Description

Community Specialist - NY State

The Community Specialist provides training and technical assistance to small public water and wastewater systems and private well and onsite wastewater system owners to achieve regulatory compliance, strengthen local capacity, and protect public health and water quality. This position works closely with community leaders, system operators, local board members, regulators, funding agencies, and other partners to directly support public health protection, environmental compliance, and long-term infrastructure sustainability in rural and underserved communities.

Requirements

Responsibilities:

To be successful in this position, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions, absent undue hardship:

• Deliver compliance-based, capacity-building training and technical assistance to small public water and wastewater systems, private well owners, and onsite wastewater system owners.
• Conduct technical, managerial, and financial capacity assessments and provide targeted assistance strategies.
• Develop and deliver in-person and remote training for system operators, board members, and community stakeholders.
• Serve as a liaison to RCAP Solutions, the RCAP national network, and regional/state partners.
• Coordinate with regulatory and funding agency representatives to identify priority needs for technical assistance and training, facilitate and review project progress and accomplishments, and identify specific communities needing support.
• Independently identify, plan and manage multiple projects concurrently, meeting deadlines and reporting requirements.
• Support and advance Community and Environmental Resources program objectives.
• Lead with RCAP Solutions’ values: Integrity, Empathy, Empowerment, Passion, Community and a Commitment to a Better Tomorrow.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
  
  

Education Requirements:

• Required: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in engineering, environmental science, geography, biology, infrastructure planning, public health, or related field.
• Preferred: Master’s degree or equivalent experience; Professional Engineering license or high-level certification in water or wastewater operations.

Experience Requirements:

• Minimum of five (5) years of experience required in water, wastewater, stormwater, public health, infrastructure planning, community development, local capacity building, and/or regulatory compliance. Experience in multiple areas is preferred, as is experience working with local boards and state or federal agencies.
• Strong knowledge of environmental regulations, utility improvement strategies, and resource protection.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with internal staff, communities, and stakeholders.
• Ability to maintain accuracy while meeting all deadlines; must be detail-oriented and organized with the ability to prioritize; and attend/participate in meetings presenting a team player approach.
• Excellent time management, organizational, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, OneDrive, and Outlook). Experience with GIS software and GPS mapping tools is desirable.
• Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment with demonstrated ability to deal with multiple competing tasks and demands. Highly motivated self-starter.

Certifications or Licensures:

• Required: Valid driver’s license, insured vehicle, and the ability/willingness to travel in the region as necessary.
• Preferred: Relevant certifications or licenses (water / wastewater operator certification, registered sanitarian, public administration, engineering, etc.).