Stewardship Project Manager
Position Summary
The Ecological Stewardship Manager is responsible for the planning, implementation, and long-term success of Bluestem’s ecological stewardship and restoration portfolio. This position manages ongoing land management contracts, develops site-specific restoration strategies, oversees ecological monitoring and reporting, and serves as the primary point of contact for stewardship clients.
Working closely with the Stewardship Supervisor, field crews, sales staff, and clients, the Ecological Stewardship Manager ensures projects are completed safely, efficiently, within budget, and according to established ecological objectives. This role combines ecological expertise, project management, and client relationship management to support successful restoration outcomes and long-term client partnerships.
Key Responsibilities
Stewardship Project & Contract Management
- Manage multiple ecological stewardship and restoration projects simultaneously.
- Develop and implement site-specific management plans and restoration strategies.
- Manage a portfolio of stewardship contracts and long-term restoration projects.
- Track labor budgets, project costs, project hours, and contract deliverables.
- Review project performance and ecological outcomes to ensure project objectives are achieved.
- Maintain accurate project documentation, monitoring records, and client reports.
- Coordinate project resources, materials, equipment, and subcontractors as needed.
- Assist in developing scopes of work and technical recommendations for stewardship proposals and contract renewals.
Client Relations & Consulting
- Serve as the primary ecological liaison for stewardship clients, including municipalities, park districts, homeowner associations, conservation organizations, and private landowners.
- Conduct client meetings, site visits, and project updates.
- Develop long-term management recommendations that support client objectives and ecological success.
- Support client retention through proactive communication, reporting, and strategic planning.
- Collaborate with the sales team by providing technical expertise, site assessments, and recommendations for future stewardship opportunities.
Ecological Assessment & Restoration
- Conduct site assessments and develop management recommendations for:
o Invasive species management
o Native vegetation establishment and restoration
o Prairie management
o Woodland management
o Wetland restoration and management
o Pond and shoreline restoration
- Conduct Floristic Quality Assessments (FQA/FQI) and prepare related reports.
- Perform vegetation monitoring and ecological evaluations.
- Write and oversee monitoring reports, management plans, and ecological documentation.
- Monitor restoration outcomes and adapt management strategies based on site conditions and project goals.
- Support the continued growth of Bluestem’s consulting and ecological planning services.
Operations Coordination
- Coordinate closely with the Stewardship Supervisor regarding scheduling, staffing, equipment, and project priorities.
- Provide technical guidance and support to field operations.
- Assist Supervisors and Crew Leads in solving operational challenges and adapting field strategies.
- Support and mentor the Stewardship Supervisor in achieving project objectives and maintaining quality standards.
- Promote safe work practices and ensure compliance with environmental regulations, permits, and company policies.
- Support Operations in delivering projects safely, efficiently, on budget, and to Bluestem quality standards.
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Ecology, Environmental Science, Natural Resources, Biology, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
- 3–5+ years of professional experience in ecological restoration, natural area management, land stewardship, or a related field.
- Strong knowledge of Midwest ecosystems, native plant communities, and invasive species management.
- Experience managing projects, schedules, budgets, and client relationships.
- Ability to conduct ecological assessments, vegetation monitoring, and restoration planning.
- Illinois Pesticide Applicator License or ability to obtain within six months of hire.
- Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record.
- Ability to work outdoors in varying weather and terrain conditions.
Physical Requirements & Working Conditions
- Ability to walk long distances over uneven terrain for extended periods during site assessments, monitoring, and project oversight activities.
- Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including rain, wind, snow, heat, humidity, and cold temperatures.
- Ability to navigate uneven, unstable, and densely vegetated terrain, including prairies, woodlands, wetlands, shorelines, and restoration sites.
- Ability to occasionally lift and carry equipment, tools, monitoring supplies, and field gear weighing up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, climb, and perform field-related tasks as necessary during site visits and project evaluations.
- Ability to safely work with and around EPA-approved herbicides and other restoration-related materials.
- Ability to work around environmental hazards including stinging insects, ticks, poison ivy, wild parsnip, and other naturally occurring hazards.
- Ability to work within wetland environments that may require the use of hip boots, chest waders, or similar protective equipment.
- Ability to distinguish colors for purposes of plant identification, monitoring, and ecological assessments.
- Ability to carry field equipment, backpacks, and monitoring gear weighing up to 50 pounds during field activities.
- Ability to participate in and support prescribed fire operations, including exposure to heat, smoke, ash, and airborne debris.
- Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle and travel regularly between project sites, client meetings, and company locations.
Skills & Competencies
- Strong project management and organizational skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong client relationship and consulting abilities.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously.
- Knowledge of ecological restoration techniques and best management practices.
- Strong plant identification and ecological assessment skills.
- Detail-oriented while maintaining a strategic, big-picture perspective.
- Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with field and office teams.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience using GIS, Avenza, ArcGIS, Field Maps, or similar mapping technologies.
- Prescribed Fire certification (S-130/S-190, NWCG qualifications, or equivalent). Certified Prescribed Burn Manager preferred.
- Experience working with municipalities, park districts, forest preserves, or other public-sector clients.
- Experience preparing management plans, consulting reports, and permit-related documentation.
- Experience reading restoration plans, technical specifications, and ecological monitoring requirements.
- Wetland delineation, mitigation, or ecological consulting experience.
Professional Development Opportunities
Bluestem Ecological Services encourages continued professional growth and provides opportunities for advancement and specialization, including:
- Development of consulting and ecological planning services.
- Professional conferences, certifications, and continuing education.
- Wetland Specialist and other industry-recognized certifications.
Benefits
Bluestem Ecological Services offers a competitive compensation package including health, dental, vision, 401(k), paid time off, professional development opportunities, and performance-based incentives.
SCHEDULE:
· Start time is 7:00 A.M and occasionally 6:00 A.M.
· Typical workdays: 8-10 hours, with occasional 12-hour days as required.
· Weekend work: Occasionally required, 1-2 times per month during peak seasons and prescribed burn season.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $60,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
