Environmental Remediation Project Manager in Oregon Career Overview

As an Environmental Remediation Project Manager, you play a vital role in addressing environmental contamination issues. Your responsibilities center on planning, executing, and overseeing projects aimed at cleaning up hazardous sites, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations, and safeguarding public health and safety.

Key aspects of this role include:

  • Project Coordination: You manage multidisciplinary teams, including engineers, scientists, and contractors, to ensure effective project delivery.

  • Site Assessment: You evaluate contaminated sites to determine the extent of pollution and develop strategies for remediation.

  • Regulatory Compliance: You ensure that all remediation efforts adhere to local, state, and federal regulations, thereby protecting both the environment and community interests.

  • Stakeholder Communication: Engaging with various stakeholders, including government agencies, community members, and company executives, is essential for successful project management and community relations.

  • Budget Management: You handle financial aspects of remediation projects, ensuring resources are allocated effectively and projects are completed within budget.

  • Risk Management: Identifying potential risks to the environment and public health is integral to your role, allowing you to develop mitigation plans and ensure safety during remediation processes.

Your work contributes significantly to restoring contaminated environments, promoting sustainable practices, and enhancing community well-being. In this position, you not only navigate complex technical challenges but also advocate for environmental stewardship and sustainability.

Environmental Remediation Project Manager Salary in Oregon

Annual Median: $107,920
Hourly Median: $51.89

Data sourced from Career One Stop, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.

Required Education To Become an Environmental Remediation Project Manager in Oregon

To pursue a career as an Environmental Remediation Project Manager in Oregon, you should focus on obtaining specific educational qualifications and training that are essential in this field. Here are the relevant college degree programs that will prepare you for this role:

  • Environmental Engineering: A degree in environmental engineering equips you with the necessary technical knowledge and skills to design solutions for environmental challenges. This program typically covers topics such as water treatment, air quality management, and waste disposal.

  • Environmental Health Engineering: This program emphasizes the intersections between engineering, public health, and environmental science. It provides insights into how environmental factors impact human health and the methodologies for assessing and mitigating these risks.

  • Environmental Toxicology: A focus on environmental toxicology enables you to understand the effects of pollutants and contaminants on ecosystems and human health. This degree involves studying the behavior, effects, and fate of toxic substances in the environment.

  • Environmental and Natural Resources Management and Policy: This degree offers a broader perspective on managing natural resources while addressing environmental policy issues. It prepares you for decision-making roles that require understanding ecological principles and regulatory frameworks.

  • Environmental Science: A degree in environmental science provides a multidisciplinary approach to studying the environment, including the chemistry, biology, and ecology of ecosystems. This background is beneficial for understanding the complexities involved in remediation projects.

In addition to these degree programs, gaining practical experience through internships or cooperative education opportunities can also strengthen your qualifications in the field of environmental remediation.

Best Schools to become a Environmental Remediation Project Manager in Oregon 2024

Southern New Hampshire University

Manchester, NH

In-State Tuition:$15,000
Out-of-State Tuition:$15,000
Admission Rate:96%
Graduation Rate:41%
Total Enrollment:164,091

American Public University System

Charles Town, WV

In-State Tuition:$6,840
Out-of-State Tuition:$6,840
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:55%
Total Enrollment:48,668

University of Denver

Denver, CO

In-State Tuition:$55,260
Out-of-State Tuition:$55,260
Admission Rate:78%
Graduation Rate:77%
Total Enrollment:13,734

Oregon State University

Corvallis, OR

In-State Tuition:$10,425
Out-of-State Tuition:$31,200
Admission Rate:83%
Graduation Rate:70%
Total Enrollment:34,292

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Blacksburg, VA

In-State Tuition:$12,104
Out-of-State Tuition:$31,754
Admission Rate:57%
Graduation Rate:86%
Total Enrollment:38,170

Ohio State University-Main Campus

Columbus, OH

In-State Tuition:$11,525
Out-of-State Tuition:$35,782
Admission Rate:53%
Graduation Rate:88%
Total Enrollment:60,540
Environmental Remediation Project Manager Job Description:
  • Plan and direct cleanup and redevelopment of contaminated properties for reuse.
  • Does not include properties sufficiently contaminated to qualify as Superfund sites.

