CORE is seeking an experienced and driven Program Manager to oversee the cleaning and restoration of homes affected by ash and smoke from recent wildfires in the Los Angeles area. This role is crucial in ensuring families can safely return to their homes by coordinating cleaning operations, managing resources, and collaborating with key partners in asbestos testing, porous material washing, and home restoration efforts. This is a 2-month temporary position with potential extension based on available funding.
The ideal candidate has experience in wildfire recovery, disaster response, and home remediation, particularly in addressing smoke damage, indoor air quality, and community-based recovery efforts.
Key Responsibilities
Program Management:
Develop and implement the project’s overall strategy, including timelines, procedures, and resources to ensure successful cleaning and restoration of affected homes.
Establish a structured process for conducting assessments, cleaning, and transitioning families back into their homes, ensuring minimal disruption and maximum efficiency.
Ensure compliance with environmental and safety standards, including proper handling and disposal of hazardous materials, and confirm that asbestos testing is completed where required.
Track progress and adjust schedules and staffing as needed to meet demand.
Family & Partner Coordination:
Co-Lead efforts with local partners to identify and prioritize families in need of cleaning services by managing an intake system and working with partners to assess immediate needs.
Liaise with vendors, and other stakeholders to coordinate and deliver asbestos testing, cleaning, and other necessary services.
Communicate with affected families regularly to ensure they understand the restoration process, answer questions, and provide ongoing support.
Training & Capacity Building:
Facilitate training sessions for field teams on safe cleaning practices, smoke remediation techniques, and PPE usage.
Create and update training materials, operational guides, and best practices for home cleaning in wildfire-impacted areas.
Build local capacity by co-training community members on proper cleaning procedures and smoke remediation.
Resource Allocation and Budgeting:
Manage a team of cleaners and contractors ensuring all parties have the resources and equipment necessary for effective operation.
Oversee project budgets and expenditures, ensuring cost efficiency while delivering high-quality results.
Identify opportunities and draft proposals for additional funding and resource mobilization to sustain operations.
Deliverables for this Role Include
Successful implementation of home cleaning and smoke restoration initiatives.
Development and facilitation of training materials and operational guides.
Post-response reports detailing program impact, challenges, and lessons learned.
Strengthened local capacity for future wildfire recovery efforts.
Scope and Travel
May be called upon for emergency response deployments if available.
Will directly supervise field teams and coordinate with emergency response stakeholders.
Expected to lead training and community outreach efforts in both remote and in-person settings.
Must be based in Los Angeles
Qualifications for this Role
Bachelor’s degree in project management, Environmental Science, Public Health, Emergency Management, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
Minimum 3 years of experience in project management, particularly in crisis response or home restoration, ideally in a wildfire recovery setting.
Strong understanding of cleaning procedures, hazardous material handling, and environmental regulations, including asbestos and smoke-related damage.
Valid Driver’s License with no significant infractions in the last five years.
Experience
Experience in wildfire response and home cleaning operations.
Knowledge of indoor air quality improvement techniques and remediation best practices.
Experience in training facilitation, capacity building, and volunteer management.
Practical experience in one or more of the following areas is highly desirable:
Smoke remediation
HEPA vacuuming & air filtration
Wildfire debris removal
Emergency home repair
Skills & Competencies
Strong leadership and crisis management skills in high-stress environments.
Bilingual candidates preferred (Spanish highly desirable).
Ability to develop training curriculums, operational documents, and field guides.
Strong logistics coordination, budgeting, and procurement management skills.
Excellent stakeholder engagement and partnership-building abilities.
Knowledge of VOADs, humanitarian standards, and wildfire recovery frameworks.
