Senior Restoration Design Manager
Job Description
Job Description
Title
Senior Restoration Design Manager
Dept
601-6081
Reports To
Regional Director
Business Unit
WES- Western Region
Effective Date
12/1/25
Job Code
D60018, grade 14
Summary: The Senior Restoration Design Manager leads a multidisciplinary team in delivering innovative ecological design solutions for restoration and conservation projects. This role bridges design and construction, ensuring seamless transitions from concept to implementation while troubleshooting field challenges. The manager combines expertise in restoration design and ecology with strong leadership, collaboration, and project management skills to deliver high-quality, sustainable outcomes.
A Day in the Life: As the Senior Restoration Design Manager, your day varies depending on project schedules and team needs. You need to review project schedules and check in with your design team to align on priorities. You coordinate with Entitlement staff to discussing a project design and supporting documents. You will frequently take time to support a team member with design, product QAQC, construction planning and oversight, and project timelines. You will also mentor team members’ through goal setting, professional development, and including them in project decisions and lessons learned. You could spend time doing desktop site analysis using online and field collected data in Civil 3DandGIS. You may head to the field to check on a project under construction and troubleshoot unanticipated challenges to ensure design integrity during implementation. You’ll also tackle project management tasks including reviewing budgets and timelines.
Key Responsibilities and Outcomes:
Design Leadership:
- Develop and oversee ecological restoration designs of seasonal wetlands, floodplains, tidal marshes, and more.
- Collaborate and work with Entitlement, Ecology, Land Stewardship, and Contractors to develop and deliver ecologically robust solutions.
Construction Oversight & Troubleshooting:
- Oversee construction bidding, contracting, and execution providing technical guidance during implementation.
- Resolve design and field issues promptly to maintain project integrity and timelines.
Team Management:
- Lead and mentor a team of designers and technical staff, fostering collaboration and professional growth.
- Serve as design QA/QC lead on project design, technical reports, construction documents, and construction issues.
- Allocate resources effectively and ensure adherence to project schedules and budgets.
Project Management & Client Relations:
- Oversee projects from concept through construction, ensuring ecological quality and compliance with regulatory standards.
- Build strong relationships and deliver exceptional service with consultants, agency staff, and clients.
Technical Expertise:
- Understanding of restoration design principles and California habitats.
- Integrate ecological science with design solutions for resilient landscapes.
- Assist with site analysis and pre plan work including soil analysis, hydrology review, erosion control and land grading.
Education, Experience and Qualifications:
- 10+ years of experience in ecological design, restoration, or related disciplines.
- Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture, Civil Engineering, Environmental Design, or related field preferred.
- 4+ years of prior management experience, leading, training and mentoring a team with an approachable, supportive and collaborative personality.
- Proficiency in Civil 3D, GIS, and other design software.
- General understanding of California native plants and habitat assemblages.
- Proven experience in project management, team leadership, and client engagement.
- Excellent communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
Preferred Skills:
- Professional licensure (PLA, PE) or equivalent experience.
- Experience with large-scale restoration or conservation projects.
- Knowledge of permitting processes and environmental regulations.
- Understanding of Mitigation
- QSD or QSP certification