Ecological Restoration Project Manager
Location: Ohio (Office days in Lancaster, Ohio, with field days as assigned) | Status: Full-time, exempt
About Stream + Wetlands Foundation
Stream + Wetlands Foundation (S+W) is a nonprofit conservation organization dedicated to restoring and protecting Ohio’s streams and wetlands. We plan, design, and construct stream and wetland restoration and mitigation projects, manage conservation real estate, and partner with public agencies, land trusts, and private landowners to advance watershed health across the state. Our work spans mitigation banking, in-lieu fee programs, and grant-funded restoration initiatives.
Position Summary
S+W is seeking an Ecological Restoration Project Manager to support the design and delivery of stream and wetland restoration projects across Ohio. This is a junior-level position for a candidate with roughly 3–5 years of relevant experience – whether in civil/ecological engineering, restoration design, wetland science, or field ecology – who is ready to take on greater project responsibility while continuing to build technical depth across the full restoration process, from assessment and design through construction and monitoring. The role combines office-based design, drafting, and data analysis with regular field data collection, and offers close collaboration with S+W’s engineering, ecology, and project management staff. We welcome candidates from a range of technical backgrounds, including civil, environmental, or ecological engineering as well as ecology, wetland science, environmental science, or related fields.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the planning, design, and delivery of stream and wetland restoration and mitigation projects.
- Assist in the preparation of construction drawings, plan sets, details, and quantity takeoffs, using AutoCAD Civil 3D
- Conduct field data collection across a range of ecological disciplines, including topographic and channel surveys, geomorphic assessments, wetland delineations, habitat assessments, vegetation and soil observations, and general site reconnaissance.
- Support hydrologic, hydraulic, or ecological modeling and analysis (e.g., HEC-RAS, HEC-HMS, TR-55, or habitat/functional assessment methods) under the guidance of senior technical staff.
- Participate in construction oversight and quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) site visits to confirm work is implemented consistent with approved designs.
- Help prepare technical reports, design memoranda, and ecological monitoring reports.
- Assist with permitting support, including preparation of exhibits, reports, and technical materials for USACE Section 404/401 and other regulatory submittals.
- Coordinate with internal engineering, ecology, real estate, and grant management staff, as well as external partners, contractors, and regulatory agencies.
- Maintain organized project files, field data, and design documentation in accordance with S+W standards.
- Travel to project sites throughout Ohio as needed, including some overnight travel for multi-day fieldwork.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Ecological Engineering, Ecology, Biology, Environmental Science, Natural Resources, or a closely related field.
- Minimum of 3–5 years of relevant professional experience in ecological or stream/wetland restoration – whether in design, engineering, field science, or a combination.
- Working knowledge of stream and/or wetland systems, gained through design work, field assessment, delineation, restoration project construction, or comparable hands-on experience.
- Demonstrated field data collection experience relevant to restoration or ecological assessment work (e.g., geomorphic surveys, delineations, habitat assessments, and/or monitoring).
- Comfort working outdoors in variable field conditions and weather, including wading in streams and traversing uneven or wet terrain while carrying up to 50 pounds.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare clear technical documents.
- Valid driver’s license and ability to travel to project sites across Ohio.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
Preferred Qualifications
- Civil, environmental, or ecological engineering background and/or Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification desired, but not required – candidates with strong ecological, field science, or restoration design backgrounds are equally encouraged to apply.
- Proficiency with AutoCAD Civil 3D and GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS).
- Proficiency with GPS equipment (e.g., Trimble)
- Exposure to hydrologic/hydraulic modeling tools such as HEC-RAS, HEC-HMS, or TR-55.
- Experience with wetland delineation and familiarity with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual and Regional Supplements.
- Familiarity with Section 404/401 Clean Water Act permitting processes and mitigation banking or in-lieu fee program requirements.
- Experience with construction administration or field QA/QC on restoration or civil site projects.
- Knowledge of native plant materials, invasive species management, and erosion control practices used in stream and wetland restoration.
What We Offer
- The opportunity to work on meaningful, on-the-ground conservation projects across Ohio’s watersheds.
- Mentorship and professional development support, including progress toward relevant certifications or licensure (e.g., PE, PWS).
- A collaborative, mission-driven team environment spanning engineering, ecology, and land conservation.
- Competitive salary and benefits, commensurate with experience.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and a brief writing or design sample (if available) to gsnowden@streamandwetlands.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Stream + Wetlands Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team d
