Env Analyst VI - Public Drinking Water Program, Sr Capacity Development Specialist - Limited Service

State of Vermont•Calais, VT

11d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Public Drinking Water Program is seeking an enthusiastic candidate for our Senior Capacity Development Specialist. The Capacity Development Program supports the technical, managerial, and financial (TMF) capacity building for new and existing public Community (CWS) and Non Transient Non Community (NTNC) water systems through direct assistance, including grant and contract funding; outreach; and education. The Senior Capacity Development Specialist will be required to communicate the high bar necessary to meet the TMF requirements of being a new public water system and support those new public water systems through the permitting process. This includes conducting sanitary surveys (EPA-required inspections) for new public water systems and developing their subsequent operating permits. This work requires complex and impactful decision-making abilities, as well as the ability to manage political and societal expectations around public water system regulations. The Senior Capacity Development Specialist will manage grants and contracts that support capacity building initiatives for public water systems and assist the Program Manager in developing future budgets utilizing DWSRF set-asides. This position will coordinate with our funding programs in other Divisions, the DW Operations Sections to help coordinate outreach to water systems, and the DW Engineering Section for all construction permits related to upgrades to infrastructure.

Requirements

Master's degree or higher in a biological-life or physical science, engineering, a social science, data science, or an environmental or natural resources field AND two (2) or more years of experience in a natural resources field.
OR Bachelor's degree in a biological-life or physical science, engineering, a social science, data science, or an environmental or natural resources field AND three (3) or more years of experience in a natural resources field.
OR Six (6) years or more of experience in an engineering, environmental, social science, data science, or natural resources field.
Excellent project management skills.
Succinct communication both verbally and in writing.
High degree of independent judgement and tact.
Ability to distill complex regulatory requirements into easy-to-understand terminology for water system personnel and the general public.
Appreciation for teamwork and ability to coordinate project work with internal and external partners.
Motivated and driven.
Volunteers for new challenges without waiting to be asked.
Takes ownership of projects and tasks.
Wants to make a difference.

Responsibilities

Communicate the high bar necessary to meet the TMF requirements of being a new public water system.
Support new public water systems through the permitting process.
Conduct sanitary surveys (EPA-required inspections) for new public water systems.
Develop subsequent operating permits for new public water systems.
Manage grants and contracts that support capacity building initiatives for public water systems.
Assist the Program Manager in developing future budgets utilizing DWSRF set-asides.
Coordinate with funding programs in other Divisions.
Coordinate with DW Operations Sections to help coordinate outreach to water systems.
Coordinate with the DW Engineering Section for all construction permits related to upgrades to infrastructure.