Harm Reduction Environmental Specialist (3 Positions)

About City of Brockton: For nearly 200 years Brockton has retained its distinctive character as a complete community, and benefits from its role in the regional economy. It has excellent transportation access that links employment, employees, education, and services. While other communities in the Greater Boston area have become very expensive places to live or to conduct business, Brockton provides a high-quality alternative that is relatively affordable to all. Brockton provides the benefits that arise from a culturally diverse population and the diversity of its employment base. This is a complete city - with its diverse places to work, study, shop, and live. The neighborhoods are compact, walkable, and endowed with a solid stock of housing. It has a remarkably varied and extensive network of open spaces, cultural and civic institutions. To learn more about what the City has to offer please click here. Job Description: The Harm Reduction Environmental Specialist (HRES) plays a vital role in enhancing the city's image by keeping public areas welcoming, safe, and clean for everyone - residents, businesses, and visitors. A core function of the HRES is to build trust with community members, especially people who actively use drugs, to encourage engagement with supportive services. This involves providing nonjudgmental, trauma-informed information and referrals to harm reduction services. The HRES will also focus on promoting public health and safety by identifying root causes and implementing creative, community-informed strategies. This includes participating in brainstorming and implementing innovative solutions specifically aimed at reducing syringe litter. The scope of work includes, but is not limited to, the remediation of biohazards, clothing, litter, and other biological hazards. These positions will be working in various departments: Building Department, Department of Public Works and the Police Department This is a grant-funded position. Continued employment is contingent upon the availability of ongoing funding, with the current grant scheduled to end in 2036. The position's funding will be reviewed annually from the date of hire. SALARY: $49,140 - $58,240 annually, commensurate with experience Full-time, 35 hours per week, benefited, non-union position Bargaining Unit: N/A To view the respective collective bargaining agreement please click here. REPORTS TO: Department Head/Based on location SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: None ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: * Responsible for maintaining the cleanliness, appearance, and safety of assigned exterior areas within the city. This includes sidewalks, city-owned parking lots, building entrances, and surrounding public spaces. * Serve as a liaison between the city, outreach teams, and individuals experiencing homelessness or substance use disorder. * Sharps Disposal: Primary responsibility for the safe collection and disposal of discarded syringes, needles, and drug-related paraphernalia in parks, walkways and encampments. * Biohazard Remediation: Cleaning and disinfecting public areas affected by public drug use to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases. * Strategic Harm Reduction Partnership: Collaboration with BAMSI COPE Center and the Brockton Neighborhood Health Center to include expansion of ongoing coordination and partnership. * Environmental Triage: Identifying and remediate environmental "concealment" factors (e.g. overgrown brush or poor lighting) that specifically enable unsafe drug use in public corridors. * Other duties as assigned or required. Requirements: QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED AT HIRE: High School diploma or equivalent; a minimum of one (1) years of relevant work experience in outdoor cleaning, facilities maintenance, or similar work; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job. A valid driver's license is required. Training will be provided in harm reduction fundamentals, substance use disorder, overdose response, naloxone administration and other areas identified as necessary. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: * Physical ability to perform manual labor outdoors, including bending, lifting, walking, and standing for extended periods in all weather conditions. * Flexibility to adjust to changing priorities, work environments, and seasonal demands. * Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and complete assigned routes or tasks without direct supervision. * Basic knowledge of cleaning tools, equipment, and chemical safety, including proper usage, storage, and disposal. * Strong attention to detail to ensure thorough cleaning and to identify safety hazards, maintenance issues, or areas needing additional attention. * Strong interpersonal and communication skills for building relationships with community members, partner organizations, and people accessing services. * Documentation of the number of syringes picked up and reporting issues to supervisors clearly and promptly. * In addition to tracking syringe pickups, specialists are expected to document observations and community interactions in a report to supervisors. * A commitment to harm reduction principles and compassionate engagement. * Ability to support and create a welcoming culture of diversity, equity and inclusion amongst diverse audiences Brockton residency is preferred Additional Information: Comprehensive Benefits When you embark on a career with the City of Brockton, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future. Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. The City of Brockton provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, military status, genetic information, pregnancy or a pregnancy-related condition, or membership in any other protected class or any other basis covered by appropriate law. The City of Brockton complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in all locations in which the City operates. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role. If you have Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator, Eisha George, Manager of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, at (508) 897-6439. As a condition of employment, the City of Brockton will conduct a comprehensive background check review which includes a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) and Sex Offender Registry Information (SORI), once an offer has been accepted. Application Instructions: To be considered for this position, please click the APPLY NOW button and follow the STEPS. Please upload Resume and Cover Letter to be considered.

Created: 2026-04-05