Brownfield Program Specialist

Fishbeck; Grand Rapids (MI); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Tuition assistance

Paid holidays

401(k) and profit sharing

Employee ownership opportunities

Hybrid and flexible schedules

Job summary

Fishbeck in Michigan is seeking a Brownfield Program Specialist to help advance redevelopment projects. You will work with developers, governments, and property owners to connect them with incentives, funding, and technical resources.

This role supports grant planning, environmental due diligence, and program management while coordinating with cross‑functional teams. Bachelor’s degree and 1+ year experience preferred; hybrid work options offered.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a related field is required.
• Experience with brownfield redevelopment or economic development is preferred.
• Knowledge of property taxation processes and finance is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and implement economic development tools and strategies to support brownfield redevelopment and community development projects
• Meet with developers, municipal governments, and economic development organizations to evaluate project incentives
• Research and pursue funding opportunities including tax abatements, tax increment financing, grants, and technical resources
• Prepare Brownfield Plans, Act 381 work plans, proposals, grants, and other technical documents, and track implementation
• Support efforts to secure grants and financial assistance for brownfield projects
• Assist with grant compliance and reporting
• Contribute to environmental projects and assist project managers with program strategies
• Present information in public settings as needed

Skills

Verbal and written communication

Grant proposal writing

Organizational skills

Environmental due diligence

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Community Development, Business, Environmental Sciences, or related field

Job description

For over 70 years Fishbeck has been building. As a 100% employee-owned firm, every team member has a stake in what we build together—our work, our reputation, and our future. Now we need to add a Brownfield Program Specialist to help us keep building.

Working with our Brownfield team of scientists, specialists, and program managers, you will connect local governments, developers, and property owners with technical and funding support for brownfield redevelopment projects, with a focus on financial incentives that help move redevelopment projects forward.

What You’ll Do

• Evaluate and implement economic development tools and strategies to support brownfield redevelopment and community development projects
• Meet with developers, municipal governments, and economic development organizations to evaluate project financial incentives
• Research, analyze, and pursue funding opportunities, including property tax abatements, tax increment financing, grants, and technical resources
• Prepare Brownfield Plans, Act 381 work plans, proposals, grants, and other technical documents, and track implementation
• Support efforts to secure grants and financial assistance for brownfield projects
• Assist with grant compliance and reporting
• Contribute to environmental projects and assist project managers with implementing program strategies
• Present information in public settings as needed

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Community Development, Business, Environmental Sciences, or a related field
• 1+ year of experience in brownfield redevelopment, economic development, community planning, public administration, financial management, or related functions
• Knowledge of property taxation processes, finance, economic development, community development, and site development
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including technical writing capabilities
• Strong organizational skills and keen attention to detail
• Exposure to community development and economic development programs
• Experience with grant proposal writing
• Introductory knowledge of environmental due diligence, brownfield plans, and other redevelopment topics
• Ability to occasionally lift and carry, work in normal office conditions, sit and use a computer, travel to and maneuver around project sites, attend client and project meetings, conduct site observations, use technical equipment for communication and documentation, and meet the visual demands of the role

What We Offer

This is an opportunity to join an elite team helping create transformational redevelopment projects across Michigan. You will be challenged to learn and apply new skills, engage in highly meaningful work, and be recognized for your contributions.

Our staff members enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Wellness reimbursement and activities
• Reimbursement and support for tuition, continuing education, and professional/personal development
• Vacation and sick time, volunteer PTO, parental leave, and paid holidays
• Opportunities for hybrid and flexible schedules
• 401(k), profit sharing, and stock ownership opportunities (employee ownership)
• And more!

We are an equal-opportunity employer that is committed to diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or veteran status.

Build Your Future Here

BENEFITS OF WORKING AT FISHBECK

Live well, work well, be well. Fishbeck believes in the benefits of a corporate wellness program and has woven it into our culture. We have been recognized over the years for best practices in work-life balance, diversity and multiculturalism, employee communication and recognition, education and development, and community initiatives.

We are a team at Fishbeck and want to keep our staff happy and healthy. We offer premium benefits to keep you and your family at your best, because we truly believe in the benefit of being well.

SEE MORE ON BENEFITS BELOW.

BENEFITS

Insurance

• Health, Dental, Optical, Life, and AD&D Insurance
• Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Care Insurance
• Health Savings Account
• Flexible Spending Account
• LifeLock

Equity

• 401(k)/ROTH Retirement Plan
• Profit Sharing
• Employee Ownership Opportunities
• Bonus Potential

Education

• Professional/Technical Membership Support
• Technical and LeadershipTraining
• Health and Safety Training
• Customized Orientation
• Tuition Assistance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Challenges
• Wellness Activity Reimbursement
• CPR/First Aid/AED Training

Time away

• Paid Vacation, Holidays, and Medical Absence Time

Day of Service

Employees are encouraged to take a Day of Service each year in support of a non-profit or local charity. This paid time off provides staff with opportunities to serve in new ways, builds camaraderie among teams, and hopes to inspire others to give back.

Diversity & Inclusion

At Fishbeck, we create and maintain an inclusive environment where differences are valued and there is understanding, communication, and respect among all individuals. Our unique culture capitalizes on the strengths resulting from our differences. We are an employer of choice, attracting a diverse workforce that provides innovation and excellence in everything we do.

We actively seek a diverse candidate base and offer career development and internship programs. Once you are on our team, you can expect nondiscriminatory, merit-based promotions, and competitive compensation as we work to nurture and support our talented staff.

CONTACT US

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