Rural Development Specialist- Environmental (Job #97) (Southern, CA)

Company: Rural Community Assistance Corporation
Location: San Luis Obispo
Posted on: May 21, 2023

Job Description:

The Rural Development Specialist (RDS) provides technical, managerial, and financial (TMF) assistance to small, disadvantaged community water and wastewater utilities so that they can operate sustainably and deliver quality services to the communities served. - The RDS works closely with rural residents and utility staff to assist them in applying for funding for the development, operation and management of water or wastewater infrastructure improvement projects. The RDS works closely with state and federal funding and regulatory agencies throughout the entire funding application and infrastructure development process.Specific job goals, objectives and tasks are established for each employee as part of the annual evaluation process. Duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Coordinate state and federal funding application processes for identified small utilities
• Coordinate reviews by funding and regulatory agencies of engineering plans, designs and specifications for water and wastewater infrastructure improvement projects
• Assess the needs of local partners and recommend solutions
• Build technical, managerial, and/or financial capacity
• Access financial resources to address local needs
• Promote and facilitate partnerships to maximize limited resources
• Develop, prepare, and deliver group and one-on-one trainings, in person and online
• Provide excellent customer service
• Prepare activity and outcome reports as required
• Perform other duties as assignedSkills and Qualifications
  • Ability to manage technical aspects of field work related to water and/or wastewater
  • Facilitation, mediation, and meeting management skills
  • Familiarity with rural and indigenous community dynamics
  • Ability to troubleshoot, innovate, and problem-solve
  • Proficiency with personal computers including Microsoft Office
  • Familiarity with online training platforms preferred
  • Ability to complete administrative and reporting requirements related to work responsibilities in a timely manner
  • Ability to listen effectively and communicate, verbally and in writing
  • Ability to work with minimum supervision and handle multiple priorities simultaneously
  • Ability to work independently as well as in team environments Physical Job Requirements:The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. - Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable persons with disabilities to perform the essential functions. - - Work performed in an office requires the ability to operate computers and various pieces of office equipment, including telephones. Use may be moderate (average two hours per day) to heavy (four or more hours per day)While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to stand and/or sit for prolonged periods of time; walk; talk; hear; use hand to finger; handle; feel or operate objects, tools or controls; and reach with hands and arms. - The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.The employee may occasionally lift and or move up to 25 pounds. - Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.This position also requires moderate (up to two days per month) to heavy (up to 10 days per month) automobile and airline travel, including overnight travel. Preferred Education and Experience:A combination of experience and education is required to qualify for the position. A typical qualifying combination would be:Experience: Three years of applicable experience in water, wastewater, environmental project management, or other closely related field (if a higher level of related education is possessed than is required, this education may be substituted for the experience requirement up to a maximum of one year). Experience in training, facilitating and mediating community programs/projects is highly desirable. Education:High School diploma or equivalent with qualifying experience required.Bachelor's degree preferred Certifications: - - - - - CA SWRCB Drinking Water Treatment and/or Distribution operator certification is - - -preferred - - - - - CA SWRCB Wastewater Operator Certification is preferred - - - - - Other state DW/WW certifications are acceptableSpecial Requirements:Possession of a valid driver's license and proof of insurance that meets the minimum requirements ($100,000/$300,000) of RCAC corporate liability policy may be required when traveling for business purposes.RCAC employees are federally mandated to be vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment, subject to reasonable accommodation as required by law.PI216806177

Keywords: Rural Community Assistance Corporation, San Luis Obispo , Rural Development Specialist- Environmental (Job #97) (Southern, CA), Other , San Luis Obispo, California