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:  3.1.2024

Job Title: Training Specialist - Water and Wastewater
Location: Pueblo West, Colorado 81007
Job Type: Full-Time 40 hours - Weekly
Salary: $58 – 68K Annually

Job Description:

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Training Specialist with expertise in water and wastewater operations, apprenticeship programs, and training development. The Training Specialist plays a crucial role in the development and implementaon of all training programs within the CRWA organizaon. Providing the type of assistance through training and technical assistance, this role is responsible for assisng in the creaon, delivery, and evaluaon of training materials and programs to enhance the skills and knowledge of apprences, operators, vendors, community members, and systems. The Training Specialist works closely with the training team and other departments to ensure that training iniaves align with the organizaon's goals and objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement comprehensive training programs for water and wastewater professionals, apprentices, and personnel in compliance with industry standards and grant guidelines.
• Travels extensively throughout the state/jurisdiction to for on-site technical assistance.
• Conduct training sessions, workshops, and practical exercises to enhance the skills and knowledge of program participants.
• Work collaboratively with industry experts, regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders to ensure the training content aligns with the latest industry trends and regulations.
• Evaluate training program effectiveness and make necessary adjustments to improve outcomes.
• Collaborate with program participants to provide mentorship, guidance, and support throughout their apprenticeships and professional development.
• Develop and administer assessments and evaluations to measure the progress of trainees and apprentices.
• Assist in the recruitment and onboarding of apprentices and trainees as needed.
• Participate in industry conferences, workshops, and seminars to stay current with industry advancements and network with professionals.
• Reviews new technical standards set and proposed by public and private organizations.
• Maintain a safe and inclusive training environment, emphasizing environmental and safety best practices in water and wastewater management.
• Coordinate logistics for training sessions, including scheduling, venue setup, and technology requirements.
• Provide administrative support during training sessions, such as taking attendance and distributing materials.
• Contribute to the analysis of training metrics and data to measure the impact of training Initiatives.
• Provides technical assistance to a multitude of systems throughout Colorado.
• Collaborate with subject matter experts to gather and organize training content.
• Ensure that training materials are up-to-date and relevant to the target audience.
• Develop and implement training for water and wastewater systems to ensure compliance policies and procedures.
• Ensure that the training specialist is operating within CRWA’s applicable laws, regulations, and policies.
• Develop and implement compliance training programs for CRWA.
• Work closely with the management team to ensure that all compliance-related activities are carried out in accordance with CRWA’s applicable laws, regulations, and policies.
• Aids in all areas of operations, through education via technical assistance.
• Understanding of CCWP (Colorado Cerfied Water Professionals) course provider guidelines and training unit requirements.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• High School diploma (or GED) required,
• Must have higher level certifications and a minimum of [4] years of experience in water and wastewater management and training. Will consider a bachelor’s degree in lieu of some experience - Bachelor's degree in a related field (e.g., Environmental Science, Water Resources Management)
• Proven experience in developing and delivering training programs.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to work independently, as well as part of a team.
• Strong problem-solving skills and adaptability to evolving industry requirements.
• Comfortable working with various software tools and platforms for training and documentation.
• Ability to analyze, categorize, compare, count, differentiate, measure and/or sort data and information. Ability to add, subtract, measure, multiply and divide, and calculate percentages, fractions, and decimals.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and retirement benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.
• A positive and collaborative work environment.
• Contribute to the growth and sustainability of the water and wastewater industry.
If you are a dedicated and passionate professional with experience in water and wastewater management and training, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity.

Application Process: To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and qualifications to cstrait@crwa.net.

Colorado Rural Water Association is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

Date Posted:  2.20.2024

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 Lead Source Water Specialist/Grant and Contracts Manager. The primary goal of this position is to assist rural and small communities served by public water systems to reduce or eliminate the potential risks to drinking water supplies through the development of source water protection plans and providing assistance to entities for the implementation of contamination prevention measures.
Objectives:
1. Coordinate activities and facilitate the process of source water protection planning/implementation for public water systems in Colorado.
2. Provide professional one-on-one “on-site” assistance and training to rural and small communities in implementing source water protection plans.
3. Assist in the completion and submission of Source Water Assessment Program (SWAP) Development and Implementation Grants and invoices with public water systems.
4. Coordinate with state, county and local agencies in identifying and prioritizing areas for source water protection programs.
5. Facilitate coordination, communication and collaboration between the public water system, their stakeholders, multi-jurisdictional entities, and local, county, state and federal agencies in the development and implementation of the source water protection plans.
6. Assisting and monitoring Wildland Fire Decision Support System (WFDSS) analysis of public water system data in coordination with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and the United States Forest Service (USFS).
7. Provide outreach material to rural and small communities.
Basic Functions:
Provides technical assistance to rural and small communities in the formation of source water protection plans. Provides assistance and monitoring of WFDSS analysis of public water system data in coordination with the CDPHE and USFS.

Specific Responsibilities:
1. Travel extensively throughout the state to complete a minimum of three source water D&I grant applications and to complete a minimum of seven WFDSS analyses of critical system infrastructure on an annual basis.
2. Facilitates and mediates planning meetings between various cross-jurisdictional entities.
3. Offer guidance for best management practices to help mitigate risk of potential contaminants to water sources.
4. Writes reports and develops informational articles for dissemination.
5. Responds to inquiries from facilities, consumers, governmental agencies and others regarding technical matters.
6. Acts as a liaison to create better coordination, communication and collaboration between small community multi-jurisdictional entities and local, county, state and federal agencies.
7. Collect GPS data and utilize GIS software to assist with delineation and mapping of source water protection areas and public water system infrastructure.
8. Assist public water systems with the development of a potential contaminant source inventory by conducting onsite field visits, researching public databases and /or consultation with public and private landowners, industry representatives and local decision makers.
9. Assist in the development of outreach materials, planning materials, source water plan documents and maps per recommendations of public water systems and steering committees.
10. Complete and submit the required reporting as scheduled.
11. Other duties 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 must regularly lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. The employee must be able to operate a motor vehicle for extended periods of time.

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