Contracts Manager, Vegetation Management

Sol Systems is seeking a Contracts Manager to manage vegetation partners across our Illinois solar portfolio. This role will directly manage local vegetation partners, including grazing operators, mowing contractors, herbicide applicators, native seeding/restoration vendors, and local community partners.

The Vegetation Contracts Manager will oversee vegetation operations during the operational phase of projects, including contractor management, performance tracking, O&M budget oversight, and support earlier scoping and planning efforts for projects under development or in construction. The ideal candidate brings strong contract management experience and working knowledge of solar vegetation management practices, as well as willingness to engage with local communities to identify contractors, manage relationships, and engage with local interest. Ecological monitoring experience is a plus, but not required.

Sol Systems is a national clean energy firm focused on building domestic energy that benefits local communities. The Company is operating, building, and managing over 7 GW of projects across 38 States for Fortune 500 companies, municipalities, utilities, schools, and more than 40,000 customers across the United States. Sol Systems works with institutional clients, corporate partners, and foundations to create an energy future we can all believe in. The company was founded in 2008 and is led by its founder.

Key Responsibilities

Vegetation Program Oversight and Vendor Management

• Identify local contractors.
• Support contract negotiations with contractors.
• Manage contractor performance, including safety, quality, schedule, and cost control.
• Track and enforce KPIs and service level expectations.
• Ensure contractors comply with environmental permits and site-specific vegetation plans.
• Oversee mowing, grazing, herbicide application, invasive species control, and restoration activities.
• Coordinate vegetation and community partner work with solar O&M teams to ensure site safety, accessibility, and minimized operational risk.
• Identify and mitigate vegetation-related risks (shading, fire risk, access constraints).
• Manage annual vegetation O&M budgets across assigned sites.
• Track and analyze cost metrics (e.g., cost per acre, per pass, per site).
• Identify cost efficiencies while maintaining ecological and operational standards.
• Provide budget forecasts and performance reporting.

Ecological & Restoration Integration

• Support pollinator-friendly and habitat restoration initiatives.
• Conduct vegetation monitoring where qualified or coordinate third-party consultants when needed.
• Ensure vegetation practices align with company sustainability goals and regulatory commitments.

Community & Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with local grazing operators, farmers, rural communities, landowners, county officials and regulators.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for vegetation-related inquiries.

Qualifications

Required

• 3 - 5 years of experience in contract management, solar operations and maintenance, vegetation management, or related fields.
• High school diploma or GED required; Bachelors Degree preferred
• Experience negotiating and managing multiple external vendor contracts with values upwards of $500,000.
• Demonstrated experience managing operational budgets.
• Working knowledge of vegetation management practices (mowing, grazing systems, herbicide application, or restoration).
• Strong project management, community engagement, and stakeholder coordination skills.
• Willingness and ability to travel 30-40% within Illinois and other regions as necessary including occasional visits to DC.
• Valid driver’s license.

Preferred

• Background in agronomy, ecology, range management, agriculture, natural resources, or dual land use solar.
• Experience conducting or overseeing ecological monitoring.
• Relevant certifications (CCA, CPAg, CPSS, etc)

Location & Hours:  This is a full-time role and will be based in Southern / South Central Illinois. It will require regular travel to solar sites across the state, and other regions as needed.

Compensation:  The base salary for this role is between $70,000 and $90,000 annually, depending on the candidate’s experience, qualifications, and overall fit for the position. In addition, Sol Systems provides health insurance, retirement benefits, partial gym reimbursement, education benefits, parental leave, paid vacation, sick and federal holidays, and the opportunity to work in a unique and dynamic environment.

To Apply:  Please submit a resume, cover letter and salary requirements.

Deadline:  We hope to hire for this position immediately and will review applicants on a rolling basis.

Sol Systems is an equal-opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on gender, race, ethnicity, orientation, creed, or other traits. Sol Systems supports and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply.