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Restoration Associate Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Ecosystem Restoration Technician

Naperville, IL · On-site

$16.75 - $20.75/hr

This ecosystem restoration team works on a variety of projects in natural areas including ... Undergraduate or associate's degree in an environmental discipline, preferred. * 1 to 4+ years of ...

Ecosystem Restoration Technician

Monee, IL · On-site

$16.25 - $20/hr

This ecosystem restoration team works on a variety of projects in natural areas including ... Undergraduate or associate's degree in an environmental discipline, preferred. * 1 to 4+ years of ...

Marketing Associate Restore Illinois Locations Intro Restore is seeking a Marketing Associate with a degree in marketing, arts, or business. If you thrive in an entrepreneurial environment and have a ...

Associate Attorney

Chicago, IL · On-site

$125K - $200K/yr

Associate Attorney Chicago, IL * Employment Type: Full-Time, Salaried * Reports To: Executive ... Draft, review, negotiate, and enforce construction and restoration contracts, including: Customer ...

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Restoration Associate information

See Chicago, IL salary details

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$34

How much do restoration associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for restoration associate in Chicago, IL is $20.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.34 and $21.30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges restoration associates face when working on site, and how can they effectively manage them?

Restoration Associates often encounter challenging conditions such as water damage, mold, or fire-affected environments, which can be physically demanding and require strict adherence to safety protocols. Effective communication with team members and clients is essential to coordinate tasks and set realistic expectations about project timelines. Staying organized, following detailed checklists, and utilizing personal protective equipment (PPE) help manage these challenges and ensure the restoration process runs smoothly. Continuous learning about new restoration techniques and equipment also helps associates adapt to evolving industry standards.

What is a restoration associate?

Restoration Associates are professionals who assist in restoring buildings, artwork, documents, or natural environments that have been damaged by disasters, decay, or age. They typically work under the supervision of restoration specialists or project managers to clean, repair, and preserve materials or structures. Their work may involve removing debris, treating surfaces, cataloging items, and using specialized tools and techniques to ensure proper restoration. Restoration Associates are essential in helping to return valuable or historic items and spaces to their original or functional condition.

What is the difference between Restoration Associate vs Restoration Technician?

AspectRestoration AssociateRestoration Technician
CertificationsBasic certifications like IICRC Water Damage RestorationSimilar certifications, often with additional specialized training
Work EnvironmentIndoor damage sites, water, fire, mold cleanupIndoor damage sites, similar tasks, hands-on restoration work
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with cleanup, prep work, equipment setupPerforming restoration tasks, cleaning, and damage mitigation

The Restoration Associate and Restoration Technician roles share similar certifications, work environments, and responsibilities. The main difference lies in experience level and scope of tasks, with the Technician often performing more advanced restoration work. Both roles are essential in the restoration industry and often overlap in daily duties.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a restoration associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Restoration Associate, you need a solid understanding of restoration techniques, basic construction knowledge, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with industry-standard tools such as moisture meters, dehumidifiers, air movers, and, in some cases, IICRC certification is highly valued. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication help Restoration Associates excel when dealing with clients and collaborating with team members. These skills and qualities ensure restoration projects are completed safely, efficiently, and to the highest quality standards.
What are the most commonly searched types of Restoration jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Restoration jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Restoration Associate jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Restoration Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Restoration Associate job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% Internship, 69% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% In-person, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,573 per year, or $20.5 per hour.

Ecological Restoration Associate Project Manager

Pizzo

Saint Charles, IL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Associate Project Manager - Ecological Restoration
Pizzo Habitat Restoration I In-person (Midwest-based)
About the Role
Support Project Managers and Superintendents in planning, coordinating, and delivering
habitat restoration and natural-areas projects. You will help ensure work meets client
expectations, company standards, schedules, and budgets while coordinating field teams,
managing resources, and maintaining clear communication with clients and internal
stakeholders. This is a hands-on associate-level role with a mix of office coordination and
regular field presence.
Key Responsibilities
• Assign new projects to teams and clearly communicate goals, priorities, specifications,
and any restrictions.
• Develop and maintain project schedules; coordinate equipment and material needs
(reserving at least 10 days in advance) and keep Division Managers, Superintendents,
Sales Territory Managers, and clients informed of changes.
• Track budgets weekly, flag variances early, prepare cost estimates for out-of-scope or
warranty work, and support bi-weekly invoicing.
• Partner with our inventory specialist, schedule deliveries, inspect quality, process
purchase orders and receipts, and maintain accurate stock levels.
• Ensure contract compliance, including bonds, submittals, required meetings and
inspections, change documentation, DBE goals, as-built drawings, and project close-out.
• Serve as a primary client contact for assigned projects-handle kickoff meetings, regular
updates, and pre-/post-work notifications-while keeping Sales Territory Managers
informed.
• Solicit, contract, schedule, and quality-check subcontractors; approve invoices and
address performance issues as needed.
• Support team leadership by reinforcing company values and safety standards, assisting
with training and conflict resolution, reviewing payroll, interviewing, hiring, and
participating in performance discussions.
• Conduct periodic site visits to check safety, quality, and efficiency; contribute to burn
planning, GPS data collection, and other technical needs as required.
Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in environmental science or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 2-4+ years of project coordination, supervisory, or Ecological restoration experience.
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, schedules, and multi-stakeholder projects.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word,
Excel, Outlook). Familiarity with QuickBooks and basic accounting practices preferred.
• Functional Spanish language skills a plus.
• Valid Illinois driver's license and clean driving record.
• Illinois Pesticide Operator License, First Aid/CPR, OSHA 30, S-100/S-130/S-190,
Physical & Work Environment
Combination of office and field work. Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs occasionally, work
outdoors in varied weather conditions, and consistently follow safety protocols. Light to
moderate travel within the Midwest; occasional overnight stays required.
Safety
Safety is always Pizzo's number one goal. As an employee, you have a legal right to a safe
and healthy workplace. At Pizzo, you may be asked to read the workplace safety and health
posters and comply with all applicable OSHA and Illinois safety standards. Employees follow
all lawful employer safety and health rules and regulations, and wear/use the required
protective equipment while working. Employees are to report hazardous conditions, any
job-related injury or illness, and any near misses to the employer. You may be asked to join
our health and safety committee, provide guidance on site from a health and safety
perspective, or render first aid. Each one of us shares the responsibility of making sure
everyone goes home to their families safely every day.
This is an exempt position. Pizzo uses E-Verify and third-party background checks.