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Stream Restoration Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lead Engineer - Water Resources

Aurora, IL ยท On-site

$102K - $134K/yr

Work on complex, high-impact stream restoration projects that go beyond traditional flood mitigation * Take a holistic approach to projects, combining ecological restoration with grading, utilities ...

Lead Engineer - Water Resources

Mchenry, IL ยท On-site

$100K - $132K/yr

Work on complex, high-impact stream restoration projects that go beyond traditional flood mitigation * Take a holistic approach to projects, combining ecological restoration with grading, utilities ...

Lead Engineer - Water Resources

Mchenry, IL ยท On-site

$150 - $200/hr

Work on complex, high-impact stream restoration projects that go beyond traditional flood mitigation * Take a holistic approach to projects, combining ecological restoration with grading, utilities ...

Restoration Engineer

Portland, OR

$103K - $136K/yr

Leading hydrologic, hydraulic, and geomorphic analyses to support estuarine, river, stream, coastal, and/or floodplain restoration. * Designing fish passage solutions, engineered log jams, channel ...

Restoration Engineer

Bellingham, WA ยท On-site

$83K - $112K/yr

Leading hydrologic, hydraulic, and geomorphic analyses to support estuarine, river, stream, coastal, and/or floodplain restoration. * Designing fish passage solutions, engineered log jams, channel ...

Restoration Engineer

Portland, OR ยท On-site

$103K - $136K/yr

Leading hydrologic, hydraulic, and geomorphic analyses to support estuarine, river, stream, coastal, and/or floodplain restoration. * Designing fish passage solutions, engineered log jams, channel ...

Restoration Engineer

Seattle, WA

$91K - $122K/yr

Leading hydrologic, hydraulic, and geomorphic analyses to support estuarine, river, stream, coastal, and/or floodplain restoration. * Designing fish passage solutions, engineered log jams, channel ...

Restoration Engineer

Bellingham, WA ยท On-site

$83K - $112K/yr

Leading hydrologic, hydraulic, and geomorphic analyses to support estuarine, river, stream, coastal, and/or floodplain restoration. * Designing fish passage solutions, engineered log jams, channel ...

Restoration Engineer

Bellingham, WA ยท On-site

$106K - $140K/yr

Leading hydrologic, hydraulic, and geomorphic analyses to support estuarine, river, stream, coastal, and/or floodplain restoration. * Designing fish passage solutions, engineered log jams, channel ...

Restoration Engineer

Seattle, WA ยท On-site

$91K - $122K/yr

Leading hydrologic, hydraulic, and geomorphic analyses to support estuarine, river, stream, coastal, and/or floodplain restoration. * Designing fish passage solutions, engineered log jams, channel ...

Lead Engineer - Water Resources

New Lenox, IL ยท On-site

$104K - $137K/yr

Work on complex, high-impact stream restoration projects that go beyond traditional flood mitigation * Take a holistic approach to projects, combining ecological restoration with grading, utilities ...

Watershed Restoration Engineer

Lexington, VA ยท On-site

$70K - $95K/yr

Forest Service (USFS) Stream Simulation Design methodology. Other project work is expected to include channel and floodplain restoration through large wood augmentation, natural channel design ...

Restoration Engineer

Seattle, WA ยท On-site

$116K - $153K/yr

Leading hydrologic, hydraulic, and geomorphic analyses to support estuarine, river, stream, coastal, and/or floodplain restoration. * Designing fish passage solutions, engineered log jams, channel ...

Restoration Engineer

Portland, OR ยท On-site

$103K - $136K/yr

Leading hydrologic, hydraulic, and geomorphic analyses to support estuarine, river, stream, coastal, and/or floodplain restoration. * Designing fish passage solutions, engineered log jams, channel ...

Showing results 41-60

stream restoration information

See salary details

$11.5K

$66.8K

$118.5K

How much do stream restoration jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for stream restoration in the United States is $66,762.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,000.00 and $87,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a stream restoration?

A Stream Restoration job involves assessing, designing, and implementing projects to improve the health and function of streams, rivers, and surrounding ecosystems. Professionals in this field work to reduce erosion, enhance water quality, restore habitat for wildlife, and stabilize streambanks using natural and engineered solutions. They may collaborate with scientists, engineers, and conservationists to develop sustainable restoration plans. This work often includes site assessments, permitting, construction oversight, and ongoing monitoring. The goal is to restore natural stream processes while mitigating environmental impacts.

What does a typical workweek look like for someone in stream restoration?

A typical workweek in Stream Restoration often balances office and fieldwork activities, with tasks ranging from site assessments and data analysis to drafting restoration plans and coordinating with regulatory agencies. Fieldwork may involve conducting habitat surveys, installing erosion control measures, or monitoring water quality, while office time is dedicated to project design, report writing, and client or team meetings. Collaboration with engineers, biologists, landowners, and government officials is common, requiring strong communication and organizational skills. The variety in responsibilities keeps the role dynamic and offers hands-on experience in environmental improvement projects. This diversity also provides valuable opportunities for professional growth and skill development within the field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in stream restoration, and why are they important?

