POSITION OVERVIEW

Brownfields present opportunities for economic revitalization in rural communities throughout Northern California. Assessing and addressing contamination at these sites simultaneously supports community-minded development and promotes human and ecological health. The Sierra Institute’s North State Rural Brownfields Program includes the following activities:

• Creating a regional site inventory of brownfields based on public input, historical records, and environmental data.
• Conducting Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) on high-priority sites.
• Engaging community members through meetings, interviews, and workshops to shape site reuse plans and discuss environmental risks and exposure mitigation.
• Developing cleanup plans and recommending redevelopment options that benefit underserved rural communities.
• Collaborating with environmental consultants on technical work.
• Developing curriculum for and coordinating brownfield job training and workforce development with rural and tribal employers.

The Rural Brownfields Specialist must be capable of balancing a variety of tasks that span from technical analysis to community involvement. This is a unique opportunity to collaborate on grant-funded projects within the environmental remediation field while developing the professional skills necessary to become a leader in advancing rural brownfields work.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the direction of the Rural Brownfields Coordinator, the Rural Brownfields Specialist:

• Prepares technical reports (Phase I Environmental Site Assessments reports, Sampling and Analysis Plans, Analysis of Brownfield Cleanup Alternatives, Removal Action Workplans, etc.).
• Participates in environmental site investigations (Phase I and II Environmental Site Assessments, Supplemental Characterizations, etc.).
• Conducts analysis of environmental data.
• Develops and delivers materials for community outreach, engagement, and education related to brownfields.
• Supports expansion of programs into additional environmental health issues (e.g., air quality,
  non-point source pollution).
• Collaborate with other program areas at Sierra Institute, including, but not limited to, Wood Utilization and Rural Community Development.
• Identifies and pursues opportunities for professional advancement.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

Required Qualifications:

• Interest in supporting brownfields assessment, remediation, and redevelopment in rural communities.
• A team-oriented perspective with a productive level of self-guidance and initiative.
• Education and/or experience in geology, environmental science, or environmental engineering.
• Experience communicating technical information to a non-technical audience.
• An ability to bring critical thinking skills, creativity, and laughter to the workplace.
• A willingness to work and live in a rural, mountainous area that receives snow and ice in winter.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook).
• Work is normally performed in an office setting, but the incumbent will be required to travel out of town for field work and meetings, and therefore, must be able to operate a motor vehicle.
• Must provide proof of automobile insurance, which at a minimum satisfies California Law

Preferred Qualifications:

• A degree in Environmental Sciences/Engineering, Geology, or related field.
• Experience conducting Phase I Environmental Site Assessments.
• Experience developing, writing, and implementing Sampling and Analysis Plans.
• Experience living and/or working in a rural setting and a strong desire to learn about rural issues.
• Ability to network and facilitate collaboration with agencies, contractors, and other partners.
• Interest in pursuing California Professional Geologist or Engineer license.
  Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Skills or experiences that can fill in for desired qualifications may be considered.

WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This position will be primarily based in the office. However, brownfield site assessment and community engagement will necessitate travel and field work throughout Northern California, with some overnight stays expected. Field work may involve exposure to variable weather and potentially contaminated environments (with appropriate PPE). The employee must be able to walk on uneven terrain and carry field sampling equipment (up to 30 lbs.).
Work hours are typically between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, though some variation may be necessary to accommodate field work and other needs. Hybrid (part on-site and part remote) schedules may be considered, with the employee expected to be on-site at least two days per week.

PAY & BENEFITS
Compensation is $26.10 to $31.17 per hour depending on experience.

Benefits:

• Competitive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision coverage
• Retirement plan eligibility after 1 year
• Paid holidays, vacation time, and sick leave
• Flexible work schedule in a collaborative and supportive team environment