Position Announcement
Environmental Remediation Specialist-Rural Brownfields
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 Environmental Remediation Specialist-Rural Brownfields. 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. The 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 the professional skills necessary to become a leader in advancing this work into the future.
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 degree in Environmental Sciences/Remediation/Policy, geology, or related field.
- Experience developing written content for environmental investigation and/ or cleanup projects (may be in a career or educational context);
- Ability to network and facilitate collaboration with agencies, contractors, and other partners invested in the 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.
MORE INFORMATION
About the Sierra Institute for Community and Environment:
The Sierra Institute for Community and Environment is a community-based organization which actively promotes healthy forests, watersheds, and communities by investing in the well-being of diverse rural communities and strengthening their participation in natural resource management. Our work is grounded by the concept of triple bottom line values, supporting initiatives that simultaneously benefit the environment, economy, and equity within a given landscape.
Location: The Sierra Institute is based in the very rural northern Sierra town of Taylorsville. Taylorsville, CA (pop. 154) lies within a large mountain meadow referred to as “Indian Valley,” that includes the communities of Greenville and Crescent Mills. Taylorsville is a historic small town, with a long history dating back to the construction of the first flour mill in the Pacific Northwest in 1856. Downtown Taylorsville is home to two historic establishments: the Taylorsville Tavern, a favorite watering hole for locals; and Young’s Market, a revitalized country store and sandwich shop that first opened its doors in 1862 that is – debatably – home to the oldest working cash register in the nation manufactured in 1914. Taylorsville is a blended community of long-time residents, ranchers, loggers, and newcomers, drawn to the area for its scenic beauty and cultural richness. Taylorsville offers unique, rural community events that bring the community together, such as the Silver Buckle Rodeo held over the 4th of July, the Holiday Light Parade the Saturday after Thanksgiving; and New Year’s Eve fireworks in the fields across from the Tavern. Taylorsville is surrounded by many outdoor recreation opportunities such as Lake Almanor, Plumas and Lassen National Forests, and Lassen Volcanic National Park. Although much of the forest was burned in the 2021 Dixie Fire, many areas remain accessible and beautiful. These adjacent public lands feature backcountry routes in winter, and endless, endless dirt roads to explore in summer. Adventure lies just out the back door of the office!
Compensation: Salary range $46,838 – $58,139, commensurate with experience. Sierra Institute offers a competitive benefits package. Staff housing may be available.
COVID-19: 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..
