Brownsfield Workforce Development Program

Train for Environmental, Transportation & Green Infrastructure Careers

Measuring Success

Success will be measured through participant engagement, training completion, certifications earned, employment outcomes, continued education, and career advancement.

By maintaining contact with participants after graduation, Lifers can better understand long-term outcomes while continuing to support participants as they pursue their goals.

Lifers Leaving a Legacy is proud to lead a workforce development initiative designed to help Oakland residents gain industry-recognized training, certifications, and career pathways in environmental, transportation, and green infrastructure fields.

Through support from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Brownfields Program, 60 Oakland residents from Communities of Concern will have the opportunity to participate in workforce training designed to prepare them for in-demand careers while contributing to healthier, more resilient communities.

The program is scheduled to launch in July 2026, with participant recruitment and selection taking place during the third quarter of 2026.

Interested residents can complete the interest form below to be considered for participation.

What Is the Brownfields Workforce Development Program?

The EPA Brownfields Workforce Development Program helps communities prepare local residents for careers connected to environmental improvement, public health, transportation, infrastructure, and sustainability.

The program creates opportunities for residents to gain valuable skills, earn certifications, and access career pathways that support both individual success and community revitalization.

By investing in local talent, the program helps ensure that residents can participate in the economic opportunities created through environmental and infrastructure investments.

Why This Program Matters

Strong communities need skilled workers.

As Oakland continues investing in environmental health, transportation, sustainability, and community improvement, there is growing demand for trained professionals who can help support that work.

This program helps connect residents to career opportunities while helping build a workforce prepared to contribute to Oakland's future.

Training Opportunities

Participants selected for the program will have the opportunity to receive training in one of the following areas:

Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

Prepare for careers in transportation, logistics, freight movement, and related industries that help keep goods moving throughout the region.

HAZWOPER & Environmental Safety

Receive industry-recognized environmental health and safety training that can prepare you for careers in environmental cleanup, remediation, hazardous materials operations, public works, and related fields.

Urban Forestry

Learn skills that support tree planting, environmental stewardship, climate resilience, and community beautification efforts throughout Oakland.

Program Structure

The program combines classroom instruction, hands-on learning, workforce preparation, and practical training experiences.

Most training will be delivered in person to provide direct access to instructors, equipment, and real-world learning opportunities. Some coursework and supplemental learning activities may be completed online.

Participants will gain both technical knowledge and practical experience designed to support future career success.

Our Partners

Lifers Leaving a Legacy

Lead organization responsible for outreach, recruitment, participant support, and overall program management.

Performing Solutions

Oakland-based workforce training provider delivering CDL and HAZWOPER instruction and certification preparation.

Common Vision

Environmental education and urban forestry partner providing hands-on training and environmental stewardship experiences.

Who Should Apply?

This opportunity is open to Oakland residents who are interested in building new skills, earning certifications, and pursuing career opportunities in environmental, transportation, and green infrastructure fields.

Ideal candidates may include:

Individuals seeking a new career pathway
Underemployed or unemployed residents
Individuals interested in environmental work
Residents interested in transportation and logistics careers
Community members committed to improving Oakland neighborhoods

No prior experience is required.

Selection Process

Participation is limited to 60 residents.

Interested individuals must complete the application form below. Applications will be reviewed through a competitive selection process designed to identify participants who demonstrate interest, commitment, and readiness to participate in the program.

Selected participants will be notified following the completion of the review process during Q3 2026.

Program Timeline

July 2026

Program Launch

Q3 2026

Participant Recruitment and Selection

Fall 2026

Training Cohorts Begin

2026–2028

Graduate Engagement and Outcome Tracking

Long-Term Participant Support

Lifers is committed to supporting participant success beyond the classroom.

Program graduates will remain connected to the initiative through ongoing communication, resource sharing, and engagement opportunities designed to support continued growth and career development.

For up to two years following program completion, Lifers will track participant outcomes and program impact, including employment, credential attainment, continued education, and career advancement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a cost to participate?

Program details, including participant costs (if any), will be provided during recruitment.

Do I need prior experience?

No. Individuals from a variety of backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

How many participants will be selected?

A total of 60 Oakland residents will be selected.

Will training be in person?

Most training will be conducted in person, with some supplemental coursework completed online.

When will participants be notified?

Selection is expected to be completed during Q3 2026.

Apply Today

Take the first step toward gaining new skills, earning industry-recognized credentials, and preparing for future career opportunities.

Complete the interest form below to learn more and be considered for participation.

Train. Certify. Build Your Future.

Lifers - Community Scientist

Uplifting communities.