Overview
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 Apprentice 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 Apprentice:
● 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.
● 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:
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, Mon
Required Skills:
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.
● 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.
● Proficienc
Preferred Skills:
Preferred Qualifications:
● A degree in or currently studying Environmental Sciences/Engineering, Geology, or related field.
● Experience living and/or working in a rural setting and a strong desire to learn about rural issues.
● Experience communicating technical information to a non-technical audience.
Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Skills or experiences that can fill in for desired qualifications may be considered.
About Sierra Institute for Community and Environment
The Sierra Institute promotes healthy forests, watersheds, and communities by investing in the well-being of
rural communities and strengthening their participation in natural resource management. Our work supports
initiatives that simultaneously benefit the environment, economy, and equity within a given landscape. Sierra
Institute’s P-CREW Youth Corps is an essential pathway to the professional opportunity for diverse youth. Sierra
Institute is located in Taylorsville, CA (population 154), and lies within an area referred to as “Indian Valley”
that includes the communities of Greenville and Crescent Mills. Indian Valley offers uniquely rural community
events and is surrounded by public lands including Plumas National Forest, Lassen National Forest, and Lassen
Volcanic National Park.
