Contract Operations Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

position summary

Merjent 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 for this position is between $110,000 and $140,000 annually, dependent upon qualifications and experience. This position is bonus eligible.

why Merjent?

Merjent is a medium-sized consulting and engineering company dedicated to creating an environment where both people and projects succeed. Merjent has staff located across the United States who may choose a remote, in-office, or hybrid work arrangement. All full-time employees begin their tenure at Merjent with 4 weeks of paid vacation regardless of seniority. In addition, employees receive 10 paid holidays and generous benefits and compensation packages. Merjent supports annual career-related training for employees to become or continue as leaders in their field of expertise. Merjent facilitates organic growth within the company and encourages employees to bring their ideas forward to grow existing and create new service lines within and beyond the currently served sectors of energy, mining, transportation, manufacturing and construction, land development industries, and government. Merjent also invests in its company culture by supporting travel for remote employees to attend in-person team meetings and all-staff events.

The Merjent difference is real – it's based on a commitment to our values, which guides us in how we work with clients and each other. Our commitment to quality and professional integrity encompasses everything we do. We are proud of our reputation for delivering quality work and building long-term, trusting relationships with our clients and with regulatory agencies.

responsibilities

Operations & 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).

E-Verify

Merjent, Inc. participates with the United States Customs and Immigration Services (USCIS) E-Verify program. We will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

Candidates interested in applying should submit a completed Application for Employment (cover letter and resume) to merjent.applicantpro.com.

Merjent, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We are pleased to consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected factors. Disability-related accommodations during the application process are available upon request.

Merjent is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity.