Assistant Field Manager, Environmental (Job #371) ($101,299 - $111,778)

Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC); Anchorage (AK); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC) seeks a Program Manager to deliver technical assistance and training to rural communities and utilities. The role includes supervising a small team, leading grant-funded programs, and coordinating with development and contract teams to ensure successful program implementation.

The position requires strong leadership, budget management, and field experience with drinking water or wastewater projects, with travel to remote communities as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred in environmental science or related field; high school diploma acceptable with experience.
• Five years in project management, grant management, or drinking water/sanitation access in rural settings preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assess the needs of local partners and recommend solutions.
• Perform quality assurance for department work within your subject matter expertise.
• Collaborate with Development team and CM II on budgets and proposals.
• Manage relationships with client communities and funders.
• Supervise field operations and up to three staff; coordinate program implementation.

Skills

Organizational skills

Coordination skills

Communication skills

Program management

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in environmental science or related field

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Video conferencing tools

Cloud-based platforms

Job description

General Purpose:

Under general supervision of the Regional Field Manager, this role will work within select water/wastewater program areas to provide technical assistance and training services directly to communities or small utilities and will supervise one to three staff members. Additionally, the position will lead the implementation of one or more grant-funded programs. The position will be approximately 60% time providing direct technical assistance to client communities and 40% time managing.

Specific job goals, objectives and tasks are established for each employee as part of the annual evaluation and work plan process. The statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all qualifications, responsibilities, duties, and skills required.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assess the needs of our local partners and recommend solutions to the needs identified.
• Perform quality assurance for department's work within your subject matter expertise.
• Collaborate with the Development team and CM II to support budget and proposal development
• Manage relationships with client communities.
• Manage relationships with government agencies, foundations, and other program funders.
• Manage relationships with vendors and subcontractors who provide goods and services to RCAC to support program implementation.
• Collaborate with RCAC's development team and the Contract Manager II to develop budgets and proposals to raise funds for the program.
• Coordinate and participate in networks and associations with RCAC partners.
• Perform field work as necessary to meet the objectives of the program.
• Manage program contracts and budgets.
• Supervise the implementation of the program in the field.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Supervision Exercised:

• Supervises staff in field operations. Up to three direct reports.
• Improves staff effectiveness by motivating, coaching, counseling, training, and recommending disciplinary action for employees; plans, delegates, monitors, and appraises job tasks and results in a timely manner; approves time sheets.
• Oversees the supervision of personnel to include work allocation, schedules, time approval, hiring, training, orientation, and problem resolution; evaluates performance and makes recommendations for personnel actions; motivates employees to achieve peak productivity and performance.
• Develops measurable performance expectations for assigned staff according to department goals and objectives.

Minimum Qualifications and Necessary Requirements:

• EQUIVALENT: Combination of education and experience can meet minimum qualifications.
• EDUCATION: High school diploma or equivalent with qualifying experience. Bachelor's degree in environmental science or a related field preferred.
• LICENSE/CERTIFICATION: Valid driver's license and proof of insurance that meets the minimum requirements ($100,000/$300,000) of RCAC corporate liability policy.
• EXPERIENCE: Five years of project management, grant management, drinking water/sanitation access experience or in related environmental fields. Commitment to rural communities, drinking water access, or health equity issues.
• Must pass a criminal background investigation prior to employment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Comprehensive understanding of technical, managerial, and financial operations of small water and wastewater utilities.
• Familiarity with federal, state, and tribal resources available to support community water and wastewater infrastructure projects.
• Awareness of rural and tribal community cultures, values, and social norms, with cultural sensitivity and respect.
• Skilled in facilitation, mediation, and meeting management to foster collaboration and resolve conflicts.
• Proficient in using personal computers, cloud-based platforms, Microsoft Office Suite, and video conferencing tools.
• Strong organizational and coordination skills to manage complex projects and competing priorities.
• Experienced in database and records management with attention to accuracy and compliance.
• Exceptional customer service skills with a focus on professionalism and responsiveness.
• Skilled in direct program implementation and mentoring to support team development and service delivery.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities with minimal supervision.
• Capable of designing and delivering participant-centered trainings and workshops tailored to diverse audiences.
• Strong problem-solving and innovation skills to troubleshoot challenges and implement effective solutions.
• Skilled in creating, composing, and editing professional written materials.
• Able to make sound administrative and procedural decisions using critical thinking and judgment.
• Proficient in gathering data, compiling information, and preparing comprehensive reports.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions accurately and efficiently.
• Effective communicator with strong verbal and written skills, including active listening and professional interaction.
• Ability to build and maintain respectful relationships across diverse cultural and organizational backgrounds.
• Committed to maintaining confidentiality and handling sensitive information with discretion.
• Skilled in analyzing complex situations and determining appropriate courses of action.
• Reliable in meeting strict timelines and managing competing demands.

Preferred Requirements:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree
• Experience and familiarity with rural and Tribal community dynamics
• Water or wastewater operator certification
• Bilingual in languages spoken in our client communities (including, but not limited to Spanish, Navajo, Yup'ik, Salish)

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to walk. The employee occasionally is required to stand; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and depth perception.

Working Conditions:

Work is typically performed in an office with a moderate noise level. Evening and/or weekend work may be required. Travel is required, including regular visits to remote rural and Indigenous communities that may lack cell service and other modern amenities.

RCAC is an equal opportunity employer and considers all employees and job applicants without regard to race, religion, color, gender, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or marital status, or any other status protected by law. RCAC strives to reflect the diverse constituencies that the organization serves.