Crew Lead 1

Position Overview

We are seeking a hardworking and dependable Crew Leader to guide our field team in carrying out plant installations, ecological restoration, stormwater basin management,  and environmental stewardship projects. We service local residences, municipalities, federal/state agencies, and solar utility sites. In this hands-on leadership role, you will work directly alongside your crew to install vegetative screens, manage under-panel vegetation, seed, and perform long-term site stewardship. You will also oversee daily site safety, track materials, and enforce pesticide regulations. This is a hands-on Full-Time, Permanent Position

Compensation, Schedule & Travel

Pay Range: $26.00 – $28.00 per hour (dependent on experience and certifications)

Schedule: 4-day, 10-hour work week (either Monday–Thursday or Tuesday–Friday). Occasional overtime required based on project needs.

Travel Requirements:

Peak Season (May – November): Seasonal travel is required 2 to 3 weeks out of the month. Trip lengths vary—some projects require only 1 to 2 overnight hotel stays, while others require 3 nights away (the full work week).

Crew Rotation Policy: We actively rotate our teams to balance out-of-town duties and ensure no single crew is always on the road. However, occasional project demands mean all crews may be deployed simultaneously.

Off-Peak Season (December – April): Very minimal to no travel; work is primarily local or shop-based during these outer months.

Travel Perks: All lodging/hotel accommodations are arranged and 100% covered by the company, plus a $50.00 per day per diem for meals while traveling.

Key Responsibilities

• Solar Site, Stormwater & Vegetation Stewardship
• Solar Site Vegetation Termination: Lead the mechanical and chemical termination of existing vegetation directly under solar arrays in preparation for seeding.
• Seeding & Establishment: Oversee soil preparation and ground-cover establishment using broadcast seeders, cultipackers, and pulverizers.
• Solar Site Stewardship: After seed establishment, monitor and manage site for native seed germination, invasive species, and damage
• Stormwater Basin Stewardship: Manage and steward stormwater basins, retention ponds, and bioswales to ensure proper erosion control and vegetation health.
• Native Plant Installation: Direct the planting and installation of perimeter tree screens and buffers native landscapes using tractors and augers.
• Diversified Projects: Transition smoothly between utility-scale solar sites and residential, municipal, or commercial plant installations and stewardship.
• Invasive Species Management
• Cut and Treat Application: Manually fell and cut woody invasive species and immediately treat stumps with target herbicides.
• Foliar Spraying: Carry out high-volume backpack spraying and selective foliar chemical applications to control target weed and brush species.
• Basal Bark Spraying: Perform precise basal bark oil/herbicide applications on woody stems across diverse, uneven terrains.
• Field Leadership & Safety Compliance
• Crew Mentorship: Guide, train, and support crew members on-site to build their industry knowledge, technical skills, and daily productivity.
• Pesticide Safety: Coordinate chemical applications via ATVs with spray tanks; monitor operations to guarantee 100% compliance with pesticide laws and workplace safety regulations.
• Risk Management: Continually assess site hazards (including working safely around active solar infrastructure and open water basins) to protect the crew.

• Logistics, Tools & Equipment Care
• Equipment Prep: Select, prepare, and transport the correct equipment, implements, and tools needed for each day's specific job.
• Inventory Tracking: Maintain and track on-site tool, seed, and chemical inventory to prevent loss or shortages.
• Site Documentation: Complete and submit accurate daily and weekly site reports regarding hours, progress, and chemical/material application.

Job Requirements & Qualifications

Licenses & Certifications

Driver's License: Valid Missouri Class E Driver's License (or Illinois equivalent, such as Class C non-CDL), or the immediate ability to obtain one.

Pesticide License: Active Commercial Pesticide Applicator License is required or the immediate ability to obtain one

Bonus: Any additional industry-related credentials (e.g., OSHA 10) are a plus.

Experience & Skills

Leadership: Previous experience leading, supervising, or managing a field crew or project team is required.

Machinery Operation: Proficient in safely operating and maintaining tractors, ATVs with spray tanks, pulverizers, broadcast seeders, cultipackers, and augers.

Preferred: Experience working on solar fields, utility-scale right-of-ways, stormwater infrastructure, or agricultural land management.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

Heavy Lifting: Ability to lift and move 50 lbs or more regularly throughout the workday.

Stamina: Ability to comfortably carry and operate a 40 lb backpack sprayer or similar field equipment for extended periods.

Weather Conditions: Ability to work long hours outdoors in extreme temperatures and diverse weather conditions (heat, cold, rain, etc.) with minimal natural shade.

Benefits & Perks

Insurance Eligibility: Healthcare benefits become active after 60 days of employment.

Health Insurance: 50% company-covered health premiums.

Dental & Vision: 100% company-paid dental and vision insurance.

Paid Holidays: 6 standard paid holidays per year (New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day).

Paid Time Off (PTO): Earn 1 day of PTO for every 30 days worked (up to 6 days eligible for rollover year-to-year).

Sick Leave: 6 paid sick days per year (no rollover).

Gear Allowance: $125 annual boot allowance.