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:  7.29.2024

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.

Position:
Reporting to the Grant and Contract Manager. The purpose of the Circuit Rider Program is to protect the nation’s multi-billion-dollar investment in rural and small municipal water/wastewater systems by providing on-site technical assistance that assures cost-effective operations and adequate income for both operations and debt service.

Salary:  $55 - $65K annual depending on experience

Goals and Objectives:
1. Obtain a minimum of 30 contacts per month, 360 contacts during the 12-month program period based on a full-time employee. Obtain contacts in the following manner, System request, RD and Agency request, Referrals, State request.
2. Provide assistance to train personnel on how to solve their own problems by working alongside system personnel and train rather than do – onsite personnel must participate in the corrective action.
3. Prioritize technical assistance (TA) to ensure effective and efficient operation.
4. Coordinate and provide reports to Rural Development (RD) and National Rural Water Association (NRWA) as outlined in the Program Procedures.
5. Expand skills and knowledge of the industry to facilitate services delivered. This is done by attending and participating in professional development in-service training programs while always networking with other Wastewater technicians, agencies and organizations.
6. Maintain outreach program by participating in activities to promote the services of the Wastewater Program using current technology, publications and meeting to make systems aware of the services of the Wastewater Program.

Specific Responsibilities:
1. Travel extensively throughout the state of Colorado to offer on-site technical assistance. Willing to spend multiple days/nights on the road and in hotels. Maintain a valid Colorado Driver’s License and an acceptable driving record.
2. Ability to provide assistance in all areas of operations, maintenance management, security, finances, loan applications, health and environmental issues.
3. Ability to respond to local and state disasters and provide assistance and relief at a moment’s notice.
4. Provide training and education indicative to sustainability while offering assistance that is “training” rather than “fixing”, while responding to inquiries from facilities, consumers, governmental agencies and others regarding technical matters.
5. Prioritize requests to ensure coverage of water systems with serious health or economic problems first. Priority will also be given to groups that do not have proper water treatment. Assistance should be provided to rural, unincorporated small municipal systems, tribal systems, and incorporated municipal systems under 10,000 population.
6. On-site assistance must geographically represent the state during the program period.
7. Develops informational articles for dissemination and creates and maintains a professional social media account on NRWA’s Water Pro Community.
8. Attends NRWA annual in-service and technical conference. Attends and participates in the CRWA annual conference and visits the state Rural Development office quarterly and District offices as set out in the Annual Plan of Work. Continue to acquire knowledge of innovative technology and promote the experience/expertise of the CRWA organization.
9. Accurately completes and submits the required reporting in the required timely fashion.
10. Other tasks as assigned.

Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand and walk. The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to hike over rough terrain. The employee will be required to work inside and outside during adverse weather, noisy conditions and in high odor conditions. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 20 pounds with the occasional heavier item. The employee must be able to operate a motor vehicle for extended periods of time.

To apply:  Send your cover letter and resume to crwa@crwa.net or call 719.545.6748 for further inquiry.