General Purpose:

Under general supervision of the Regional Field Manager, this role provides technical, managerial, and financial (TMF) assistance to small, disadvantaged community water and wastewater systems so they can operate sustainably and deliver quality services to the communities served. The Consultant works closely with rural and Indigenous residents and local leaders to assist them to develop and manage water, wastewater, or solid waste systems. Additionally, the Consultant prepares and delivers classroom and individual trainings as needed to build the capacity of local partners.

Specific job goals, objectives and tasks are established for each employee as part of the annual evaluation and work plan process. The statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all qualifications, responsibilities, duties, and skills required.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assess the needs of our clients and recommend solutions to the needs identified.
• Build technical, managerial, and/or financial capacity at small utilities.
• Manage relationships with client communities and utilities.
• Help clients access financial resources to address drinking water, wastewater, and solid waste needs.
• Recommend and implement solutions.
• Promote and facilitate partnerships to maximize limited resources.
• Develop, prepare, and deliver group and one-on-one trainings.
• Provide excellent customer service.
• Prepare activity and outcome reports as required.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Supervision Exercised:

No supervision exercised.

Minimum Qualifications and Necessary Requirements:

• EQUIVALENT: Combination of education and experience can meet minimum qualifications.
• EDUCATION: High school diploma or equivalent with qualifying experience. Bachelor's degree in a related field preferred.
• LICENSE/CERTIFICATION: Valid driver's license and proof of insurance that meets the minimum requirements ($100,000/$300,000) of RCAC corporate liability policy.
• EXPERIENCE: One to three years of water, wastewater, environmental project management experience. Commitment to rural communities, drinking water access, or health equity issues.
• Must pass a criminal background investigation prior to employment.

Candidates with less than the minimum combination of experience and education are encouraged to apply and will be considered for a Trainee-level position (Grade 9, salary range $70,775 - $76,342). 

Candidates with additional experience, education and/or qualifications may be considered for Small Utility Consultant II (Grade 11, salary range $85,670 - $92,408). A Small Utility Consultant II is responsible for all the duties listed above with minimal oversight and will be expected to handle more complex tasks than a Small Utility Consultant I. A typical qualifying combination for the Small Utility Consultant II positions would be:

Experience:

Seven years of water, wastewater, environmental project management experience or in related field. Commitment to rural communities, drinking water access, or health equity issues.

Education:

High school diploma or equivalent with qualifying experience. Bachelor's degree in a related field preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Comprehensive understanding of technical, managerial, and financial operations of small water and wastewater utilities.
• Familiarity with rural and tribal community cultures, values, and social norms.
• Knowledge of project management processes, including scopes of work (SOW), RFP/RFQ procedures, procurement, and contract oversight.
• Proficient in planning, scheduling, and managing grants and projects.
• Advanced proficiency with personal computers, cloud computing platforms, Microsoft Office Suite, and video conferencing tools.
• Skilled in facilitation, mediation, and effective meeting management.
• Strong organizational and coordination capabilities.
• Experienced in database and records management.
• Excellent customer service and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Proficient in supervising, training, and evaluating staff.
• Skilled in developing, writing, and submitting funding proposals.
• Capable of supervising staff and subcontractors and leading program implementation.
• Able to work independently while managing multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Skilled in designing and delivering participant-centered trainings and workshops.
• Strong written communication skills, including composing and editing professional materials.
• Able to make sound administrative and procedural decisions.
• Proficient in gathering data, compiling information, and preparing accurate reports.
• Able to follow verbal and written instructions effectively.
• Skilled in building and maintaining professional relationships across diverse social and cultural backgrounds.
• Trusted to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.
• Analytical thinker with the ability to assess situations and determine appropriate actions.
• Reliable in meeting strict timelines and managing competing priorities.

Preferred Requirements:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree
• Experience and familiarity with rural and Tribal community dynamics
• Water or wastewater operator certification
• Bilingual in languages spoken in our client communities (including, but not limited to Spanish, Navajo, Yup'ik, Salish)

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to walk. The employee occasionally is required to stand; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and depth perception.

Working Conditions:

Work is typically performed in an office with a moderate noise level. Evening and/or weekend work may be required. Travel is required, including regular visits to remote rural and Indigenous communities that may lack cell service and other modern amenities.