Ecological Restoration Crew Leader
Job Type: Seasonal (April–November) with potential for full-time, year-round employment
Schedule: Full-time, weekdays (8–10 hour shifts)
Pay: $20–$25 per hour, based on experience
Work Location: Outdoor, field-based
Reporting Location: West Chicago, IL
About Us
The Prairie Guy, LLC provides native landscape restoration services for residential and commercial clients throughout the Chicago suburbs.
www.prairieguy.com
Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced Ecological Restoration Crew Leader who thrives in physically demanding outdoor work and leads from the front. This is a hands-on leadership role; you will work alongside your crew daily, performing strenuous restoration tasks while directing field operations. This position is ideal for someone who prefers active, field-based leadership over office-based supervision.
Realistic Job Preview
Crew Leaders spend most of the day performing hard physical labor while supervising crews. You will lift and carry heavy materials, use hand tools, walk long distances on uneven terrain, and work in dense vegetation. Work occurs outdoors in all weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and wind. Days can be long, repetitive, dirty, and physically exhausting. If you take pride in physical work, teamwork, and leading by example, this role can be highly rewarding. If you are seeking light-duty or primarily administrative leadership, this position may not be a good fit.
Key Responsibilities
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Lead and supervise field crews during restoration activities
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Perform and oversee brush clearing and heavy site preparation
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Apply herbicides and manage invasive species
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Install native plants, seed, and erosion control materials
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Perform stewardship tasks such as mowing and hand-removal of invasive vegetation
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Assist with site setup, cleanup, and daily logistics
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Promote safe, productive, and efficient field operations
Who This Role Is For
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Physically strong and comfortable with strenuous labor all day
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Prefers hands-on leadership and working alongside a crew
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Enjoys outdoor work in challenging conditions
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Dependable, safety-focused, and team-oriented
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Motivated by visible, tangible results
Required Qualifications
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1–2 years of ecological restoration or similar outdoor field experience
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Valid driver’s license (required); Non-CDL Class C or higher preferred
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Basic plant identification skills (native and invasive species)
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Prior experience leading or directing field crews
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Ability to follow verbal and written instructions
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Ability to read maps and navigate job sites
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Strong communication and teamwork skills
Required Certification
Physical Requirements
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Lift up to 100 lbs occasionally
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Lift up to 50 lbs frequently
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Lift up to 20 lbs continuously
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Perform repetitive lifting, bending, kneeling, standing, and walking
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Safely operate hand tools and equipment throughout the workday
What We Offer
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Leadership role on diverse ecological restoration projects
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Opportunities for training and professional growth
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Team-oriented, field-focused work environment
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Meaningful, physically active work with visible results
