To sustain and support the growing brownfield cleanup industry in New York City, it is essential to have a local, well-qualified environmental workforce that is capable of conducting brownfield site investigation and cleanups. New York City has many qualified workers seeking quality employment capable of providing support for themselves and their families. The NYC Green Jobs Training Program offered by the NYC Brownfield Partnership (Partnership) is designed to help address these local workforce training needs through a two-step process. 

The first step is for local, qualified workers to complete preparatory employment training and environmental technician training provided by community workforce development organizations, including STRIVE, St. Nick’s Alliance and Building Works.  These training organizations provide certifications in areas such as hazardous waste operator training, soil vapor intrusion, lead abatement, asbestos abatement, asbestos handling, confined space and OSHA construction safety.

The second step is for these newly qualified workers to obtain entry-level jobs in the environmental industry. Under the Partnerships’ Green Job Training Program, member organizations in the Partnership generally agree to provide specialized, on-the-job training for one or more qualified trainees each year.

Although this program runs independently of the City, OER supports these efforts to enhance the local environmental workforce. To this end, OER has created Brownfield WORKS!, which offers employers of qualified workers reimbursement of up to $12/hour and 8.9% for fringe benefits for 35 hours per week for three months. Experience and on-the-job training from environmental employers is vital to helping local communities develop skilled labor for cleanup of brownfields and other contaminated sites. The Brownfield Worker Subsidized Employment Program incentivizes employers to give qualified workers valuable job opportunities.  If you are an employer interested in this program, read more about it here.

Employers that develop a good relationship with the trainee and need entry-level workers are encouraged to keep the person on as a permanent hire. Otherwise, when the OER subsidy period has ended, worker placement agencies, in conjunction with community workforce development organizations, will assist in the placement of trainees for both temporary and permanent employment in the environmental industry. These preparatory and placement services are offered to trainees free of charge.

If you are a resident of NYC and are interested in participating in this program, email the Partnership at info@brownfieldnyc.org, or contact Ron Lee at (718) 302-2057 x210 (St. Nicholas Neighborhood Preservation Corporation), Larry Jackson at (646) 335-0832 (STRIVE), or Building Works. If you are interested in learning more about this program, visit the Partnership website at www.brownfieldnyc.org. Employers can visit the Brownfield Worker Subsidized Employment Program page to learn more.