Posted on Aug 24, 2021
Major responsibilities include, but not limited to: provide technical assistance; plan and deliver training; perform outreach and networking; program development; perform research and analysis and publish results; administrative duties. Work performed may be in the technical areas of: wastewater, water and solid waste operations, management and financing. This position would work mostly in Southwest Virginia and in collaboration with other areas of the state of Virginia. This is a full-time position.
 
 
AGENCY DESCRIPTION:
SERCAP is a regional program operating in seven states (Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida) to provide training and technical assistance to low-income communities and community based organizations to assist with developing affordable safe drinking water/sanitary waste facilities and other needed services to serve low-income rural residents.
 
JOB TITLE: Technical Assistance Provider (TAP) — Southwest Virginia
 
SALARY:  $45,000
 
DUTIES:
 
  • Conduct operation and maintenance evaluations — work with clients to evaluate the conditions of water and/or wastewater facilities; make recommendations for improvements, disaster preparedness, priorities, repairs or staff development.
  • Provide technical assistance - deliver direct technical assistance and service to clients; develop projects to address community needs and meet grant requirements; work one on one with utility operators, managers and decision makers demonstrating proper techniques used to operate a small utility and maintain facility equipment.
  • Training - plan, prepare and deliver technical training at various conferences institutes, workshops, clinics or client agencies to meet or exceed grant deliverables.
  • Outreach and networks - participate in networks and associations; form and maintain links between regulatory and funding agencies and/or other networks; perform facilitation for clients and funders;
  • Maintain current information on environmental programs, policies and regulations; market state and SERCAP programs.
  • Program development - in coordination with State Manager, Department Director and Director of Planning may participate in development of funding strategies; initiate contacts and identify opportunities; determine scope of work with funders; coordinate, write, develop and submit small proposals; work as a team member on large proposals.
  • Finance - market and represent SERCAP and the loan fund.; assist potential clients with application preparation and submission
  • Research, analysis and publications - remain current on applicable government regulations and policies in each state served; comment on the impact of proposed regulations and policies; analyze rural development issues and needs; develop policy and technical papers, articles and manuals for SERCAP and other publications.
  • Asset management and mapping using GIS/GPS.
  • Administrative - assemble and lead project teams; prepare written reports and documentation of activities; meet reporting deadlines; write articles for publication and newsletter; maintain contact with funders; respond to inquiries as needed; make timely additions and entries in the DCS database.
  • Work plan management — work with State Manger to develop and/or maintain project work plans; maintain accurate records of progress; monitor implementation and compliance.
Job Requirements
 
QUALIFICATIONS:
 
Preferred Education and Experience:
 
A combination of experience and education is necessary to qualify for the position. A typical qualifying combination may include:
 
Experience:
 
Five (5) years of any combination of applicable experience in a public water and/or wastewater utility. This includes: management, water, wastewater operation & maintenance. Experience in a small or medium-sized utility is highly desirable. Experience in teaching or conducting training is also highly desirable. (Education/specialized utility training may be partially substituted for the experience).
 
 
Acceptable Education:
 
Special course work related to the field of water and wastewater. Operator Certification in either wastewater or water in any of the states where the job is to be performed is highly desirable. (Bachelor’s Degree preferred, but additional qualifying experience may be substituted for education).
 
Special Requirements:
 
  Waterworks and/or Wastewater Works Operator Certification and/or utility management experience is a plus.
  Possession of a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance that meets the minimum requirements ($100,000/$300,000) of SERCAP corporate liability policy will be required when traveling for business purposes.
 
Knowledge of:
  • Water and Wastewater systems, particularly systems under 10,000 in population
  • Federal and State Laws impacting water and wastewater utilities
  • Resources available to small rural systems
  • Personal computers including word processing (preferably Word), spreadsheet and presentation programs
  • English language, grammar, spelling and punctuation
  • Federal, state, and local government agencies, programs, issues and regulations related to rural water and wastewater systems and facilities
  • Communication, facilitation, mediation and meeting management skills
  • Nonprofit, local agency and rural community organizations
  • General record keeping practices
  • General office procedures
  • Principles of adult learning
Ability to:
  • Use a personal computer at a high-level of proficiency. Use spreadsheet, database and presentation programs
  • Participate in and occasionally facilitate online meetings and web-based training
  • Proofread and edit documents
  • Demonstrate a high level of customer service skills
  • Work with minimum supervision and handle multiple priorities simultaneously
  • Follow detailed instructions
  • Use initiative to approach troubleshooting and problem-solving alternatives
  • Organize and prioritize work to meet established timelines
  • Effectively listen and communicate, both verbally and in writing
  • Perform research and analysis
  • Facilitate meetings
  • Write and deliver reports, articles and case studies
  • Develop and deliver training for adult learners
  • Manage time effectively and meet deadlines
Physical Job Requirements:
 
Light — lifting overhead (25 pounds or less), filing, operating fax machine, operating copier/printer, operating 10-key, data entry (average one hour or less per day per activity)
 
Moderate — lifting (50 pounds or less), word processing, operating telephone, standing, walking (average two hours per day per activity), airline travel (five days per month average)
 
Heavy — sitting (average four hours per day) automobile travel (average ten or more days per month)
 
 
OFFICE: This position will be remote work with regular travel to the state office for meetings.
 
SUPERVISED BY:  State Manager
 
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