Cleveland Field Crew Lead

Western Reserve Land Conservancy•Cleveland, OH

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

Western Reserve Land Conservancy has an immediate opening for a Cleveland Field Crew Lead. The position reports to the Parks and Preserves Manager and will be located at the Land Conservancy’s Reforest Our City Treehouse facility on Commercial Road in Cleveland. There will be extensive work at field locations throughout the City of Cleveland. This is a full-time position with a salary range of $46,000 to $55,000 annually, commensurate with experience, and the position is eligible for benefits. BACKGROUND Western Reserve Land Conservancy is transforming communities across Ohio by protecting the land and water that sustains us and reimagining the places where we live. Headquartered in Moreland Hills, we are the largest land conservancy in the state and a nationally accredited nonprofit through the Land Trust Alliance. Our work spans the state of Ohio—from the Lake Erie shoreline, to working farms and forests, and into the heart of our cities. Through partnerships statewide, we have permanently protected more than 80,000 acres across 1,000 properties, including the creation of 250 public parks and preserves. We collaborate with private landowners, farmers, public agencies, corporations, and community partners to conserve natural landscapes, prime soils, and bring nature back into neighborhoods. Our nationally recognized Urban Conservation program is at the forefront of urban revitalization—turning vacant and blighted properties into vibrant green spaces, advancing innovative land reuse strategies, planting trees, and creating healthier, more resilient communities. None of this is possible without the commitment and dedication of our talented staff. We are very proud that since 2021 we have been recognized 5 times as a Top Workplace in Northeast Ohio by The Plain Dealer/cleveland.com. POSITION SUMMARY Reporting to the Parks and Preserves Manager, the Cleveland Field Crew Lead (“Crew Lead”) will be responsible for overseeing field operations associated with Western Reserve Land Conservancy's vacant lot restoration and maintenance initiatives throughout the City of Cleveland. The Crew Lead will supervise field staff, coordinate daily operations, manage equipment and project logistics, and ensure that restoration work is completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with project specifications. The position will be responsible for overseeing restoration activities across hundreds of vacant lots annually and helping establish long-term operational capacity for future restoration and neighborhood revitalization efforts. This position requires a highly organized individual with strong leadership abilities, extensive equipment operation experience, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining high standards for quality, safety, and productivity. This position is currently funded through May 2029. Continued employment beyond that date may be available based on future funding opportunities and organizational needs.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required.
Minimum three years of experience leading field crews, landscaping crews, restoration crews, construction crews, or similar operations.
Experience managing multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
Experience supervising employees and coordinating field operations.
Experience working independently and making sound decisions in the field.
Ability to effectively communicate with staff, contractors, suppliers, partners, and community members.
Extensive experience operating skid steers and associated attachments.
Experience operating grapple buckets, rockhounds, brush hogs, brush chippers, and related equipment.
Experience towing trailers and transporting equipment safely between work sites.
Mechanical aptitude and basic equipment maintenance skills.
Ability to drive trucks and equipment in varying weather and site conditions.
Ability to safely load, secure, transport, and unload equipment and materials.
Proficiency using Microsoft Office applications including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Nice To Haves

Associate's degree, technical certification, or bachelor's degree in natural resources, forestry, construction management, landscaping, environmental science, or a related field preferred.
Demonstrated leadership experience managing field crews and coordinating large-scale outdoor projects.
Experience in restoration, landscaping, forestry, construction, vacant lot management, or similar operations is highly desirable.
Demonstrated commitment to Western Reserve Land Conservancy's mission.
Experience using GPS units, mobile field applications, GIS platforms, or project management software preferred.
Excellent organizational and project management abilities.
Strong communication and leadership skills.
Detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to project management.
Ability to motivate staff and maintain a positive team culture.
Commitment to workplace safety and professional conduct.

Responsibilities

Overseeing the implementation of vacant lot restoration and maintenance activities throughout the City of Cleveland.
Coordinating crews, equipment, and materials to ensure project sites are restored in accordance with established project standards.
Overseeing restoration activities including debris removal, vegetation management, grading, site stabilization, fence removal, soil preparation, seeding, and sidewalk edge restoration.
Managing the day-to-day implementation of multiple restoration projects occurring simultaneously across the City of Cleveland.
Developing crew schedules, coordinating equipment and material needs, monitoring production goals, and ensuring projects remain on schedule and within budget.
Conducting routine site inspections and quality control reviews to verify that completed work meets project specifications and restoration standards.
Maintaining accurate project records, documenting completed work, identifying operational challenges, and communicating project progress and resource needs to the Parks and Preserves Manager.
Serving as the primary operator and coordinator for project equipment.
Safely operating, transporting, maintaining, and overseeing the use of equipment necessary to complete restoration activities.
Loading, securing, transporting, and unloading equipment between project sites, conducting routine inspections, coordinating maintenance and repairs, and ensuring equipment is operated safely and efficiently by all crew members.
Supervising field staff and fostering a productive, safe, and professional work environment.
Assigning daily work activities, monitoring performance, providing coaching and mentorship, and ensuring that all staff members understand project expectations and safety requirements.
Assisting with employee onboarding and training, particularly in the areas of equipment operation, restoration techniques, and workplace safety.
Serving as the primary field contact for crew members and helping promote a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.