Environmental Remediation Project Manager Required Skills and Competencies in Oregon

  • Project Management: You should master principles of project management, including planning, execution, and evaluation. Familiarity with methodologies such as Agile or Waterfall can be advantageous.

  • Technical Knowledge: A strong understanding of environmental science, chemistry, and geology is essential. This enables you to assess contamination, evaluate risks, and recommend appropriate remediation techniques.

  • Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with environmental regulations and guidelines at the federal, state, and local levels allows you to ensure compliance throughout projects.

  • Risk Assessment: The ability to identify potential environmental hazards and develop effective risk mitigation strategies is vital to protect both public health and the environment.

  • Data Analysis: Proficiency in analyzing data from site assessments and environmental tests helps you make informed decisions about remediation strategies.

  • Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills are necessary for conveying complex technical information clearly to stakeholders, including regulatory agencies, clients, and the public.

  • Collaboration: You should excel in collaborating with diverse teams, including engineers, scientists, and regulatory officials, to achieve project objectives.

  • Problem Solving: The capacity to think critically and tackle unexpected challenges during projects is important for effective project management.

  • Leadership: You will need to demonstrate leadership skills to motivate teams, manage conflicts, and ensure that projects stay on track.

  • Attention to Detail: A keen eye for detail ensures accurate reporting and compliance with environmental standards, which is crucial in remediation projects.

  • Budget Management: Understanding financial principles and being able to manage budgets effectively is necessary to keep projects within financial constraints.

  • Adaptability: Being open to change and adaptable to evolving project requirements and conditions is key to success in this field.

Job Duties for Environmental Remediation Project Managers

  • Coordinate on-site activities for environmental cleanup or remediation projects to ensure compliance with environmental laws, standards, regulations, or other requirements.

  • Identify and apply for project funding.

  • Identify environmental contamination sources.

Technologies and Skills Used by Environmental Remediation Project Managers

Enterprise resource planning ERP software

  • Oracle Hyperion
  • SAP software

Geographic information system

  • ESRI ArcGIS software
  • ESRI ArcView

Presentation software

  • Microsoft PowerPoint

Basic Skills

  • Keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
  • Reading work related information

People and Technology Systems

  • Measuring how well a system is working and how to improve it
  • Thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one

Problem Solving

  • Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Job Market and Opportunities for Environmental Remediation Project Manager in Oregon

The job market for Environmental Remediation Project Managers in Oregon is robust and dynamic, reflecting a growing emphasis on environmental sustainability and regulatory compliance. Here are several aspects to consider:

  • High Demand: With increased awareness of environmental issues, the demand for Environmental Remediation Project Managers has risen significantly. Companies across various sectors, including construction, manufacturing, and waste management, are actively seeking professionals who can lead remediation efforts and ensure that projects adhere to environmental standards.

  • Growth Potential: The growth potential within this field is substantial, driven by stringent environmental regulations and the need for corporate sustainability. As industries evolve and environmental concerns continue to hinge on public policy, professionals skilled in navigating regulatory frameworks and managing remediation projects will be ever more valuable.

  • Geographical Hotspots: In Oregon, certain areas are emerging as hotspots for environmental remediation opportunities:

    • Portland Metro Area: This region, being a hub for various industries, including technology and manufacturing, is witnessing a surge in environmental projects due to urban redevelopment and environmental cleanup initiatives.
    • Willamette Valley: Known for its agricultural activities, there is a growing focus on managing soil and water contamination resulting from farming practices. This region may have a rising demand for professionals specializing in agricultural remediation.
    • Southern Oregon: With increasing attention on industrial sites and former mining locations, Southern Oregon presents opportunities for environmental remediation professionals focused on reclaiming and restoring land.
  • Public Sector Opportunities: Government agencies at local, state, and federal levels are also looking for Environmental Remediation Project Managers. Positions within agencies like the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and other environmental regulatory bodies can provide stable career pathways with meaningful impact.

  • Emerging Trends: Technologies such as green remediation techniques and the incorporation of innovative materials to enhance decontamination processes are becoming more prevalent. Keeping abreast of these developments will open additional avenues for advancement and specialization.

In summary, the landscape for Environmental Remediation Project Managers in Oregon is promising, characterized by high demand, significant growth potential, and a variety of opportunities across different geographical regions and sectors.

