Restoration Project Manager

position summary

Merjent is seeking a mid-to-senior level Restoration Project Manager with demonstrated technical expertise in vegetation establishment, vegetation management, and ecological restoration implementation. This position will lead the execution of restoration and stabilization projects across Wisconsin, with preference for candidates based in Northeast Wisconsin.

The Restoration Project Manager will be responsible for technical oversight, construction coordination, adaptive management, and client delivery for active projects, while working closely with an Operations Manager to support field execution. In addition, this role contributes directly to project procurement through technical scope development, estimating, and proposal support.

This role is best suited for a professional with field‑based restoration experience who is comfortable managing complex, multi‑phase projects from design intent through installation and establishment periods.

This is a full-time benefits eligible opportunity that will be based in Appleton or Freedom, Wisconsin. The anticipated annual salary for this position is between $120,000 and $150,000 annually, dependent upon qualifications and experience. This position is bonus eligible.

why Merjent?

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.

responsibilities

Restoration & Vegetation Implementation

• Lead the technical execution of vegetation establishment and management projects, including:
• • Native seeding and planting
  • Site preparation and soil conditioning
  • Invasive species management
  • Establishment‑period monitoring and adaptive management
• Interpret restoration plans, specifications, and permit conditions and translate them into executable field tasks.
• Oversee subcontractors and internal field crews to ensure proper installation techniques, species selection, materials, and sequencing.
• Evaluate field conditions and direct adaptive responses to weather, site limitations, or vegetation performance.

Erosion Control & Construction Support

• Apply practical knowledge of temporary and permanent erosion control measures such as mulching, blankets, turf reinforcement, soil binders, and perimeter controls.
• Support the design, installation, and maintenance of construction site stabilization systems.
• Implement and oversee SWPPP requirements where applicable (preferred), including inspections, documentation, and corrective actions.
• Coordinate restoration activities alongside active construction or utility installation.

Project Management & Technical Oversight

• Manage projects from notice‑to‑proceed through closeout, including:
• • Technical scope review and constructability evaluation
  • Schedule development and sequencing
  • Risk identification and mitigation
  • Field issue resolution and change management
• Track quantities, materials, labor, and equipment usage to ensure accurate billing and cost control.
• Maintain accountability for technical quality, budget, and schedule while partnering with Operations for logistics and staffing.

Client & Regulatory Coordination

• Act as the technical point of contact for clients, agencies, and design teams.
• Communicate project status, risks, and performance in clear, technically accurate terms.
• Interface with regulatory agencies to address permit compliance, inspections, and closeout requirements.
• Build long‑term client relationships through consistent delivery of technically sound, defensible restoration outcomes.

Business Development & Technical Proposal Support

• Contribute technical expertise to proposals, scopes of work, estimating, and pricing for vegetation management and restoration projects.
• Assist with technical approaches, restoration methodologies, and schedules for competitive procurements.
• Identify follow‑on work, maintenance phases, and related restoration opportunities with existing clients.

Leadership & Field Support

• Provide technical mentorship to field staff and junior project managers.
• Assist in developing standard practices for vegetation management, restoration installation, and monitoring.
• Promote job site safety, environmental compliance, and professional field practices.

qualifications and experience

• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in ecological restoration, vegetation management, environmental construction, or related disciplines.
• Demonstrated experience managing vegetation establishment or restoration projects from installation through establishment.
• Strong working knowledge of native plant communities and restoration techniques; erosion control and site stabilization practices; and construction sequencing and field coordination.
• Proven ability to read and interpret plans, specifications, and permits.
• Strong technical writing and verbal communication skills.
• Valid driver's license and ability to perform site visits.

preferred qualifications

• Experience with SWPPP construction, inspections, and implementation.
• Familiarity with Wisconsin ecosystems, species palettes, and regulatory requirements.
• Estimating and proposal development experience for restoration or environmental construction projects.
• Background working alongside transportation, utility, or land development construction projects.

E-Verify

Merjent, 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.