Water Utility Specialist

The Cadmus Group•Boulder, CO

About The Position

The Water Utility Specialist will assist government agencies and communities in addressing water operational, infrastructure, and regulatory challenges. The role applies knowledge of water system design, operations, infrastructure, regulations, and related programs to provide technical, programmatic, and policy insights, primarily supporting implementation of the Safe Drinking Water Act at the state, EPA Region, or utility level. Knowledge of Clean Water Act requirements and program implementation is desired but not required. Travel to water and wastewater systems is anticipated. The specialist works with utility operators and managers and their regulators, and should understand the challenges those operators face. Experience with tribal utilities, sanitary surveys, capacity, risk and resilience, and asset management assessments, and emergency response plans is especially helpful. The role contributes technical expertise to projects, provides utility assistance, analyzes operational practices, coordinates with utilities and regulators, and develops client-ready guidance and other practical resources. It also involves managing assignments and internal teams, maintaining quality and schedules, and communicating progress to stakeholders.

Requirements

Master's degree with coursework in engineering, public administration, public health, environmental science and policy, or another relevant area, and 6 years of relevant work experience; or a bachelor's degree with the same coursework and 8 years of relevant work experience.
Experience with EPA or state regulatory programs, either as a regulator or for a regulated entity.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills, with the ability to learn quickly, adapt to changing environments, and work independently and collaboratively.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Excellent organizational skills and keen attention to detail.
Ability to work under deadlines.
Positive work ethic with coworkers, project managers, and clients.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
Eligibility to work in the United States as a U.S. permanent resident or U.S. citizen.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of Clean Water Act requirements and program implementation.
Experience working with tribal utilities.
Experience conducting sanitary surveys and capacity, risk and resilience, and asset management assessments, and/or developing emergency response plans.
Certification as a water and/or wastewater operator.

Responsibilities

Contribute technical knowledge related to water and wastewater utilities and regulatory program implementation oversight activities to projects.
Provide technical assistance to water and wastewater utilities on regulatory compliance, operations, and management challenges.
Conduct sanitary surveys and capacity, risk and resilience, and asset management assessments, and develop emergency response plans.
Analyze operational practices and recommend improvements to protect public health, enhance efficiency, reduce energy consumption, manage system pressure, and limit disinfection byproduct formation.
Coordinate directly with water utility personnel, state primacy agencies, and other regulatory organizations to address compliance requirements and operational needs.
Demonstrate professionalism and sound judgment in interactions with clients and colleagues.
Lead the development of client-ready products.
Develop clear guidance documents, manuals, procedures, and other practical resources for utility and regulatory stakeholders.
Meet client requirements by completing deliverables on time, supporting client satisfaction, and helping achieve follow-on work.
Manage multiple assignments, communicate progress to stakeholders, and deliver accurate work products on schedule.
Demonstrate quality assurance and quality control of products.
Manage teams of internal staff, including support staff and other subject matter experts.
Conduct effective research and analysis.
Communicate effectively in writing and verbally.
Demonstrate job knowledge and software proficiency.