Additional Resources To Help You Become an Environmental Remediation Project Manager in Oregon

  • U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

    • Website: epa.gov
    • Description: Access regulations, guidance, and resources related to environmental cleanup and remediation projects.
  • American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)

    • Website: asce.org
    • Description: Offers resources and publications on environmental engineering including standards related to remediation.
  • National Association of Environmental Professionals (NAEP)

    • Website: naep.org
    • Description: Provides networking opportunities, professional development, and access to a wide array of publications focused on environmental professions.
  • Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ)

    • Website: oregon.gov/deq
    • Description: State-specific information on environmental regulations, site assessments, and local remediation programs.
  • Society for Environmental Engineers (SEE)

    • Website: see-international.org
    • Description: A network for professionals in the environmental engineering field, offering publications and educational resources.
  • Institute of Chemical Engineers (IChemE)

    • Website: icheme.org
    • Description: Focuses on chemical engineering issues, including environmental management and remediation practices.
  • Environmental Law Institute (ELI)

    • Website: eli.org
    • Description: A think tank that provides resources on environmental law and policy, including guidance on remediation requirements.
  • Green Chemistry Institute (GCI)

  • Remediation Journal

    • Website: remediationjournal.com
    • Description: A peer-reviewed journal that covers the latest developments in remediation technologies and practices.
  • LinkedIn Groups

    • Search for “Environmental Remediation” or “Environmental Project Management” groups on LinkedIn for networking and industry discussions.
  • Oregon State University - College of Agricultural Sciences

    • Website: agsci.oregonstate.edu
    • Description: Offers programs and research opportunities related to environmental science and remediation.
  • Project Management Institute (PMI)

    • Website: pmi.org
    • Description: Provides resources pertaining to project management practices, which are essential for managing remediation projects effectively.

Utilize these resources to deepen your understanding and stay updated in the field of environmental remediation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Environmental Remediation Project Manager in Oregon

  • What are the primary responsibilities of an Environmental Remediation Project Manager?
    You will oversee the planning, execution, and completion of environmental cleanup projects. This includes conducting site assessments, managing budgets and schedules, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations, and coordinating with various stakeholders such as government agencies, contractors, and the community.

  • What qualifications are needed to become an Environmental Remediation Project Manager?
    A bachelor’s degree in environmental science, engineering, or a related field is typically required. Many employers prefer candidates with a master’s degree or relevant certifications such as Project Management Professional (PMP) or Certified Environmental Professional (CEP).

  • What skills are essential for success in this role?
    Key skills include project management, analytical thinking, communication, and problem-solving. You will also need strong knowledge of environmental regulations and practices, along with the ability to manage cross-disciplinary teams effectively.

  • Is prior experience in environmental work necessary?
    Yes, most employers look for candidates who have prior experience in environmental remediation or related fields. Internships or entry-level positions in environmental science or engineering can provide valuable experience.

  • What is the job outlook for Environmental Remediation Project Managers in Oregon?
    The job outlook is favorable due to increasing regulatory requirements and the ongoing need for environmental cleanup in various sectors, including industrial, municipal, and hazardous waste management.

  • What types of projects will I be managing as an Environmental Remediation Project Manager?
    You might manage projects involving the cleanup of contaminated sites, groundwater remediation, waste disposal operations, and restoration efforts for affected ecosystems.

  • How important is knowledge of state and federal environmental regulations?
    It is crucial. You must have a thorough understanding of laws and regulations such as the Clean Water Act or the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act to ensure compliance and mitigate legal risks for your projects.

  • What organizations or agencies will I typically work with?
    You will likely collaborate with federal and state environmental agencies, local government bodies, community organizations, and private sector businesses involved in environmental assessments and remediation efforts.

  • Can I specialize in a specific area of environmental remediation?
    Yes, you can choose to specialize in areas such as hazardous waste management, soil remediation, or groundwater treatment. Specialization may enhance your career prospects and allow you to focus on your areas of interest.

  • What are the potential career advancement opportunities in this field?
    With experience, you can move into senior management roles, such as Program Manager or Director of Environmental Affairs. There are also opportunities to transition into related fields like environmental consulting or regulatory compliance.