Native Landscape and Restoration Crew Leader

Company Introduction – ReForest is a native landscaping and habitat restoration company committed to improving ecological health through science-based land management practices. We work across a wide range of settings, from residential properties to large-scale greenspaces, parks, and conservation lands, to restore native ecosystems and promote long-term environmental resilience.

Position Summary – The ideal Crew Leader is a dependable and capable leader who can guide a crew with confidence, professionalism, and sound judgment. This role is responsible for leading Restoration Crew Members in the field and ensuring work is completed safely, efficiently, and to a high standard using the company’s ecologically informed methods and established project objectives.

Crew Leaders receive daily direction and priorities from the Project Manager/Ecologist and are responsible for executing work accordingly. They must be able to assess field conditions, recognize when objectives need to be adjusted, and make informed decisions to achieve the best practical outcome while maintaining project intent. Strong judgment, adaptability, and a clear understanding of restoration methods are essential.

Crew Leaders are expected to foster a professional, respectful, and supportive work environment for a diverse team. They should lead by example, communicate clearly and maintain strong coordination with both field and administrative staff, and interact professionally with clients. Crew Leaders are responsible for building positive client rapport, supporting client satisfaction through professional conduct and quality work, and representing the company well in routine client interactions. They are expected to help maintain crew morale, professionalism, and productivity under the physically demanding and variable conditions inherent to field work. This position requires maturity, accountability, and discretion. Work is conducted year round, subject to high and low temperatures, biting insects, poisonous plants, and other environmental conditions. Work sites are located across the broader Atlanta metro area and use of a personal vehicle and cell phone is required. 

Qualified candidates should have prior leadership or management experience, strong plant identification skills (or eagerness to quickly learn), and a solid understanding of field operations. Familiarity with restoration techniques is preferred and will be further developed through training. Relevant certifications, including First Aid/CPR, herbicide licensing, or related ecological experience, are preferred.

Since Crew Leaders are responsible for timekeeping, crew accountability, safety, work quality, and representing the company in the field, this role requires a high degree of trust, integrity, and personal responsibility.

Duties

• Set up, lead, and break down work sessions according to site objectives
• Track and enter time for each work session and employee
• Transport, maintain, and inventory tools, first aid supplies, and PPE; notify management when supplies need replenishment
• Communicate with Project Manager and provide work session summaries and photos
• Communicate with clients on-site as needed
• Provide supportive direction and accountability to crew members when correction is needed
• Teach and enforce proper invasive removal and native plant protection techniques
• Identify and teach the distinction between commonly encountered native and invasive plant species
• Assist with native species replanting and site restoration activities
• Attend Crew Leader meetings
• Conduct site visits and assist with client estimates as needed
• Provide feedback to employees and contribute to performance reviews and hiring processes as needed
• Adapt to evolving responsibilities as the company grows and the Crew Leader role continues to develop

Qualifications

• Arrive punctually and reliably ahead of the work crew
• Professional communication skills and a positive attitude
• Prior leadership or management experience
• Prior management and/or outdoor work experience
• Dedication to protecting native ecosystems
• Ability to provide corrective feedback clearly, respectfully, and constructively
• First Aid certification or willingness to obtain
• Strong attention to detail
• Willingness to complete training and obtain plant identification certification

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency in restoration techniques and field operations
• Willingness to provide thoughtful feedback and suggestions for improving operations and workplace operations, as well as receive constructive feedback
• Experience identifying plant species, especially those found in the Piedmont region and those considered invasive or sincere interest and willingness to learn
• Degree, coursework, workshops, certifications, or equivalent experience in a natural resources-related field, or desire to pursue additional training 
• Committed to fostering a respectful, collaborative, and supportive team culture

Hours – Averages 30+ hours per week; may need to arrive 15 minutes before the shift and should expect to stay 15 minutes after in order to fulfill Crew Leader duties

Compensation – Starting at $23+/hour, depending on experience, with opportunities for wage increases based on performance, reliability, and leadership development. Includes a $50/month cell phone and data stipend. A travel stipend is provided for job sites where one-way drive time exceeds 45 minutes (based on Google Maps estimate at time of dispatch). Paid day off for your birthday.

Time Off – Flexible time off. While paid time off is not currently offered, we value work-life balance and make a strong effort to accommodate time off requests whenever operationally feasible.