Alaska Rural Water Association
Job Title: USDA Circuit Rider Salary Grade: 6
Reports To: Executive Director Position Type: Full Time
Revision Date: 02/15/2024 FLSA: Non-Exempt
Program Management
Submit travel plans in a timely manner to online travel calendar, and as needed when plans change.
Produce and follow a yearly Operational Plan as required by NRWA.
Visit a USDA Rural Development District office as required by NRWA.
Produce and submit reports as required by ARWA and NRWA in established formats to meet required due dates.
Provide ARWA office with accurate and complete travel vouchers, timesheets, etc. by required due dates.
Keep all expenses within budget.
Comply with all NRWA USDA Circuit Rider program procedures and requirements.
Provide monthly Board report of prior month’s activity to Office Manager by third working day of each month in established format.
Onsite Assistance
Complete a minimum of 23 quality onsite contacts per month with eligible systems in accordance with NRWA requirements.
Coordinate travel with other Circuit Rider to geographically travel the entire state as much as possible and avoid duplication and excessive repeat visits. Must visit a minimum of three (3) systems each month that have not been visited in the previous six (6) months.
Contact as many new systems as possible during a contract year; solicit new members.
Coordinate technical assistance activity with other ARWA staff.
Properly prioritize technical requests according to need.
Focus on training, rather than “fixing,” when conducting onsite technical assistance.
Use ARWA equipment in a professional, safe, and proper manner.
Adhere to OSHA/AKOSHA requirements at all times.
Plan travel as efficiently as possible to minimize expense, including overtime, and maximize geographic coverage.
Training
Attend training sessions conducted by ARWA, as time and work load permit.
Promote attendance to all ARWA training sessions and conferences.
Assist in ARWA conference agenda development/implementation and securing speakers and vendors.
Attend and actively participate in ARWA conference(s).
Attend NRWA In-Service training and Annual WaterPro Conference as required.
Continually strive to improve training skills and knowledge of the drinking water field.
Other
Promote and support ARWA’s mission and goals at all times; show initiative and creativity in furthering the mission and goals.
Attend and actively participate in staff meetings and all other meetings as required.
Write articles for ARWA magazine and others as required or requested and submit by established due dates.
Assist with membership development and retention.
Project a friendly, helpful, positive attitude to the public and fellow employees.
Project a professional appearance and attitude at all times.
Must be a team player.
Provide safe and reliable transportation; personal vehicle to have insurance in accordance with ARWA policies and state law at all times.
Maintain Alaska driver’s license in accordance with state law.
Adhere to all ARWA Employee Manual, policies, and procedures.
Skills/Qualifications
High school diploma or GED.
Multi-year employment required (5 years minimum preferred) in working for, operating, maintaining, or managing a rural/community water system with an ADEC Level 1 or higher certification for water distribution and/or treatment (or other state equivalent).
A well-rounded technical knowledge of rural and small system needs and methods of meeting those needs.
Technical knowledge of operating, maintaining, and managing a rural/community water/wastewater system; Alaska Water Treatment and/or Distribution certification preferred.
An understanding of budget/financial management.
Ability to communicate effectively orally, and in writing, with operators, decision makers, regulatory agencies, and other professionals.
Ability to identify, locate, and explain water/wastewater problems to system operators and decision-makers and provide suggestions for solutions.
Knowledge and understanding of regulations, monitoring, and reporting requirements.
Willingness and ability to travel extensively throughout the state.
Proficient with Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, and Outlook).
Experience with utilities in cold weather climates.
Preferred Qualifications
Sanitary survey inspector certified, or the ability to become certified within one year.
Backflow tester certified, or the ability to become certified within one year.
GIS experience using ESRI software.
NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other duties as assigned to meet ongoing needs of the Association.