Rural Brownfields Specialist

Position Type: Full-time

Start Date: February 2024

Application Deadline: Open until filled

About Sierra Institute for Community and Environment:

The Sierra Institute for Community and Environment is a community-based organization dedicated to promoting healthy forests, watersheds, and communities. Grounded in triple bottom line values, the institute supports initiatives that simultaneously benefit the environment, economy, and equity within a given landscape.

Job Description:

The Sierra Institute is seeking a collaborative-minded professional to fill the full-time position of Rural Brownfields Specialist. This role involves working with a team of professionals to unlock the reuse potential of rural contaminated sites, contributing to the revitalization of rural communities and advancing landscape-scale forest restoration. The selected individual will learn from experienced Brownfields staff and contractors, providing direct technical assistance for ongoing brownfields cleanup and community assessment efforts.

Responsibilities:

• Work closely with Sierra Institute staff, subcontracted California Professional Geologist (CPG), agencies, and community members.
• Inventory, assess, and advance remediation of Brownfields sites throughout Plumas and surrounding counties.
• Under the supervision of Sierra Institute’s Stewardship Project Manager, Executive Director, and partner CPG, perform tasks such as:
  • 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).
  • Facilitate community engagement throughout the process.

Qualifications:

• Interest in supporting brownfields assessment/remediation and redevelopment in rural mountain communities.
• Preferred A master’s 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.
• Ability to network and facilitate collaboration with agencies, contractors, and other partners.
• 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.
• A team-oriented perspective with a productive level of self-guidance and initiative.
• Critical thinking skills, creativity, and a positive attitude.
• 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.

Work Environment:

This position will fluctuate between working in an office and field setting. The role may require travel and fieldwork, primarily falling within the hours of 7:30 AM and 5:30 PM Monday-Friday, with some variation.

Compensation:

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

COVID-19 Policy:

Consistent with organizational policy, all Sierra Institute staff are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and to follow up-to-date safety protocols informed by the latest research and evidence.