Application Guide

How to Apply for Program Manager at Environmental Non Profit - MUST live in OR, ID or WA

at Center for Creative Land Recycling

🏢 About Center for Creative Land Recycling

The Center for Creative Land Recycling (CCLR) is the oldest national nonprofit dedicated to transforming underutilized and contaminated properties into community assets. Their focus on equitable brownfield redevelopment and deep ties with EPA Region 10 make them a unique partner for tribal nations and local governments seeking sustainable land reuse solutions.

About This Role

As Program Manager, you will lead outreach and technical assistance for brownfield revitalization across Oregon, Idaho, and Washington, with a strong emphasis on engaging tribal communities. Your work will directly support environmental justice by helping communities reclaim blighted sites for healthy, productive uses.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with a virtual check-in with EPA Region 10 staff to align on upcoming brownfield initiatives, followed by a meeting with a tribal community to discuss technical assistance needs. Afternoon could involve analyzing GIS data to identify priority sites for redevelopment, then drafting a case study to highlight a successful project.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who Center for Creative Land Recycling Is Looking For

  • 5+ years of experience in brownfield redevelopment, environmental planning, or land reuse, with a proven track record of managing projects involving public and private stakeholders.
  • Deep understanding of EPA Region 10 policies and familiarity with tribal sovereignty issues, including experience working with indigenous communities.
  • Proficient in Salesforce and ArcGIS, with strong skills in Microsoft Suite, GSuite, and virtual meeting platforms like Zoom.
  • Bachelor's degree in urban design, planning, landscape architecture, or engineering, plus supervisory experience and a passion for equitable community development.

📝 Tips for Applying to Center for Creative Land Recycling

1

Highlight any direct experience with EPA brownfield grants or technical assistance programs, especially in Region 10.

2

Emphasize your work with tribal nations or indigenous communities—include specific projects or partnerships.

3

Mention your proficiency with Salesforce and ArcGIS in your resume and cover letter, as these are preferred skills.

4

Tailor your cover letter to show understanding of CCLR's mission and how your background aligns with their focus on infill development and environmental health.

5

If you have experience organizing conferences or workshops, detail your role in planning and logistics to match the job's emphasis on event coordination.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your commitment to environmental justice and equitable land reuse, with examples from past work.', 'Specific experience with brownfield redevelopment and stakeholder engagement in the Pacific Northwest.', 'Ability to navigate partnerships between federal agencies (EPA), state regulators, and tribal governments.', 'Success in driving outreach campaigns and increasing attendance at educational events.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review CCLR's past projects and success stories on their website, focusing on those in EPA Region 10.
  • → Understand the EPA Brownfields Program and Region 10's specific priorities, including tribal involvement.
  • → Familiarize yourself with key environmental justice policies in Oregon, Idaho, and Washington that affect brownfield redevelopment.
  • → Look into CCLR's board members and recent news to understand their strategic direction and partnerships.
Visit Center for Creative Land Recycling's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a brownfield project you managed—what challenges did you face with community engagement and regulatory hurdles?
2 How would you approach building trust with a tribal nation that has historically been marginalized by environmental policies?
3 What strategies would you use to increase participation in workshops and webinars among public and private entities?
4 Tell us about a time you used data (e.g., GIS) to influence a land-use decision or communicate project impact.
5 How do you stay informed about policy trends in land use and sustainability, and how would you apply that knowledge to CCLR's work?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't mention CCLR's specific mission or the Region 10 focus.
  • Overlooking the requirement to live in OR, ID, or WA—ensure your address clearly shows you're in one of these states.
  • Failing to demonstrate experience with tribal engagement or assuming a one-size-fits-all approach to indigenous communities.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Center for Creative Land Recycling!

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