Bioremediation Field Technician

Overview

CAER is seeking two Field Bioremediation Technicians to support hands-on field implementation and monitoring of bioremediation projects. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys outdoor, physically active work and is interested in applied environmental science, ecological restoration, and bioremediation in real-world settings and does not mind working on sites with contaminated soils with provided Personal Protective Equipment.

Technicians will work closely with CAER’s scientific leadership and project teams to install, maintain, and monitor bioremediation systems at active field remediation sites.

• Organization: Centre for Applied Ecological Remediation (CAER)
• Location: Greater Los Angeles (field-based; primarily Altadena and Los Angeles, with some sites in the Palisades)
• Temporary Employment Duration: 3 months, Part Time Employee (strong possibility of extension)
• Positions Available: 2
• Time Commitment: Part Time Up to 20 hours per week. Overtime and additional hours with approval
• Compensation: $30/hour
• Schedule: Project Specific - Must be available during daylight hours

About CAER

The Centre for Applied Ecological Remediation (CAER) is a nonprofit organization advancing science-based, community-centered approaches to remediating contaminated land using ecological methods, including fungi, plants, and soil biology. Our work bridges rigorous environmental science, ecological restoration, remediation and environmental justice, with active projects across urban post-industrial, and post-fire landscapes.

CAER is seeking two Field Bioremediation Technicians to support hands-on field implementation and monitoring of bioremediation projects. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys outdoor, physically active work and is interested in applied environmental science, ecological restoration, and bioremediation in real-world settings and does not mind working on sites with contaminated soils with provided Personal Protective Equipment.

Technicians will work closely with CAER’s scientific leadership and project teams to install, maintain, and monitor bioremediation systems at active field remediation sites.

• On-the-job training will be provided for all field tasks, protocols, and safety procedures
• Technicians will participate in a 2-day intensive bioremediation training, covering:
• Core principles of bioremediation
• Soil, plant, and fungal sampling methods
• Field safety and contamination control
• Site implementation and monitoring practices
• All required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be provided
• Carpooling may be available for technicians with transportation constraints, depending on site logistics

Field Implementation & Installation

• Assist with bioremediation implementation, including:
• Soil preparation and amendment
• Planting and maintenance of remediation plantings
• Fungal inoculation (e.g., application of spawn or inocula)
• Installation and maintenance of irrigation systems
• Support site setup and breakdown, including moving materials and equipment

Sampling & Monitoring

• Collect soil, plant, and fungal samples following established protocols
• Conduct routine site monitoring and maintenance
• Assist with field data collection and documentation (photos, notes, measurements)

General Field Support

• Maintain tools, equipment, and field supplies
• Follow health, safety, and contamination-control protocols
• Support adaptive field work as site conditions and project needs evolve

• Ability to perform physically demanding outdoor work, including lifting, digging, carrying materials, bending, and standing for extended periods
• Comfortable working outdoors in variable weather conditions
• Availability for 20 hours per week during daylight hours
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow field protocols
• Ability to travel to field sites in Altadena, Los Angeles, and occasionally the Palisades

• Experience with:
• Ecological restoration, landscaping, farming, or field research
• Soil, plant, or fungal sampling
• Irrigation or basic construction/installation work
• Experience working on contaminated or…