Hiring: Bioremediation Field Technician
(Part Time Employee)
Organization: Centre for Applied Ecological Remediation (CAER)
Location: Greater Los Angeles (field-based; primarily Altadena and Los Angeles, with some sites in the Palisades)
Contract Duration: 3 months (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: 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.
Position 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.
Training & Support Provided
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
Key Responsibilities
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
Required Qualifications
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
Preferred (but Not Required) Qualifications
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 post-disaster sites
HAZWOPER Certification
Work Environment
Field-based, hands-on work at active remediation sites
Physically active role requiring stamina and situational awareness
Collaborative, mission-driven team environment
Training provided for all site-specific methods and safety procedures
PPE provided for all field activities
Contract Details
Part Time Employment with hours scheduled weekly
3-month initial contract with high likelihood of extension based on project needs and performance
$30/hour, paid hourly up to 20hrs per week. Additional hours and overtime with approval.
How to Apply
Please send your:
A brief statement of interest describing your relevant experience, availability, and schedule
A resume or CV
To info@caer.earth by Jan 26th. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the position will start as soon as possible at the end of January or early February.
CAER is committed to building an inclusive team and strongly encourages applicants from communities historically underrepresented in environmental science and environmental remediation.