Habitat Restoration Crew Lead

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• Position Title: Habitat Restoration Crew Lead
• Location: Yuma, AZ (Field-Based)
• Pay Type: Hourly
• Employment Status: Full-Time
• Type: Temporary (February 4-April 5, 2026)

Compensation & Benefits

• Hourly pay ($35.00/hour, 40 hours per week). No overtime.
• Daily per diem provided for meals and incidentals ($68.00).
• Lodging is provided during the field assignment.
• Opportunity for part-time hours as needed after April 5, 2026.

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Habitat Restoration Crew Lead to co-lead a restoration field team for a project in Yuma, AZ. This position is hands-on and physically demanding, requiring leadership skills, technical planting experience, and the ability to operate and transport a pickup truck towing a trailer. This position will oversee daily field operations, which mainly consist of collecting and planting over 20,000 plants. Crew Chief will also be expected to operate a power hand auger, and ensure crew performance while actively participating in collecting and planting riparian and upland plants. The Restoration Crew Chief will ensure the project is completed safely and in accordance with project specifications.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the supervision/coordination of a crew of 6 to 10 laborers, botanists, and restoration specialists
• Lead daily field activities including transporting the crew to the vegetation collection site, collecting vegetation, planting, site preparation, watering, weeding, and other restoration maintenance activities.
• Assign tasks, monitor performance, and provide on-site guidance
• Operate a heavy duty pickup truck, tow a trailer. A plus if candidate can operate a skid steer or similar.
• Ensure proper equipment use, maintenance, and safety compliance.
• Monitor field conditions and adjust work plans as needed.
• Communicate daily progress, challenges, and needs to project manager.
• Actively participate in the physical work alongside crew members.

Qualifications:

Candidates must demonstrate successful experience in a combination of the following:

• Previous hands-on botanical, habitat restoration or related field experience
• Strong familiarity with desert vegetation and environmental conditions
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage field crews
• Experience operating heavy duty pick up truck with crew members and towing a trailer with vegetation from the collecting site to the planting site
• Ability to work independently and make sound field decisions
• Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills

Physical & Work Requirements

• Ability to perform physically demanding labor
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds
• Must have clean driving record. Position does not require a CDL.
• Must pass a government background check.

DAWSON is an Equal Opportunity/VEVRAA federal contractor. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

DAWSON gives preference to internal candidates. If no internal candidate meets our qualifications, external candidates will be given consideration.