To thrive in Stream Restoration, you need a strong background in environmental science, hydrology, ecology, and project management, typically supported by a relevant degree and fieldwork experience. Familiarity with GIS mapping, habitat assessment tools, and certification such as EIT or Professional Wetland Scientist can be highly valuable. Excellent communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills set candidates apart in this field. These abilities are crucial for designing, implementing, and evaluating restoration projects that require collaboration with diverse stakeholders and adaptation to varying environmental conditions.

More about stream restoration jobs

What cities are hiring for Stream Restoration jobs?

Cities with the most Stream Restoration job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Stream Restoration jobs?

The most popular types of Stream Restoration jobs are:

What states have the most Stream Restoration jobs?

States with the most job openings for Stream Restoration jobs include:

Infographic showing various Stream Restoration job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 81% In-person, 13% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,762 per year, or $32.1 per hour.

Heavy Equipment Operator

Winston Salem, NC โ€ข On-site

Turner Mining Group
Coal, Metals and Minerals Miningย โ€ขย 201 - 500 employees

$25/hr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Heavy Equipment Operator - Stream Restoration
Position Overview
Location: Yadkinville, NC
Schedule: Monday - Friday
Pay: $25 per hour or higher depending on experience.
We are seeking a Heavy Equipment Operator to support stream, wetland, and environmental restoration projects. This is a hands-on field position involving heavy equipment operation, general construction labor, and working as part of a crew in outdoor environments.
The ideal candidate has at least 1 year of heavy equipment operating experience and is comfortable working outdoors in mud, heat, cold, and changing weather conditions.
Primary Responsibilities
  • Operate heavy equipment and machinery, including:
  • Track hoes
  • Excavators
  • Dozers
  • Farm machinery
  • Off-road trucks
  • Perform construction and maintenance work as part of a field crew.
  • Assist with the construction, maintenance, and repair of stream restoration projects.
  • Read and understand project plans, site plans, and construction specifications.
  • Use hand tools and other equipment required to complete field work.
  • Install erosion-control and restoration materials, including:
  • Coir matting
  • Wooden stakes
  • Filter fabric
  • Safety fencing
  • Silt fencing
  • Spread seed and straw as part of site restoration.
  • Assist crew members with setting up bypass pumps and other project equipment.
  • Load, unload, move, and stage construction materials.
  • Prepare jobsites for construction activities.
  • Communicate effectively with crew members, including the use of hand signals around equipment.
  • Follow OSHA requirements and all applicable company safety procedures.

Required Qualifications
  • Minimum 1 year of heavy equipment operating experience.
  • Experience operating equipment such as excavators, dozers, farm equipment, or similar machinery.
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
  • Ability to read and understand work-related documents, construction plans, and site plans.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors and crew members.
  • Strong attention to safety and ability to follow instructions.
  • Willingness to perform general labor in addition to equipment operation.

Physical Requirements
Candidates must be able to:
  • Work on uneven, muddy, and difficult terrain.
  • Frequently lift and move up to 50 pounds.
  • Occasionally lift or move up to 100 pounds.
  • Perform physically demanding work for extended periods.
  • Regularly use hands and arms to operate tools, equipment, and controls.
  • Bend, reach, climb, walk, and move quickly when necessary.
  • Maintain the coordination, stamina, and manual dexterity required to safely operate equipment and perform field work.
  • Remain stationary for extended periods while operating equipment.

Work Environment
This is an outdoor field position. Employees should be comfortable working in:
  • Wet and muddy conditions.
  • Temperatures above 90ยฐF.
  • Temperatures below 32ยฐF.
  • Rain, humidity, and changing weather conditions.
  • Bright sunlight or limited lighting.
  • Loud construction environments.
  • Areas around moving equipment and machinery.
  • Environments involving vibration and uneven terrain.

Preferred Qualifications
The following experience is helpful but not required:
  • GPS machine grade control.
  • Stream restoration.
  • Wetland restoration.
  • Site preparation.
  • Erosion and sediment control.
  • Environmental construction.
  • Trade school or technical training.

Schedule & Travel
  • Full-time position.
  • Overtime is frequently required.
  • Frequent out-of-town travel is required.
  • Work is primarily performed outdoors at active restoration and construction sites.

Ideal Candidate
This position is a strong fit for someone who enjoys operating equipment, working outdoors, and being part of a hands-on construction crew. Candidates do not need extensive stream restoration experience, but they should be comfortable working in rugged outdoor conditions and willing to help wherever needed on the project.