About the job
The Alliance of Indiana Rural Water is a non-profit 501(c) 6 corporation that has been a state affiliate of the National Rural Water Association (NRWA) since 1982. The Alliance is a training and technical assistance trade association with over 1,000 members, including utilities and Associate Members throughout the state of Indiana. The Alliance currently has a staff of 19 working with rural and midsized communities across the state. We are currently accepting applications for a Source Water Specialist.
Job Description
The Source Water Specialist provides technical assistance for the creation and implementation of Source Water Protection Plans as well as other on-site training and support primarily for rural and small public drinking water systems in the State of Indiana. This grant is funded by National Rural Water Association through the USDA Farm Service Agency. Candidate must have the ability to work with a team and independently, possess strong communication skills, computer proficiency including use of PowerPoint, a clean driving record, and the ability to pass a background check.
Duties and Responsibilities (not all inclusive)
- Provide assistance and support to both small drinking water systems and to the Indiana Department of Environmental (IDEM) by compiling and documenting data for the creation of Source Water Protection Plans
- Assist with the implementation of existing Source Water Protection Plans by responding to requests, assisting with community outreach, and sharing implementation efforts with IDEM
- Assist in investigations, surveys and studies to compare possible courses of conduct and actions related to management policies or general business operations of rural and small drinking water systems, including all areas of operation, maintenance, management, compliance, health and environmental issues
- Review, analyze and explain policies, rules, regulations, legislation, and laws as they pertain to rural and small drinking water systems
- Work with landowners to promote, signup and implement USDA’s conservation programs in order to preserve, restore, and protect Indiana’s drinking water resources
- Consult with staff and others in government, business, and private organizations to discuss issues, coordinate activities, and resolve problems facing rural and small drinking water systems
- Provide assistance in all areas of operations, maintenance, management, health and environmental issues for small and rural drinking water systems
- Provide the type of on-site assistance that offers “training” rather than “fixing”
- Travel extensively throughout the state to offer on-site technical assistance and perform trainings or other requests as needed. Occasionally travel outside the state as needed for conferences and trainings
- Attend National Rural Water Association (NRWA) sponsored in-service training programs and other training sessions as appropriate to obtain skills necessary for assisting small and rural drinking water systems and governing bodies
- Create technical outreach material such as newsletter articles, brochures, flyers, and displays as needed to fulfill the requirements of the position and to aide in the implementation of Source Water Protection Plans
- Respond to inquiries from drinking water systems, consumers, government agencies, and others regarding technical matters in a timely manner
- Participate in activities to promote and expand membership, training courses, conferences and other services. Provide assistance for association sponsored conferences, seminars and workshops
- Ensure grant/contract requirements are fulfilled or exceeded, which may include annual planning symposiums, meeting minimum Source Water Protection Plan requirements, meeting on-site technical assistance requirements, or other requirements according to the grant/contract terms
- Accept responsibility for all equipment issued to his/her care and ensure proper care and maintenance as prescribed by the manufacturer of specific equipment. Records of such maintenance shall be maintained for each piece of equipment
- Accurately complete and submit required monthly and yearly reporting documents in a timely fashion
- Attend all staff or other meetings as requested
- All other duties as assigned
Education, Skills, & Abilities
- The Source Water Protection Specialist should possess, at a minimum, any combination of education equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with major course work in geology, hydrology, water resource management, environmental science, or a related field and/or multi-year experience in a compatible area with drinking water protection or land use planning
- Experience working with GIS is required
- Knowledge of local government operations and public utilities is preferred
- Knowledge and understanding of environmental limitations impacting water users in Indiana is preferred
- A background working with the agriculture industry would be beneficial to the position
- Highly skilled in public speaking to all levels of management and community residents in a professional manner
- Proven ability to work with diverse groups and develop a consensus using mediation and conflict resolution skills
- Self-motivated with the ability to work independently to complete projects on time without daily supervision and ability to exercise discretion and while working autonomously and presenting sensitive information to diverse interest groups
- Strong planning and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects concurrently and prioritize requests to ensure those requests with serious health or economic risks are resolved first
- Basic to intermediate skills in Microsoft software applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Publisher. Ability to learn new technology and apply skills for the benefit of the position is preferred
- Ability to travel extensively, self-manage job tasks appropriately, and work occasional weekends
Travel
- Individual would be provided with a company vehicle
- Travel to onsite trainings, events, staff meetings, and to fulfill grant duties throughout the state of Indiana
- Work from home on days not traveling
- Travel within Indiana for Alliance events is required (5-6 times per year)
- Travel is required for out-of-state conferences with NRWA (2 times per year)
Job Type & Benefits
Schedule: Full-time, Monday to Friday
Work Location: Remote / Hybrid
Salary: To be discussed
Outstanding Benefits:
- Medical, Dental and Vision – employee portion of premium is paid 100% by employer, eligible dependents 2/3 coverage
- Health Savings Account with monthly employer contribution
- Basic Life – provided by employer. Voluntary Life and AD&D is available for an additional fee
- 401K with generous match up to 10%
- Generous PTO – 13 paid holidays, paid vacation within the first year, sick & personal days
- Flexible schedule and excellent organization culture
