position summaryMerjent is seeking a highly experienced, local Operations Manager to build and lead a boots-on-the-ground stormwater and vegetation services operation in Iowa. This role is not remote and not hybrid. The Operations Manager must be based in Eastern/Central Iowa and available for frequent, hands-on field presence across Iowa and Southern Minnesota.
This is a senior, hands-on leadership role responsible for building and managing crews, establishing and operating a small start-up office and equipment shop, and overseeing a fleet of vehicles and construction equipment while executing active construction-related contracts.
The role is best suited for a candidate with deep, practical experience in SWPPP construction and implementation, erosion and sediment control, and vegetation establishment and management who is comfortable leading from the field, shop, and jobsite-not from behind a desk.
The anticipated annual salary range for this position starts at $110,000 and will be determined based on qualifications and experience. This position is also bonus eligible.
responsibilitiesOperations & Team Leadership
- Build, lead, and directly manage a regional operations team including supervisors, field technicians, equipment operators, and seasonal labor.
- Provide day-to-day leadership with regular jobsite and field presence.
- Establish and enforce operational procedures, safety standards, and quality control protocols specific to stormwater compliance and vegetation work.
- Recruit, hire, onboard, train, and retain field staff with an emphasis on developing reliable, long-term crews.
- Coordinate staffing, scheduling, and logistics to support multiple active projects simultaneously across Iowa and Southern Minnesota.
Office, Shop & Fleet Management
- Establish and operate a small regional office and equipment shop in Cedar Rapids (or immediate vicinity).
- Manage a fleet of trucks, trailers, and construction equipment used for erosion control, SWPPP implementation, and vegetation services.
- Oversee equipment inspections, maintenance, repairs, storage, procurement, and utilization tracking.
- Manage materials, supplies, subcontractors, vendors, and local service providers necessary to support daily field operations.
Project Execution - Core Scope of Work
- Lead and actively support field execution of:
- SWPPP implementation and ongoing maintenance
- Erosion and sediment control installation, repair, and troubleshooting
- Construction stormwater compliance inspections and corrective actions
- Vegetation establishment (seeding, planting, grading support, soil prep) and vegetation management
- Ensure work complies with approved plans, specifications, permits, and applicable regulatory requirements.
- Work closely with project managers to plan schedules, staffing levels, equipment needs, and budgets.
- Provide real-world operational input during estimating, pre-construction planning, and means-and-methods development.
Contract Management & Business Development
- Execute and manage existing stormwater and vegetation contracts to achieve scope, schedule, quality, and financial objectives.
- Maintain strong working relationships with clients, general contractors, inspectors, and regulatory agencies.
- Support proposal development, pricing reviews, and go/no-go decisions with a focus on constructability and efficiency.
- Actively pursue additional clients and contract opportunities throughout Iowa and Southern Minnesota.
- Identify opportunities to grow recurring maintenance, compliance, and vegetation management programs.
qualifications and experience- 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in stormwater compliance construction, erosion and sediment control, construction-related restoration, or vegetation management.
- Demonstrated experience managing field crews, equipment, shops, and multi-project operations.
- Strong, working knowledge of SWPPP requirements, erosion and sediment control BMPs, and vegetation establishment practices.
- Proven ability to build, lead, and scale field-based operations, including start-up or expansion environments.
- Experience managing fleets, construction equipment, and hands-on field logistics.
- Comfortable working in active construction environments and coordinating with contractors and inspectors.
- Strong organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
- Possess or be willing to maintain a strong on-site presence across the service area.
- Valid driver's license and ability to travel extensively within Iowa and Southern Minnesota.
preferred qualifications- Current residence in Eastern or Central Iowa.
- Established relationships with contractors, developers, and agencies within Iowa and/or Southern Minnesota.
- Experience launching or leading a regional construction or compliance services operation.
- Class A or B CDL (or ability to obtain).
Candidates interested in applying should submit a completed Application for Employment (cover letter and resume) to .Merjent is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity.
