Colorado Rural Water Apprenticeship Opportunity

Water and wastewater workers are imperative to our community for access to clean drinking water and to ensure wastewater effluent is returned to the environment properly. It is estimated that close to 50% of workers will be facing retirement age in the next 5 years. Communities will fail to prosper or eventually even exist if qualified replacement workers are not put in place and properly trained.  A growing population and increased demand for water and wastewater treatment services, plus an aging work force are driving employment growth and qualified, certified workers are in high demand.   

Why Apprenticeship?

Colorado Rural Water Association is a participant in a nationally recognized training program that was developed in response to the industry’s need to train the next generation of skilled workers and standardize training across the state of Colorado. Once an Apprentice completes this 2-year program and passes an aptitude test given by the state of Colorado, they are considered a qualified worker making this person employable with a (C) certification in water or wastewater. The apprenticeship provides the opportunity for water and/or wastewater systems to grow their workers from within, while creating a well-rounded employee for the future. We have open opportunities in water and wastewater, right now!!   

Apprentice Benefits:

• Earn while you learn   
• Making a real difference in local communities   
• Gain Practical skills you can take anywhere   
• Train alongside an experienced technician (2-year program)   
• Every community is required to have certified water/ wastewater workers   
• Stable / Non-fluctuating industry   

Required Apprentice Qualifications:

Apprentices must not be less than 18 years of age   

A high school diploma, General Educational Development (GED) equivalency credential is required.   

Applicants will be physically capable of performing the essential functions of apprenticeship program, with or without reasonable accommodation, and without posing a direct threat to the health and safety of the individual or others.   

Apprentices will be required to take and pass a drug screening on acceptance into the program and prior to employment.   

Pursuant to federal guidance all employees of public water systems must pass a background check. Applicants will be required to pass a qualifying background investigation upon selection into the apprenticeship program and prior to employment   

Apprentices must possess a valid state issued vehicle operator license and be insurable at normal commercial rates on acceptance into the program and prior to employment . 

We have apprenticeship opportunities in various parts of Colorado. Apply today!!

For more information please contact Rick Autobee at rautobee@crwa.net. 

Date Posted:  12.1.23

Organization: Colorado Rural Water Association (CRWA) was founded in 1980. CRWA is an affiliate of the National Rural Water Association (NRWA) headquartered in Duncan Oklahoma. CRWA’s mission is to provide professional training, technical assistance, and political representation to rural and small communities as they endeavor to maintain industry standards, regulatory deadlines, and attain multi-level certifications of their water and wastewater operators.

Salary: $55 - $65K annually

Position: This position will be reporting to the Grants & Contracts Manager. The purpose of the Apprenticeship Coordinator is to facilitate the day-to-day operations, record-keeping, and recruitment of the Apprenticeship Program. The apprenticeship program is a nationally recognized training program through NRWA that was developed in response to the industry’s need to train the next generation of skilled workers and standardize training across the State of Colorado and in the United States.

Job Responsibilities: • This position is intended to implement and coordinate all aspects related to apprenticeship support services including the administrative operations of maintaining to a pool of eligible apprenticeship candidates, intake, tracking, enrollment, registration, and retention of apprentices, as well as provide direct apprentice support services. This position will implement, maintain, and execute processes, procedures, and documentation for designated apprentice program components. • Seek grant funds & opportunities for the apprentice, the system, and the program as a whole. • The coordinator will develop courses of action to ensure apprentice compliance with Registered Apprenticeship Standards pertaining to apprenticeship and other relevant programs. • Management of apprenticeship records to ensure the apprenticeship requirements for both classroom and on-the-job training meet or exceed the requirements of the Department of Labor. • Provides administrative, counseling, consultative, and investigative services for apprenticeship training and certification within the apprenticeship program and promotes and coordinates apprenticeship training in accordance with predetermined standards. Provides a link between industry standards, training providers, employers, and apprentices; and caries out specific related functions under the legislation and regulations respecting the designated trades and corresponding apprenticeship programs. • Coordinates and administers apprenticeship agreements, advises apprentices and employers of their rights and responsibilities under relevant legislation and regulations regarding our apprenticeship program, and investigates non-compliance under the rulesand standards. • Acting as the liaison between CRWA, the apprentices, and the employers. • Represent CRWA at career fairs and other events for the purpose of recruitment of apprentices. • Conduct orientations for incoming new apprentices. • All other duties as assigned.

To apply: Please send your resume and required cover letter to crwa@crwa.net. The applicant must be a resident of Colorado. This position is required to work in our CRWA Pueblo West, CO Office. For questions regarding the job position, call 719.545.6748.

Colorado Rural Water Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer.