Call 616 490 2487 for a free estimate to restore your Lake Michigan property

Working
at DRS

DRS is committed to hiring & developing people who enjoy learning, working hard, being outdoors, and having variety in their work. Don't hesitate to contact us if you're interested in learning more.

What's it like to work at DRS?

We’re about people, laughter, and taking joy in the challenges of our work. No two projects are the same, so no one gets bored, and we get to work outside as eagles and butterflies pass by. The Lake Michigan shoreline is the best office in the world.

To help each person grow, we make sure feedback is a regular thing, both formal and informal. New team members get reviews at 30, 60, and 90 days, but plenty of casual conversations ensure that expectations are clear and everyone gets the support they need. No yelling, no threats, no serious hazing--but a lot of playful banter. We believe in honest conversations when challenges come up as well as continuous growth: we expect everyone--including the owners--to keep learning and improving. We emphasize identifying and building strengths, whether that’s problem-solving, planning, or encouragement. Raises & promotions don't happen on a fixed timeline but as builders demonstrate their increasing mastery.

And of course, we have fun together, too. Whether it’s Power Tool Pumpkin Carving, watching a solar eclipse, boarding the Party Truck (a stake truck decked out with a grill and picnic table) to hang out at a local park, or playing goofy games at the holiday party, we love each other’s company.

Job Description

Our builders are a unique mix of people who may have experience in construction, farming, welding, or landscaping—but don’t worry if that's not you, because we’ll train you on the job.

Right now, our crew is mostly focused on building lakeshore stairs, walkways, decks, and retaining walls. You’ll get to do cool stuff right away, like carefully measuring things and using power tools to cut and attach wood, steel, and aluminum. Just to keep things interesting, sometimes we also drive posts deep underground, use a skidsteer to move sand, and use a gunner to blow sand into new areas. Other days we might remove old stairs, repair drainage systems, install erosion-control matting, cut down trees, or even plant some dune grass. It’s a bit of everything, and that’s what makes it fun!

We’re always looking for people who are ready to learn. If you can ask questions, own up to your mistakes, and learn from your teammates, you’ll fit right in! Teamwork is everything here, and we’ve got each other’s backs even if we do a bit of teasing. The best builders are people with a keen eye for detail, strong hands, and the stamina to stay on their feet for long days. You’ll be climbing up and down dunes a lot, so you’ll need to be fit enough to carry 40 pounds and keep moving.

We do some carpooling, but it's good to have reliable transportation to get to work sites anywhere from Michiana to Muskegon (but mostly within 20 miles of Benton Harbor).

Pay, Benefits, and Work Schedule

We’re committed to rewarding productive work and positive attitudes. Our starting pay for crew members without much construction experience is $18/hour; we give regular raises as you show off your developing skills and commitment to the team. Plus, full-time, hourly employees can enjoy overtime pay and these benefits:

Group health insurance for you and your family (DRS pays 40% of your premium)
Paid time off for sickness, vacation, childcare, dentist appointments—whatever life throws at you
Driving-related payments (gas isn’t cheap!)
Parental leave for birth or adoption (we love families)
Unemployment benefits (just in case)

Safety is a top priority, and we give our crew the freedom to decide what feels safe for them. We’re proud to say we’ve had no major injuries since we started in 2020—some stitches, but no broken bones or hospital time.

As an hourly, full-time employee, you’ll work about 40 hours per week—usually Monday through Thursday, 10 hours a day. Of course, weather and safety conditions play a role, so if there’s a blizzard or a lightning storm, we’ll call it a day (we’re not that tough). Overtime opportunities also come up and we'll pay you time-and-a-half (so, instead of $18/hour you'd get $27/hour)! And don’t worry—our team gets the time they need to recharge. You’ll never be asked to work on Sundays, Good Friday, Thanksgiving, or Christmas Day, because family time and rest are just as important as hard work!

Our expectations (for the whole DRS team)

Have integrity in all situations. This means working hard, keeping your promises, staying cool when things get tough, and showing respect to your teammates, clients, vendors, and everyone else. It's part of being a professional.
Ask questions and communicate clearly with your co-workers and supervisor to help prevent accidents, reduce mistakes and delays, and keep the project running smoothly.
Follow the rules—whether they’re local, state, or federal. Legal trouble is expensive.
Keep your head clear. Our work on the dune is often dangerous, so no alcohol, marijuana, or other mind-altering influences while you're on the job.
Help maintain a safe site and if anything goes wrong—whether an injury or a safety concern—let your supervisor know ASAP.
Be a team player: whether it’s organizing tools, running errands, or cleaning the site, jump in to get the work done.