Global Emergency Relief, Recovery & Reconstruction (GER3)

GER3 Eaton Fire Recovery Program

Smoke Remediation Project Manager

Scope of Work

Status: Full-time, exempt

Start date: ASAP

Duration: 3 months with possibility for extension

Location: Los Angeles area, with preference for proximity to Altadena/Pasadena area.

Compensation: To be discussed

Organization & Operation

Founded in 2017, Global Emergency Relief, Recovery & Reconstruction (GER3) in a non-profit organization that supports crisis-affected communities to build back better. GER3 is committed to using sustainable, culturally appropriate and community-led interventions.

The January 2025 Los Angeles wildfires claimed the lives of at least 17 people and charred over 45,000 acres of land. Over 10,000 structures are reported to have been destroyed by the Eaton fire. Over 130,000 individuals have evacuated the area and face an uncertain return to their communities. More than 1.2 million people were directly impacted by the wildfires, with thousands losing their homes, farms, and businesses. Approximately 85,000 individuals sought refuge in temporary shelters, while many more were forced to relocate with relatives or friends. Many community centers, which served as gathering places and resource hubs, were either destroyed or rendered inoperable, leaving residents without critical support systems.

California’s wildfires have increasingly shifted from being rural to urban events that devastate entire residential and commercial neighborhoods, highlighting the urgent need to implement robust community emergency preparedness planning, environmental regeneration, and fire mitigation techniques. Due to the vast devastation left in the wake of the Eaton fires, GER3 is committed to addressing these challenges by implementing technical, evidence-based strategies to adapt and strengthen community resilience to fire events, incorporating fire-resistant building techniques, public education, and nature-based solutions.

Position Overview

GER3 is seeking a Smoke Remediation Project Manager to startup, oversee and manage smoke remediation operations in response to the Eaton wildfires in Altadena. This role is responsible for leading remediation crews, ensuring job site safety, managing project timelines, and coordinating cleaning efforts to restore affected properties. The ideal candidate will have experience in environmental remediation or construction site management, with strong leadership, organizational, and operational skills.

This role requires flexibility and adaptability. The Smoke Remediation Project Manager must be prepared to pivot strategies, adjust remediation approaches, and support new initiatives as needed to maximize the overall impact of GER3’s wildfire recovery efforts.

Key Responsibilities

Project Management & Timeline Execution

• Own, establish and kickstart foundational systems and programming for all Smoke Remediation activities.
• Develop and manage a detailed project plan and work schedules, ensuring remediation activities remain on track, and all requirements for the work are being met.
• Coordinate logistics for personnel, equipment, and cleaning supplies.
• Monitor progress against established timelines and adjust strategies as needed to meet goals.

Crew & Operations Management

• Supervise and manage teams of smoke remediation workers, ensuring efficiency and high-quality work.
• Lead daily briefings, assign tasks, and monitor team performance to meet project goals.
• Oversee cleaning operations, ensuring proper techniques and protocols are followed.
• Implement and enforce GER3’s standards for smoke remediation, decontamination, and air quality control.

Training, Onboarding & Team Leadership

• Ensure training materials are comprehensive and support any adjustments needed.
• Onboard and train new remediation crew members, ensuring they understand safety protocols and remediation procedures.
• Conduct hands-on training sessions on proper use of cleaning agents, equipment, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Foster a strong team culture, ensuring workers are motivated, engaged, and supported throughout operations.

Job Site Safety & Compliance

• Enforce safety regulations and industry best practices, ensuring adherence to OSHA, EPA, and GER3 safety guidelines.
• Conduct daily safety checks and risk assessments, addressing hazards proactively.
• Ensure all personnel use appropriate PPE and follow decontamination protocols.
• Maintain accurate safety documentation, incident reports, and compliance records.

Financial & Resource Management

• Track expenses and ensure remediation activities remain within budget constraints.
• Manage inventory of cleaning supplies and PPE, coordinating procurement as necessary.
• Provide financial reports on resource usage and operational costs.

Stakeholder Coordination & Reporting

• Liaise with local officials, community members, property owners, and GER3 leadership to ensure alignment on remediation efforts.
• Maintain clear communication with partners and program staff regarding project progress.
• Prepare and submit regular reports on remediation activities, team performance, and impact.

Program Flexibility & Adaptability

• Adapt to new initiatives, evolving program priorities, and operational changes to enhance program impact.
• Collaborate with GER3 leadership to optimize remediation strategies and pivot approaches as needed to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
• Take initiative in identifying opportunities for innovation, process improvements, and expanded program support.

Qualifications & Requirements

• 3+ years of experience in smoke remediation, environmental remediation, construction management, or a related field.
• Proven leadership experience managing teams in field operations.
• Ability to effectively train and mentor crews in technical cleaning and decontamination procedures.
• Understanding of job site safety regulations, including OSHA and EPA guidelines.
• Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Financial literacy and experience managing budgets or project expenses.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.
• Ability to work in physically demanding conditions, including wearing PPE for extended periods.
• Flexibility to adapt to evolving program needs, operational adjustments, and new initiatives.
• Resides in Los Angeles area, preferably in proximity to Altadena.

This position is a critical part of GER3’s wildfire recovery efforts, helping restore homes and buildings impacted by smoke damage. If you are a results-driven leader with a passion for disaster response and the flexibility to adapt and contribute to the overall success of the program, we encourage you to apply.

Reporting Lines:

This position will report directly to the GER3 Program Lead.

Schedule:

This position will be a fixed-term employment for 3 months, with the possibility for extension.

How to Apply:

Please send your resume and cover letter to recruitment@ger3.org no later than Friday, April 18, with "Smoke Remediation Project Manager" as the subject title of your email.