Brownfield redevelopment specialists and site managers oversee the cleanup and reuse of contaminated land. You'll manage complex projects, ensure regulatory compliance, and transform abandoned sites into productive assets. A bachelor's degree is the typical entry point.
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You assess contaminated properties, develop remediation strategies, and oversee cleanup operations to bring sites back into productive use. Your work involves gathering and analyzing environmental data, evaluating compliance with regulations, and making decisions about remediation approaches. You communicate with regulators, contractors, and stakeholders to move projects forward. You monitor progress, solve problems as they arise, and ensure all work meets legal and safety standards. This role combines technical knowledge with project leadership and regulatory expertise.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers earn a median of $141,900 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is strong. Employment is projected to grow 5 percent from 2024 to 2034, faster than average for all occupations, with about 106,700 openings a year.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
Start with a bachelor's degree, typically in environmental science, engineering, geology, or a related field. Your coursework will cover chemistry, environmental law, and site assessment methods. During your studies, seek internships or entry-level positions in environmental consulting or site management to build practical experience. Job Zone 4 preparation means you'll need considerable training and experience before you're ready to lead major projects independently. Many specialists begin in junior roles and advance as they develop expertise.
Most people enter this field through a bachelor's degree program followed by hands-on experience in environmental work. If you're deciding between different educational paths or want to map out your next steps, Pathly can map the brownfield redevelopment specialist and site manager path that fits you with your counselor to build a plan that fits your timeline and goals.
You do not need a license to work as a brownfield redevelopment specialist and site manager, but professional certifications can strengthen your resume.
Common certifications
You're detail-oriented and systematic, with strong analytical skills and a preference for following established procedures and standards. You communicate clearly, think critically about complex problems, and thrive in regulated environments.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).