Research Associate

The WV Brownfields Assistance Center at Marshall University, a program of the Center for Environmental, Geotechnical and Applied Sciences (CEGAS) at Marshall University, has an opening for a Research Associate. We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Entry‑Level Brownfields Professional to support a variety of brownfield redevelopment and environmental assessment projects. This is an excellent opportunity for a recent graduate or early‑career professional looking to build experience in the environmental field, specifically with site reuse, remediation, and community revitalization projects. The ideal candidate will work collaboratively with technical staff, municipal clients, and community partners to assist in moving brownfield sites through the assessment and reuse process. The position will also include assistance as needed to CEGAS and other university entities, including the Appalachian Resiliency Center. The person hired for this position will work throughout WV and the Appalachian region in redevelopment of brownfields, community, county and regional economic development and resiliency initiatives. Reporting to the WV Brownfields Assistance Center Director, the Research Associate will assist with research on multiple site‑specific projects throughout the state with economic development components related to brownfields while also providing project research assistance to CEGAS and Appalachian Resiliency Center projects that will include rural community economic development and resiliency, county‑wide economic endeavors, and region‑based economic development activities. The position will also include direct interaction with project managers and will contribute to outreach and educational service efforts, including conferences, webinars, and training events. Location: MU - Marshall University Salary Range: $40,000 (Salary is commensurate with education, experience, and internal equity) Responsibilities Provide input and project research assistance on multiple site‑specific brownfield projects and activities throughout WV with emphasis on economic development, community vibrancy and resiliency Contribute to the mission and vision of the organization through developing and managing client relationships and research projects for the WV Brownfields Assistance Center and its partner organizations Collect and analyze relevant data; conduct research; write, prepare and edit documents, provide grant writing assistance; and present findings to various audiences Participate in business development activities including composing and/or reviewing proposals for clients, responses to requests for proposals and grant opportunities, meeting with potential clients and preparing informational materials Day‑to‑day interaction/involvement with WV Brownfields Assistance Center Staff, CEGAS staff, and Appalachian Resiliency Center staff to initiate and move projects, initiatives and activities forward Local community and regional‑based outreach, education, research and related data compilation on brownfields, resiliency, and economic development opportunities, including site and community reviews / reconnaissance to compile property and community profile data Research on latest economic development and community resiliency successes, trends, innovations and efforts that may be utilized across WV and the region Manage and participate in brownfields and other related conferences, webinars, and training events Reports to WVBAC Director on activities, efforts and needs on a regular and timely basis Required Qualifications Education Bachelor’s degree in science or business field Experience Minimum of one year of experience in a general science or business field, with contributions that focus on environmental assessment / remediation, community‑based economic development, community resiliency, and/or related field. Experience with Microsoft Office products (Excel, Word, Outlook, etc.) Preferred Qualifications Education Master’s degree in a science or business field Experience More than one year of experience in rural and small community economic development planning, brownfields initiatives, community resiliency initiatives, and/or related fields. Experience with geospatial software. Experience with economic development in small communities and on brownfield properties. Experience with grant writing for federal, state, and/or private funds. #J-18808-Ljbffr