Job Description

Water Quality Specialist (WQAS) – Small & Rural Wastewater Systems

Location: Rhode Island (with potential regional travel) Position Type: Full-Time Reports To: Executive Director and/or Deputy Director

Role Overview

The Rhode Island Rural Water Association (RIRWA) seeks a dedicated Water Quality Specialist (WQAS) to support small, rural, and tribal wastewater systems in Rhode Island. This role combines expertise in financing acquisition, water quality compliance, and decentralized system support to strengthen community capacity and ensure sustainable wastewater management.

Key Responsibilities

• Financing & Funding Support
• Assist municipalities and wastewater systems in planning, developing, and securing financing through programs such as the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) and EPA’s Clean Water Indian Set-Aside Grant (CWISA) .
• Provide onsite guidance to system personnel on preparing funding applications and developing infrastructure improvement plans.
• Deliver classroom training on financial planning, management practices, and fee analysis.
• Water Quality & Compliance Training
• Conduct classroom and onsite training for system managers and operators on topics including effective utility management, regulatory requirements, and financial/managerial capacity .
• Support rural and tribal publicly owned treatment works in meeting compliance standards and strengthening operational resilience.
• Decentralized Systems Technical Assistance
• Lead community-driven wastewater solutions projects focused on decentralized treatment systems.
• Facilitate assessments to identify local priorities, solutions, and available financial resources for infrastructure management.
• Provide in-person technical assistance to small and rural communities, ensuring tailored support for unique system needs.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of wastewater system operations, compliance requirements, and financing mechanisms.
• Experience delivering technical assistance and training in rural or small-community settings.
• Excellent communication and facilitation skills, with the ability to translate complex regulatory and financial concepts into accessible guidance.
• Commitment to building sustainable, community-driven solutions for wastewater infrastructure.

Preferred Background

• Experience working with rural or tribal municipalities.
• Familiarity with wastewater system operations, regulatory compliance, and small-system challenges.
• Demonstrated skills in grant writing, financial planning, and utility management for infrastructure projects.
• Prior experience delivering technical assistance or training in the water/wastewater sector.
• Background in capacity development, including financial, managerial, or regulatory support for small and rural systems.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Ability to use a computer for extended periods of time.
• Ability to lift 25 pounds.
• Ability to travel regularly.
• Work environment includes general office environment and possible outdoor work in all weather conditions.

Interested applicants please send your resume to jfolco@rirwa.org and myoung@rirwa.org

Conflict of Interest

Association employees shall abide by the Conflict-of-Interest provisions as outlined in the RIRWA Personnel Policies Handbook. Association employees, per RIRWA’s sub-award of the NRWA Contract, may not directly or indirectly conduct business with or perform services independent of the Association or otherwise act in a manner that may present a conflict of interest.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $60,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Willingness to travel:

• 25% (Required)

Work Location: In person

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