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.
KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY
Vacant Lot Restoration and Maintenance
The Crew Lead is responsible for overseeing the implementation of vacant lot restoration and maintenance activities throughout the City of Cleveland. Working closely with the Parks and Preserves Manager, the Crew Lead will coordinate crews, equipment, and materials to ensure project sites are restored in accordance with established project standards. Restoration activities are intended to create safe, accessible, and maintainable green spaces that improve neighborhood appearance, support walkability, and prepare sites for future tree planting initiatives.
The Crew Lead will oversee a variety of restoration activities including debris removal, vegetation management, grading, site stabilization, fence removal, soil preparation, seeding, and sidewalk edge restoration. The position will be responsible for ensuring that all work is completed efficiently, safely, and to the quality standards established by the Land Conservancy and project partners.
Project Management and Quality Control
A primary responsibility of the Crew Lead is managing the day-to-day implementation of multiple restoration projects occurring simultaneously across the City of Cleveland. The Crew Lead will develop crew schedules, coordinate equipment and material needs, monitor production goals, and ensure projects remain on schedule and within budget.
The Crew Lead will conduct routine site inspections and quality control reviews to verify that completed work meets project specifications and restoration standards. The position will maintain accurate project records, document completed work, identify operational challenges, and communicate project progress and resource needs to the Parks and Preserves Manager.
Because this project involves hundreds of parcels annually, the Crew Lead must possess exceptional organizational skills and the ability to effectively prioritize work across numerous active project sites.
Equipment Operations and Maintenance
The Crew Lead will serve as the primary operator and coordinator for project equipment. This position is responsible for safely operating, transporting, maintaining, and overseeing the use of equipment necessary to complete restoration activities.
Equipment regularly utilized by the program may include:
- Skid steer loaders
- Grapple buckets
- Rockhound landscape rakes
- Brush hogs and mowing attachments
- Brush chippers
- Utility trailers and dump trailers
- Pickup trucks and work vehicles
The Crew Lead will be responsible for 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.
Staff Supervision and Training
The Crew Lead is responsible for supervising field staff and fostering a productive, safe, and professional work environment. The position will assign daily work activities, monitor performance, provide coaching and mentorship, and ensure that all staff members understand project expectations and safety requirements.
The Crew Lead will assist with employee onboarding and training, particularly in the areas of equipment operation, restoration techniques, and workplace safety. The position will serve as the primary field contact for crew members and will help promote a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND CAPABILITIES
Education
- High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Associate's degree, technical certification, or bachelor's degree in natural resources, forestry, construction management, landscaping, environmental science, or a related field preferred.
Experience and Other Qualifications
The ideal candidate will have 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.
Candidates should possess:
- Demonstrated commitment to Western Reserve Land Conservancy's mission.
- 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.
Technical Skills
The Crew Lead must possess strong equipment operation and organizational skills necessary to manage daily restoration activities across multiple project sites.
Required technical skills include:
- 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.
- Experience using GPS units, mobile field applications, GIS platforms, or project management software preferred.
- Proficiency using Microsoft Office applications including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Other Skills
The successful candidate will possess strong organizational and leadership abilities and be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment where priorities may shift frequently. Preferred skills include:
- 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.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
The position requires regular outdoor work and physical activity associated with restoration, landscaping, and equipment operation. Candidates must be able to:
- Work outdoors in all weather conditions throughout the year.
- Safely operate equipment for extended periods.
- Perform manual labor associated with restoration and maintenance projects.
- Lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
- Walk uneven terrain and access project sites throughout the City of Cleveland.
- Load and unload equipment, tools, and materials as necessary.
- Travel regularly between project sites and the Reforest Our City Treehouse.
Western Reserve Land Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to hiring staff members who represent the rich diversity of our community. At the Land Conservancy, all employees and applicants for employment are judged on their merits. The Land Conservancy is committed to providing an environment free of illegal discrimination of any kind, and does not base any employment decisions on race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, religion, age, disability, military or veteran status, or any other protected category under federal and state laws.
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