Abandoned factories, military test sites, and old mines are eyesores, but they can also be hazardous to the health of people and the environment. Brownfield redevelopment specialists and site managers oversee efforts to make contaminated land livable again. These professionals use strong analytical skills to perform environmental impact assessments and take a close look at what it will cost to remove pollutants from the land so it can be used again. If the project is a go, they may plan for building demolition, cleanup, and new construction after applying for the proper permits. Most of these specialists work for construction companies, engineering firms, economic and land developers, and environmental groups. Brownfield redevelopment managers need help to accomplish their plans, and hire specialists like hydrologists, GIS technicians, and environmental engineers. Though outdoors at project sites some of the time, most managers do more work indoors, delivering progress reports to their clients. They must have a clear understanding of government regulations and compliance requirements. Entering the field requires a bachelor’s degree, with a background in environmental science, field experience, and some on-the-job training. Long hours are sometimes required to meet project deadlines.
What they do:
Plan and direct cleanup and redevelopment of contaminated properties for reuse. Does not include properties sufficiently contaminated to qualify as Superfund sites.
On the job, you would:
Coordinate on-site activities for environmental cleanup or remediation projects to ensure compliance with environmental laws, standards, regulations, or other requirements.
Estimate costs for environmental cleanup and remediation of land redevelopment projects.
Inspect sites to assess environmental damage or monitor cleanup progress.
Arts and Humanities
English language
Safety and Government
law and government
Business
management
customer service
Engineering and Technology
product and service development
Basic Skills
talking to others
thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem
Problem Solving
noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
People and Technology Systems
thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one
figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it
Verbal
communicate by speaking
listen and understand what people say
Ideas and Logic
make general rules or come up with answers from lots of detailed information
notice when problems happen
Math
choose the right type of math to solve a problem
People interested in this work like activities that include leading, making decisions, and business.
They do well at jobs that need:
Integrity
Analytical Thinking
Attention to Detail
Dependability
Cooperation
Persistence
You might use software like this on the job:
Map creation software
ESRI ArcGIS software
ESRI ArcView
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Electronic mail software
Microsoft Outlook
bachelor's degree or certificate after college usually needed
Get started on your career:
New job opportunities are likely in the future.
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