Small Utility Project Manager I (Job #373) ($76,103 - $83,976)

Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC); West Sacramento (CA); Remote; USD 71,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

RCAC in California is seeking a TMF-focused professional to help small water and wastewater utilities operate sustainably and deliver safe services to rural communities. You will collaborate with local leaders, assess needs, and guide projects from planning to completion while delivering trainings.

The role requires strong project management, capacity-building skills, and a commitment to health equity. Occasional travel to remote communities is expected.

Qualifications

• Experience managing water or wastewater projects in rural settings.
• Ability to build capacity for communities and utilities.
• Strong communication and reporting skills.
• Willingness to travel to remote communities when needed.

Responsibilities

• Assess client needs and recommend practical TMF solutions.
• Build technical, managerial, and financial capacity at small utilities.
• Manage relationships with client communities and utilities.
• Help clients access financial resources for projects.
• Guide projects from planning to completion and prepare reports.
• Deliver group or one-on-one trainings and ensure quality service.

Skills

Water/Wastewater project mgmt

Stakeholder engagement

Budgeting & financial analysis

Training delivery

Written & verbal communication

Data reporting

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

High school diploma or equivalent

Bachelor's or higher preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Video conferencing tools

Cloud-based platforms

Job description

Remote - California

General Purpose:

Under general supervision of the Regional Field Manager, this role provides technical, managerial, and financial (TMF) assistance to small, disadvantaged community water and wastewater systems so they can operate sustainably and deliver quality services to the communities served. This role works closely with rural residents and local leaders to advance construction projects to improve drinking water and wastewater access and affordability. Additionally, this role prepares and delivers classroom and individual trainings as needed to build the capacity of local partners.

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 clients and recommend solutions to the needs identified.
• Build technical, managerial, and/or financial capacity at small utilities.
• Manage relationships with client communities and utilities.
• Help clients access financial resources to address drinking water, wastewater, and solid waste needs.
• Guide client communities through construction projects from planning to completion
• Recommend and implement solutions.
• Promote and facilitate partnerships to maximize limited resources.
• Develop, prepare, and deliver group and one-on-one trainings.
• Provide excellent customer service.
• Prepare activity and outcome reports as required.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Supervision Exercised:

No supervision exercised.

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 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: One to three years of water, wastewater, environmental project management experience or in related field. Commitment to rural communities, drinking water access, or health equity issues.
• Must pass a criminal background investigation prior to employment.

Candidates with less than the minimum combination of experience and education are encouraged to apply and will be considered for a Trainee-level position (Grade 9, salary range $70,775 - $76,342).

Candidates with additional experience, education and/or qualifications may be considered for Small Utility Project Manager II (Grade 11, salary range $85,670 - $92,408). A Small Project Manager II is responsible for all the duties listed above with minimal oversight and will be expected to handle more complex tasks than a Small Utility Project Manager I. A typical qualifying combination for the Small Utility Project Manager II positions would be:

Experience:

Seven years of water, wastewater, environmental project management experience or in related field. Commitment to rural communities, drinking water access, or health equity issues.

Education:

High school diploma or equivalent with qualifying experience. Bachelor's degree in a related field preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong understanding of technical, managerial, and financial operations of small water and wastewater utilities
• Familiarity with public works construction project requirements and infrastructure development
• Knowledge of resources and funding mechanisms available to support community water and wastewater projects
• Awareness of rural and tribal community cultures, values, and social norms, with sensitivity to community dynamics
• Skilled in facilitation, mediation, and managing meetings to foster collaboration and resolve conflicts
• Proficient in using personal computers, cloud-based platforms, and Microsoft Office Suite
• Experienced with video conferencing tools for remote engagement and training delivery
• Strong organizational and coordination skills to manage multiple tasks and stakeholders effectively
• Competent in database management and maintaining accurate records
• Exceptional customer service skills with a focus on responsiveness and professionalism
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a dynamic environment
• Capable of designing and delivering participant-centered trainings and workshops
• 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 priorities

Preferred Requirements:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree
• Experience and familiarity with rural and Tribal community dynamics
• Project management certification
• 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.