Restoration Operations Manager

Restoration Operations Manager

Merjent 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.

Merjent is a medium-sized consulting and engineering company dedicated to creating an environment where both people and projects succeed. Merjent has staff located across the United States who may choose a remote, in-office, or hybrid work arrangement. All full-time employees begin their tenure at Merjent with 4 weeks of paid vacation regardless of seniority. In addition, employees receive 10 paid holidays and generous benefits and compensation packages.

Merjent supports annual career-related training for employees to become or continue as leaders in their field of expertise. Merjent facilitates organic growth within the company and encourages employees to bring their ideas forward to grow existing and create new service lines within and beyond the currently served sectors of energy, mining, transportation, manufacturing and construction, land development industries, and government.

Merjent also invests in its company culture by supporting travel for remote employees to attend in-person team meetings and all-staff events.

The Merjent difference is real – it's based on a commitment to our values, which guides us in how we work with clients and each other. Our commitment to quality and professional integrity encompasses everything we do. We are proud of our reputation for delivering quality work and building long-term, trusting relationships with our clients and with regulatory agencies.

Operations & Team Leadership

• Build, 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 Management

• Establish 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 Work

• Lead and actively support field execution of:
• SWPPP implementation and ongoing maintenance
• Erosion and sediment control installation, repair, and troubleshooting
• Construction stormwater compliance inspections and corrective actions
• Vegetation establishment (seeding, planting, grading support, soil prep) and vegetation management
• Ensure work complies with approved plans, specifications, permits, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Work closely with project managers to plan…