Technical Specialist

Job Description

The Technical Specialist is an experienced professional with technical and managerial expertise in water infrastructure.

The Specialist will work both independently and collaboratively to manage technical projects and advise utility and community participants.

The Specialist will apply their technical and academic training and hands-on work experience to address the operational and infrastructure challenges facing water or wastewater utilities, particularly in economically distressed communities.

This position will lead project and grant management.

This position will also seek out and develop new funding sources to further the mission of the Syracuse University Center for Sustainable Community Solutions Environmental Finance Center.

Travel will be required and may include overnight trips within New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, and other locations. External collaboration with external partners including community-based organizations, collaborators from other universities, and state and federal agency staff is anticipated.

This position will report directly to the Director of the CSCS and to receive supervision from Assistant Director of Water Resiliency.

This position is anticipated to be filled in the Syracuse, New York area. Candidates may be considered on a fully remote basis if residing outside of the Syracuse / Central New York area.

Not all geographical areas within the United States are eligible. Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in any of the following : environmental / earth science, civil / environmental / chemical engineering, environmental management / studies, or related field.
• At least 5 years of full-time experience working in water or wastewater operations and compliance, including experience in consulting, system operations, or local government roles.

Job Specific Qualifications

• Knowledge of the basic design, operation and compliance of water treatment and distribution systems and / or wastewater treatment and collection systems.
• Water and wastewater utility, regulatory and / or consulting experience.
• Experience writing and reviewing technical documents and designs.
• Project management experience.
• Water / Wastewater Operator certification and / or Professional Engineer (PE) is a plus. This job may be a good fit for former operators or engineers looking for greater professional flexibility.
• Spanish language proficiency is a plus.

Responsibilities

Provide technical assistance to water or wastewater utilities and local governments on the treatment and distribution / collection of water.

Areas of assistance may include :

• Drinking water source availability and quality
• Water and wastewater treatment processes
• Treated water distribution and / or wastewater collection
• Evaluation of a utilities technical, managerial, and financial data and records
• Water and wastewater environmental regulations and permitting requirements
• Water Infrastructure funding and financing
• Asset management and capital planning
• Manage grant-related program needs, such as collaborations with community partners, academic institutions, and other external organizations to fulfill grant deliverables, including trainings, technical projects, and resource development.

Manage grant program deliverables and reporting as needed.

• Schedule and complete site visits, using technical expertise to assess infrastructure needs and capture community priorities.
• Prepare technical reports, workplans, and tracking documents.
• Facilitate internal and external meetings, workshops, and events.
• Lead outreach to community contacts, demonstrating cultural competency and a strong community engagement skillset.
• Research and synthesize best management practices, case studies, and project outcomes.
• Work with communications team members to creatively articulate project outcomes across digital and print media.
• Present technical subjects at conferences, regional meetings, and other convenings, translating technical subjects into clear, plain-language messages and calls-to-action.
• Initiate, foster, and strengthen synergistic relationships in NY and throughout the U.S. that enhance the Center’s programming and benefit its partners and stakeholders and their communities.
• Identify and pursue new funding opportunities related to community and infrastructure resiliency.
• Conceptualize innovative and effective new programs and integrate them by writing grant proposal applications for future funding opportunities;

and develop reports for work conducted, completed grant deliverables, and program impacts.

Physical Requirements Not Applicable Tools / Equipment Not Applicable