Wastewater Technical Assistance & Training Specialist

Program Management

If you would like to know a bit more about this opportunity, or are considering applying, then please read the following job information.

• Submit travel plans in a timely manner to online travel calendar, and as needed when plans change.
• Produce and follow a yearly Operational Plan as required by NRWA.
• Visit a USDA Rural Development District office as required by NRWA.
• Produce and submit reports as required by ARWA and NRWA in established formats to meet required due dates.
• Provide ARWA office with accurate travel vouchers, timesheets, etc. by the required due dates.
• Keep all expenses within budget.
• Comply with all NRWA USDA Wastewater TAT program procedures and requirements.
• Provide monthly Board report of prior month’s activity to Office Manager by third working day of each month in established format.

Onsite Assistance

• Plan, coordinate, advertise, track registration, and print / mail certificates as needed for all wastewater training.
• Complete a minimum of 23 quality onsite contacts per month with eligible systems in accordance with NRWA requirements.
• Geographically travel the entire state as much as possible, coordinating with other program staff to minimize duplicate visits.
• Contact as many new systems as possible during any given contract year and solicit new members.
• Coordinate technical assistance activity with other ARWA staff.
• Properly prioritize technical requests according to need.
• Focus on training, rather than fixing, when conducting onsite technical assistance.
• Organize and implement wastewater training sessions per program year; coordinate with EPA Training Coordinator / Office Manager.
• Use ARWA equipment in a professional manner, following all required asset management requirements.
• Adhere to OSHA / AKOSHA procedures at all times.
• Plan travel as efficiently as possible to minimize expense, including overtime, and maximize geographic coverage.
• Introduce new wastewater training regularly to meet system needs, requests, requirements, and to stimulate new attendance.

Training

• Attend training sessions conducted by ARWA, as time and work load permit.
• Promote attendance to all ARWA training sessions and conferences.
• Assist in ARWA conference agenda development / implementation and securing speakers and vendors.
• Attend and actively participate in ARWA conference(s).
• Attend NRWA In-Service training and Annual WaterPro Conference as required.
• Continually strive to improve training skills and knowledge of the wastewater field.

Other

• Promote and support ARWA’s mission and goals at all times; show initiative and creativity in furthering the mission and goals.
• Attend and actively participate in staff meetings and all other meetings as required.
• Write articles for ARWA magazine and others as required or requested and submit by established due dates.
• Assist with membership development and retention.
• Project a friendly, helpful, positive attitude to the public and fellow employees.
• Project a professional appearance and attitude at all times.
• Must be a team player.
• Provide safe and reliable transportation; personal vehicle to have insurance in accordance with ARWA policies and state laws at all times.
• Maintain Alaska driver’s license in accordance with state law.
• Adhere to all ARWA Employee Manual, policies, and procedures.

Skills / Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Multi-year employment required (5 years minimum preferred) in working for, operating, maintaining, or managing a rural / community water / wastewater system with an ADEC Level 1 or higher certification for wastewater collection and / or treatment (or other state equivalent).
• A well-rounded technical knowledge of operating, maintaining, and managing a rural / community wastewater system.
• An understanding of budget / financial conditions.
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally, and in writing with operators, decision makers, regulatory agencies, and other professionals.
• Ability to identify, locate, and explain wastewater problems to field personnel and decision makers and provide suggestions for solutions.
• Knowledge and understanding of regulations, monitoring, and reporting requirements.
• Willingness and ability to travel extensively throughout the state.
• Ability to coordinate and / or conduct wastewater training to diverse groups.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, and Outlook).
• Experience with utilities in cold weather climates.

Preferred Qualifications

Backflow tester certified, or the ability to become certified within one year.

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