Rural and Tribal Environmental Solutions | Technical Assistance Provider

Are you a self-starter who likes to travel? Do you want to make a difference? Then come and work for Rural and Tribal Environmental Solutions (RATES). We travel across most of the western United States and provide assistance and training for American Indian Tribes' drinking water systems. The position entails hands-on assistance with operators (everything from digging up water lines to climbing water towers), compliance paperwork assistance, classroom training, system inspections (called a sanitary survey), and other tasks as needed.

What can you expect? A good wage, a health care stipend, cell phone stipend (stipends after six months – and only with full-time positions), and a 401k with employer contributions. The 401k is available to part-time and full-time employees, with all travel costs reimbursed. Travel costs include motels, vehicle mileage, and per diem.

RATES staff typically travel three weeks out of the month; Monday thru Thursday or Friday, and home on weekends. Full-time is a minimum of 120 hours a month, but you may have the option to work full or part-time. You must provide your own vehicle and provide proof of auto insurance. We work year-round, so you must be willing to travel in some inclement weather.

The position requires:

• a self-starter with a great deal of personal initiative, working with people to identify needs, then developing and carrying out work plans
• significant overnight and/or multi-night travel
• some evening and weekend work, for example, attending evening council/utility board meetings
• the ability to work responsibly and productively without direct supervision
• able to interface with state and federal agencies personnel
• able to work with staff and all levels of administration at local, county, and tribal communities
• good communication skills, and presentation skills
• hold a valid Water Distribution and/or Water Treatment Operator certificate, and experience in operating or managing a drinking water utility

Desired qualifications include any of the following:

1. 1) A minimum of one year’s experience working at a surface water system
2. A minimum of three years experience working at a groundwater system
3. a minimum of 30 technical assistance visits to drinking water systems

Candidates should have demonstrated experience in the following areas:

1. federal drinking water regulations
2. a thorough knowledge of the principles of various water treatment and distribution components, including but not limited to: valves, pumps, motors, meters, monitoring equipment
3. ability to train and/or teach water system operators
4. Engineer or directly related water system management and/or operations experience, presentation creation, training and instruction experience, or a college degree in a related environmental field

The position requires that the applicant be at least a Level 3, State of Montana, water treatment and distribution, State of Montana, certified water operator license. A candidate must send a copy of their certification(s) before an interview.

Desired qualifications include any of the following:

1. A minimum of one year’s experience working at a surface water system
2. A minimum of three years experience working at a groundwater system
3. a minimum of 30 technical assistance visits to drinking water systems

Candidates should have demonstrated experience in the following areas:

1. federal drinking water regulations
2. a thorough knowledge of the principles of various water treatment and distribution components, including but not limited to: valves, pumps, motors, meters, monitoring equipment
3. ability to train and/or teach water system operators
4. engineer or directly related water system management and/or operations experience, presentation creation, training and instruction experience, or a college degree in a related environmental field

The position requires that the applicant be at least a Level 3, State of Montana, water treatment and distribution, State of Montana, certified water operator license (or equivalent).

Please send electronic copies of cover letter, resume, and proof of Water System Certification to lmichalsky@ratesinc.org, dschultz@ratesinc.org, and srobbin@ratesinc.org.
Please send hard copies to:
Lee Michalsky
255 Alder Creek Road
Wise River, MT. 59762