Operations Manager - (Indiana & Southern Illinois)

RES is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead field execution and operational coordination across a growing portfolio of utility-scale solar vegetation management 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.

While the current portfolio is heavily focused on solar vegetation management, this role will also support ecological restoration and natural resource projects including 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.