conditions.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
• Ability to perform physically demanding outdoor work in varying weather conditions.
• Authorization to work in the United States.

Preferred Qualifications

• 5+ years of restoration or land stewardship experience.
• Knowledge of California native plant communities.
• Spanish language proficiency.
• Qualified Applicator Certificate (QAC) or Qualified Applicator License (QAL).
• Experience operating field equipment and machinery.
• Experience conducting ecological, biological, bird, or aquatic monitoring.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• 403(b) Retirement Plan Contributions
• HSA Contributions
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Paid Vacation, Holidays, and Sick Leave

How to Apply

Please submit your: ✅ Resume

✅ Cover Letter describing your qualifications and availability to start

📧 employment@bigsurlandtrust.org

We appreciate your interest in Big Sur Land Trust. Candidates whose experience most closely matches the position requirements will be contacted regarding next steps.

Big Sur Land Trust is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.