Rural Brownfields Specialist

Rural Brownfields Specialist The Sierra Institute for Community and Environment seeks a collaborative-minded professional with the desire to assist a team of professionals in unlocking the reuse potential of rural contaminated sites to fill the full-time position of Rural Brownfields Specialist. For nearly a decade, Sierra Institute has been a leader in rural brownfields remediation and redevelopment as a mechanism for revitalizing rural communities and advancing landscape scale forest restoration. The selected individual will learn from and continue this work with the guidance of knowledgeable Brownfields staff and contractors, and will provide direct technical assistance for ongoing brownfields cleanup and community assessment efforts. 

This position will play a key role in advancing the organization’s work in the niche realm of rural brownfields to meet both community and landscape objectives. We anticipate a start date in February 2024. Position is open until filled. The individual will work closely with Sierra Institute staff, subcontracted California Professional Geologist (CPG), agencies, and community members to inventory, assess, and advance remediation of Brownfields sites throughout Plumas and surrounding counties. The Rural Brownfields Specialist will work under the supervision of Sierra Institute’s Stewardship Project Manager, Executive Director, and partner CPG to: inventory and prioritize rural brownfields sites, develop findings and recommendations report, conduct Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments, develop a multisite SAP/QAP, develop Analysis of Brownfields Cleanup Alternatives (ABCA’s), and facilitate community engagement throughout process. The Rural Brownfields Specialist must be capable of balancing a variety of tasks that span from technical analysis to community involvement. Brownfields play a pivotal role in creating opportunities for environmentally conscious business development, such as wood utilization, in rural communities throughout the Sierra. This is key in helping California develop a pathway to a circular economy that reinvigorates rural communities and sustains landscape restoration into the future. 

This is a unique opportunity to work with leading rural brownfields specialists to develop professional skills necessary to become a leader in advancing this work into the future. This position is funded for an initial two-year term, and has long-term growth potential for increased project responsibilities. This position will fluctuate between working in an office and field setting. At times the Rural Brownfields Specialist will work predominantly in an office setting; however, brownfield site assessment and community engagement will necessitate travel and field work. Work will fall primarily within the hours of 7:30 AM and 5:30 PM Monday-Friday, though some variation is expected to accommodate field work and other needs. 

Qualifications 

● Interest in supporting brownfields assessment/remediation and redevelopment in rural mountain communities;

 ● *Preferred* A masters degree in Environmental Sciences/Remediation/Policy, geology, or related field; 

● An undergraduate degree or other professional experience in geology, remediation, or related field; 

● Experience developing written content for development/redevelopment and/or environmental investigation and/or cleanup projects (may be in an career or educational context); 

● Ability to network and facilitate collaboration with agencies, contractors, and other partners invested in revitalization of brownfields; 

● Experience with communication with residents, community organizers and other stakeholders with an emphasis on science/technical communication 

● Experience with qualitative and/or quantitative environmental science research methods; 

● Interest in pursuing California Professional Geologist certification or equivalent; 

● Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel); 

● A willingness to work and live in a rural, mountainous area that receives snow and ice in winter; 

● A team-oriented perspective with a productive level of self-guidance and initiative; 

● An ability to bring critical thinking skills, creativity, and laughter to the workplace;

● A personal vehicle for transportation outside of work; 

● Experience living and/or working in a rural setting and a strong desire to learn about rural issues. 

Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Skills or experiences that can fill in for desired qualifications may be considered. 

 Compensation: Salary range $46,838 - $58,139, commensurate with experience. Sierra Institute offers a competitive benefits package. Staff housing may be available. 

How to Apply: Please send your cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references as one PDF to jobs@sierrainstitute.us with “Rural Brownfields Specialist” in the subject line. Review of applications will begin on January 17, 2023. Please call (530) 284-1022 with questions.