Full job description
Are you passionate about protecting Maine’s drinking water? Do you thrive on grassroots collaboration and making a real impact in communities? The Maine Rural Water Association (MRWA) is seeking a Source Water Protection Managerto lead efforts in safeguarding public water supplies across the state.
In this role, you’ll work closely with small water utilities, municipalities, farmers, businesses, and local organizations to develop and implement voluntary source water protection plans. You’ll provide hands-on assistance, conduct site visits, and educate stakeholders on proactive strategies to prevent water contamination.
This position offers an exciting opportunity to travel across Maine, engage with diverse communities, and contribute to long-term environmental sustainability. If you have experience in environmental science, watershed management, or water quality protection—and you’re ready to make a difference—we’d love to hear from you!
Job Summary:
The Source Water Protection Manager will lead grassroots efforts to safeguard public drinking water supplies throughout Maine. This position focuses on developing and implementing local, voluntary source water protection plans by collaborating with small water utilities, municipalities, agricultural stakeholders, businesses, and other community organizations. The role requires proactive engagement, education, and technical support to help communities identify and mitigate potential water contamination threats.
The Source Water Protection Manager will also be responsible for meeting specific deliverables set forth by the National Rural Water Association (NRWA) and ensuring compliance with state and federal guidelines related to water quality and watershed protection.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Source Water Protection Planning & Implementation
- Develop and implement a minimum of three source water protection plans annually, working with 5–15 water entities, including municipal water departments, districts, and other stakeholders.
- Conduct site visits and provide at least 300 hours of direct, on-site assistance annually to support source water protection initiatives.
- Identify potential point and nonpoint source pollution threats and develop mitigation strategies to protect drinking water supplies.
- Promote environmentally progressive land-use decisions through voluntary, community-led efforts that prioritize water quality.
- Assist communities in avoiding costly water treatment upgrades through proactive planning and protection strategies.
Education, Training, and Outreach
- Provide training and education to boards of trustees, management, and staff on source water and watershed protection strategies.
- Develop educational materials, newsletter articles, and digital or print media related to source water protection.
- Actively participate in MRWA’s Training Committee, Membership Committee, and other ad hoc committees to advance water protection initiatives.
- Organize and promote MRWA training events and the Annual Conference, securing relevant topics and speakers.
- Represent MRWA at local, state, and national conferences and participate in NRWA events and trainings.
Compliance & Reporting
- Maintain accurate records through NRWA’s online log system, submitting data by the third working day of each month.
- Complete and submit System Contact Reports documenting assistance provided.
- Prepare and submit the Annual Operating Plan, ensuring alignment with MRWA’s goals and NRWA’s Sub-Award Contract Agreement.
- Communicate and collaborate with the Farm Service Agency to integrate source water protection efforts into its annual operating plan.
- Accurately track and report time, travel, and expenses, adhering to MRWA’s travel budget guidelines.
General Responsibilities
- Provide exceptional customer service, maintaining professionalism in all communications and interactions.
- Be accessible and responsive to after-hours calls related to water protection issues.
- Work closely with the MRWA Director and respond promptly to requests for assistance.
- Stay informed on emerging issues in water protection, policy developments, and regulatory changes.
- Performs all other duties as assigned.
Education and Experience:
· Bachelors or Masters degree in environmental science, water resources, natural resources management, public policy or a related field (or equivalent experience).
· Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in source water protection, watershed management, environmental planning or a related field.
· Valid drivers license
Required Skills and Abilities
· Willingness to travel extensively throughout the state of Maine.
· Knowledge of state and federal water quality regulations, nonpoint source pollution control strategies, and best practices for watershed protection.
· Strong public speaking and training skills with the ability to educate diverse stakeholders.
· Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects while maintaining strict reporting and compliance requirements.
· Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and experience with data tracking and reporting software.
Physical Requirements:
- Traveling to rural systems (some overnight travel).
- Flexible work hours including early mornings, nights and weekends; Extended workdays may be required to accomplish tasks and meet workload demands during peak periods.
- Requires extended periods of walking or standing, computer keying, working at a desk, and viewing spreadsheets and other written material.
- Ability to stand, walk, as well as talk, see and hear.
- There is also the potential for kneeling and lifting of objects up to 50 lbs.
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $55,000.00 – $57,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Bereavement leave
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid sick time
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- Monday to Friday
Work Location: On the road
