At RES, we’re looking for purpose-driven individuals who are passionate about restoration and sustainability, and who want their work to make a lasting environmental impact. Our team members go above and beyond, bringing initiative, integrity, and a strong work ethic to every project. Collaboration is key—we thrive on teamwork, open communication, and diverse perspectives. In a field that constantly changes, we value those who are resilient, adaptable, and resourceful in the face of challenges. If you're intellectually curious, eager to learn, and ready to help restore ecosystems and protect natural resources, you’ll find your place here. Operations Manager – (Indiana & Southern Illinois)
RES is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead field execution and operational coordination across a growing portfolio ecological restoration and natural resource projects throughout Indiana and Southern Illinois.
This role is responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations across multiple active projects, coordinating crews and subcontractors, managing equipment and fleet readiness, and ensuring projects are delivered safely, efficiently, and to client expectations. The Operations Manager serves as a key operational link between Project Managers, field teams, and regional leadership.
This role will support ecological restoration and natural resource projects including solar vegetation, floodplain, wetland mitigation, stream restoration, native seeding, invasive species management, and other land stewardship initiatives as regional opportunities continue to grow.
This is a high-impact leadership opportunity for someone with strong operational experience in vegetation management, large-scale mowing programs, herbicide application programs, fleet management, and multi-site crew leadership.
Why You’ll Love This Role
Lead operations across large-scale solar infrastructure projects with long-term regional impact
Oversee multiple crews, projects, and operational priorities in a fast-paced environment
Help shape the future of the Midwest Region through leadership continuity and operational growth
Work with experienced project managers, operators, and regional leadership teams
Play a critical role in maintaining client relationships and delivery excellence across a rapidly expanding portfolio
What You’ll Be Doing
Lead daily operations across multiple active solar vegetation management projects
Coordinate field execution between Project Managers, Operations staff, subcontractors, and regional leadership
Oversee vegetation management activities including mowing, herbicide application, trimming, seeding, and site maintenance
Manage scheduling, logistics, equipment utilization, and operational readiness across concurrent projects
Supervise and support field crews and subcontractors to ensure safe and efficient execution
Oversee fleet and equipment management including maintenance coordination and repair planning for mowing and vegetation management equipment
Monitor project progress, staffing needs, and resource allocation to maintain schedule and client commitments
Support operational reporting, communication, and coordination across the project lifecycle
Mentor Restoration Operators and Operations staff while helping build long-term operational capacity within the region
Maintain compliance with environmental, safety, and operational standards
Regional Oversight & Portfolio Responsibility
This role provides operational leadership support across RES’s Mule Ridge and Chesterton offices and supports projects throughout Indiana and Southern Illinois.
The Operations team remains engaged throughout the full lifecycle of projects, including periods when active field work is not occurring onsite. Responsibilities include equipment management, logistics coordination, delivery support, scheduling alignment, and maintaining operational readiness across the portfolio.
This role is also part of a planned leadership transition strategy to support operational continuity, knowledge transfer, and long-term regional growth.
We’d Like to Talk With You If You Have
5+ years of experience managing field operations, vegetation management, solar O&M operations, ecological restoration, commercial landscape operations, or similar large-scale field programs
Experience leading multiple crews and coordinating work across concurrent projects
Experience managing or coordinating maintenance and repair of mowing and vegetation management equipment
Experience overseeing herbicide application and vegetation control programs
Experience supporting ecological restoration, wetland mitigation, stream restoration, erosion control, or natural areas management projects
Strong operational planning, scheduling, and problem-solving experience
Experience coordinating subcontractors, vendors, and field personnel
Ability to communicate effectively with field teams, project managers, clients, and leadership
Valid driver’s license required; CDL or ability to obtain CDL preferred
What Will Make You Stand Out
Experience supporting utility-scale solar sites or renewable energy infrastructure
Experience with wetland restoration, stream restoration, mitigation projects, or native habitat establishment
Indiana or Illinois pesticide/herbicide applicator licensing
Experience managing large mowing fleets and vegetation maintenance equipment
Knowledge of native vegetation establishment, invasive species management, and long-term site maintenance
Experience with erosion and sediment control practices
Experience with budgeting, estimating, or operational forecasting
Prior leadership experience supporting geographically distributed teams
Please note that the “Day in the Life” section is not intended to be an exhaustive list of job duties, but rather a representative snapshot of typical responsibilities and work experiences at RES.
RES is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.