Manager, Restoration Field Operations

Posted today

big sur land trustMonterey (VA)

Environmental Restoration Planners Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations

SENIORITY

Senior

SALARY

$80,000 - $92,000 per year

Apply

About the role

Big Sur Land Trust is hiring a new Restoration Field Operations Manager(Posted July 2026) Big Sur Land Trust (BSLT) is seeking a Restoration Field Operations Manager to help steward one of Salinas' most visibleand transformational new open-space projects. In this hands-on leadership role, you will oversee the care and long-termsuccess of 67 acres of newly restored habitat within the larger 73-acre Ensen Community Park. This is an opportunity toshape a highly visible urban restoration site from its earliest years, supporting wetlands, grasslands, upland habitat, publicaccess, and community stewardship in the heart of Salinas, California. The Restoration Field Operations Manager will work closely with the Director of Conservation, cross-functional BSLT teams, contractors, community organizations, City partners, and volunteers to manage habitat elements of the site and buildstrong stewardship partnerships. This role is ideal for a field-oriented restoration professional who enjoys practicalproblem-solving, collaborative leadership, ecological monitoring, and meaningful community-based conservation. Join our outstanding team dedicated to nurturing talent and fostering a supportive, diverse work environment to achieve Big Sur Land Trust's mission: BSLT's mission is to conserve our unique Monterey County landscapes, inspire love of land across generations, andpromote access to outdoor experiences for all. Job Detail

Job Title: Restoration Field Operations Manager

Location: Monterey, and Salinas, CA

Status: ExemptFTE: Full-Time

Reports to: Director of ConservationEEO: The Big Sur Land Trust provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants foremployment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or genetics.

Job Duties

General Description: This position leads day-to-day field operations for a large habitat restoration site in Salinasfeaturing newly constructed wetlands, grasslands, and upland habitat. The work includes sitemonitoring, invasive species management, planting and seeding, irrigation operations, fieldtroubleshooting, and coordination of crews, contractors, and volunteers. The ideal candidatebrings strong restoration or land management experience, comfort working outdoors in dynamicfield conditions, and the ability to balance independent work with collaborative leadership. Mostwork is performed outdoors, with office work as needed for planning, documentation, coordination, and reporting. Examples of Vegetation Management

Primary Duties:

Lead, coordinate, and support contracted labor and volunteer crews removing weedsfrom grasslands, wetlands, and trails using hand tools and/or weed eaters.
Monitor and map vegetation cover, composition, and health using GIS/GPS, photo monitoring, plots and transects, and visual assessment.
Identify and respond to invasive species using Early Detection and Rapid Response practices. Irrigation
Operate a large-scale irrigation system covering approximately 30 acres, including more than 5 miles of above-ground lateral lines and over 1,600 sprinkler heads and rotors.
Manage and adjust irrigation schedules based on seasonality, plant establishment needs and changing field conditions.
Inspect, troubleshoot, and coordinate repairs for irrigation system components. General Tasks
Maintain a regular on-site presence to assess site conditions, document changes, and anticipate emerging management needs.
Coordinate with on-site contractors to ensure field work is completed safely, efficiently, and consistent with restoration goals.
Collaborate with volunteers, Friends of Ensen Community Park, community groups, City Parks staff, and other partners as needed.
Select and purchase tools, supplies, and materials needed for field operations.
Serve as a professional and welcoming BSLT presence for members of the public usingthe site.
Other Duties and This position may:
Accountabilities as - Be responsible for herbicide application and/or planning and managing certified
Assigned: contractors, depending on site needs and skill set.- Utilize heavier machinery, such as a ride-on mower, depending on site needs and skillset.
Conduct bird or aquatic biology surveys, depending on expertise.
Monitor activity at bird boxes and perches if time and expertise allow.
Work on other restoration and land management projects and Big Sur Land Trustproperties, as needed and as time allows.- Conduct other duties, as assigned.

Desired Qualifications

Knowledge and Skills: Experience implementing and managing land management, landscaping, habitatrestoration, or natural resources projects. Knowledge of ecological and restoration principles. Ability to plan and implement vegetation field surveys and biological site monitoringusing GIS/GPS tools. Experience operating and maintaining irrigation systems. Knowledge of California native and non-native plants, with demonstrated ability toidentify flora across life stages, including seedling, juvenile, and adult forms. Experience using hand tools; experience with machinery (like mowers) a plus. Demonstrated ability to work independently, make sound field decisions, and superviseor guide others. Experience coordinating with contractors and supervising crews. Strong project, task, and time management skills. Ability to perform outdoor field work for extended periods, including walking on uneventerrain, bending, squatting, and lifting. Working knowledge of Spanish preferred. Analytical mindset and ability to find creative solutions. Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in natural resources, resource management, ecology, botany, biological sciences, environmental science, or a related field.- Clear, respectful communication skills and the ability to build positive workingrelationships with colleagues, partners, contractors, volunteers, and communitymembers. Physical/Mental This role requires year-round outdoor field work, manual labor, and the ability to establish and Work Demands maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, contractors, crews, volunteers, andcommunity members. The position may include heavy lifting, walking several miles per day onuneven terrain, repetitive bending and squatting, and working both independently and as part ofa team. Operation of heavy machinery may be required. Work is typically during business hours, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., with occasional evenings and weekends as needed.

Compensation & Benefits: The salary range for this position is $80,000–$92,000 annually, based on experience andqualifications. Big Sur Land Trust offers a competitive benefits package that includes comprehensive health coverage(medical, dental, and vision), life insurance, 403(b) retirement contributions, HSA contributions, and an Employee Assistance Program. Employees also receive paid holidays, vacation time, and paid sick leave. Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. In compliance with the California FairChance Act, background checks are conducted only after a conditional offer of employment and are evaluated fairly andindividually, consistent with applicable laws.

How to Apply: Please submit the following materials to be considered for the position: Your resume A letter of interest that describes your relevant qualifications and notes your availability to start. We are aiming tofill this position by late August or early September.3. Email your completed application materials to employment@bigsurlandtrust.org. Applicants whose experienceand qualifications most closely match the needs of the position will be contacted for interviews. No calls, please. The position is available immediately and will remain open until filled. For more information about BSLT, pleasevisit www.bigsurlandtrust.org

Before you apply

Applying takes about a minute. These four things decide how fast it moves after that.

Your profile is current

It's what we read first. Occupations, seniority and locations matter more than a long history.

Two examples you can talk through

Not a portfolio — just two pieces of work where you can explain the decisions and what you'd change.

A number in mind

What you're on now and what would make you move. We negotiate better when we know both.

Your notice period

Employers plan around it, and it's the question that stalls offers most often.

Once you apply, someone reads it and calls you before anything reaches the employer — usually within two working days.