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Technical Specialist

Posting Details

Posting Details

Job # 040853
Department Code 21405-2604
Department Center for Sustainable Community Solutions
Job Title Technical Specialist
Location Syracuse, NY
Pay Range $58,500 - $69,000
Pay Determination
Pay rates at Syracuse University are based on a combination of factors including, but not limited to, the job responsibilities; the candidate’s education, training, work experience and key competencies; the university’s strategic priorities; internal peer equity; applicable federal, state, local laws, grant funding and contractual requisites; and external market analyses.
Staff Level S4
FLSA Status Exempt
Hours
Standard University business hours:

8:30am – 5:00pm (academic year)
8:00am – 4:30pm (summer)

Hours may vary based on operational needs.
Job Type Full-time
Campus Syracuse, NY
Unionized Position Code Not Applicable
Job Description
The Technical Specialist is an experienced professional with technical and managerial expertise in water infrastructure. The Specialist will work both independently and collaboratively to manage technical projects and advise utility and community participants. The Specialist will apply their technical and academic training and hands-on work experience to address the operational and infrastructure challenges facing water or wastewater utilities, particularly in economically distressed communities. This position will lead project and grant management.

This position will also seek out and develop new funding sources to further the mission of the Syracuse University Center for Sustainable Community Solutions Environmental Finance Center. Travel will be required and may include overnight trips within New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, and other locations. External collaboration with external partners including community-based organizations, collaborators from other universities, and state and federal agency staff is anticipated. This position will report directly to the Director of the CSCS and to receive supervision from Assistant Director of Water Resiliency.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in any of the following: environmental/earth science, civil/environmental/chemical engineering, environmental management/studies, or related field.
  • At least 5 years of full-time experience working in water or wastewater operations and compliance, including experience in consulting, system operations, or local government roles.
Job Specific Qualifications
  • Knowledge of the basic design, operation and compliance of water treatment and distribution systems and/or wastewater treatment and collection systems.
  • Water and wastewater utility, regulatory and/or consulting experience.
  • Experience writing and reviewing technical documents and designs.
  • Project management experience.
  • Water/Wastewater Operator certification and/or Professional Engineer (PE) is a plus. This job may be a good fit for former operators or engineers looking for greater professional flexibility.
  • Spanish language proficiency is a plus.
Responsibilities
  • Provide technical assistance to water or wastewater utilities and local governments on the treatment and distribution/collection of water. Areas of assistance may include:
  1. Drinking water source availability and quality
  2. Water and wastewater treatment processes
  3. Treated water distribution and/or wastewater collection
  4. Evaluation of a utilities technical, managerial, and financial data and records
  5. Water and wastewater environmental regulations and permitting requirements
  6. Water Infrastructure funding and financing
  7. Asset management and capital planning
  • Manage grant-related program needs, such as collaborations with community partners, academic institutions, and other external organizations to fulfill grant deliverables, including trainings, technical projects, and resource development. Manage grant program deliverables and reporting as needed.
  • Schedule and complete site visits, using technical expertise to assess infrastructure needs and capture community priorities.
  • Prepare technical reports, workplans, and tracking documents.
  • Facilitate internal and external meetings, workshops, and events.
  • Lead outreach to community contacts, demonstrating cultural competency and a strong community engagement skillset.
  • Research and synthesize best management practices, case studies, and project outcomes.
  • Work with communications team members to creatively articulate project outcomes across digital and print media.
  • Present technical subjects at conferences, regional meetings, and other convenings, translating technical subjects into clear, plain-language messages and calls-to-action.
  • Initiate, foster, and strengthen synergistic relationships in NY and throughout the U.S. that enhance the Center’s programming and benefit its partners and stakeholders and their communities.
  • Identify and pursue new funding opportunities related to community and infrastructure resiliency.
  • Conceptualize innovative and effective new programs and integrate them by writing grant proposal applications for future funding opportunities; and develop reports for work conducted, completed grant deliverables, and program impacts.
Physical Requirements
Not Applicable
Tools/Equipment
Not Applicable
Application Instructions
In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume and cover letter.
About Syracuse University
Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience.

The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the University’s 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.syracuse.edu.
About the Syracuse area
Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.
EEO Statement
Syracuse University is an equal-opportunity, affirmative-action institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities.
Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans
Syracuse University has a long history of engaging veterans and the military-connected community through its educational programs, community outreach, and employment programs. After World War II, Syracuse University welcomed more than 10,000 returning veterans to our campus, and those veterans literally transformed Syracuse University into the national research institution it is today. The University’s contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy, and extends to both class-leading initiatives focused on making an SU degree accessible and affordable to the post-9/11 generation of veterans, and also programs designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and military family members.
Commitment to a Diverse and Inclusive Campus Community
Syracuse University maintains an inclusive learning environment in which students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all other aspects of campus life reflect a diverse, multi-cultural, and international worldview. The University community recognizes and values the many similarities and differences among individuals and groups. At Syracuse, we are committed to preparing students to understand, live among, appreciate, and work in an inherently diverse country and world made up of people with different ethnic and racial backgrounds, military backgrounds, religious beliefs, socio-economic status, cultural traditions, abilities, sexual orientations and gender identities. To do so, we commit ourselves to promoting a community that celebrates and models the principles of diversity and inclusivity.
Quick Link
Job Posting Date 04/23/2024
Application Deadline
Full Consideration By
Job Category Staff
Message to Applicants

Applicant Documents

Required Documents
  1. Resume/CV
  2. Cover Letter
Optional Documents

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

  1. * How did you first find out about this position?
    • sujobopps.com (Syracuse University Online Employment website)
    • Syracuse University HR Recruiter
    • Virtual Career Fair (via NYS Department of Labor)
    • SUNY EOC (Equal Opportunity Center)
    • Women’s Opportunity Center
    • Jubilee Homes
    • Syracuse Northeast Community Center
    • Interfaith Works
    • JobPlus
    • Syracuse.com
    • Chronicle of Higher Education
    • HigherEdJobs.com
    • HERC (HERC Higher Ed Recruitment Consortium)
    • InsideHigherEd.com
    • Indeed.com
    • DiverseEducation.com (Diverse Issues in Higher Education website)
    • LinkedIn Job Posting
    • Facebook
    • Job Fair
    • Search Firm
    • Referred by an SU Employee
    • Other
  2. * If "other", please describe how you first found out about this position.

    (Open Ended Question)