Community and Environmental Apprenticeship Program (Job #276) ($63,659 - $70,245) (Remote)

Remote within RCAC's service areas: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Utah and Washington.

General Purpose:

RCAC is seeking motivated and enthusiastic interns to participate in our RCAC Community and Environmental Apprenticeship Program. This unique apprenticeship program provides practical, on-the-job experience to candidates interested in gaining work experience in community and environmental programs. Qualified candidates will have the opportunity to work closely with our team of environmental and community professionals and gain hands-on experience in various aspects of rural environmental fieldwork. This internship is an excellent opportunity for individuals interested in career opportunities in environmental science, water/wastewater technology, or related fields.

How It Works:

After the application and selection process, apprentices will begin their 24-week internship with a 2-week orientation in our West Sacramento office. During this time, apprentices will be exposed to the multiple facets of environmental field work, learn core skills with existing staff, and identify 2-3 areas of interest.

The following weeks will be spent gaining field experience by shadowing/assisting existing staff utilizing the EDGE method (Explain, Demonstrate, Guide, Enable). Responsibilities may include:

• Conduct research
• Field work support
• Project support
• Community interaction
• Report preparation

During this time, apprentices will conduct weekly check-in calls with their mentors and receive regular feedback on performance and progress from field managers and staff.

At the conclusion of the field work portion, RCAC will host a graduation at our West Sacramento office for debrief and guidance on available opportunities within RCAC and partnering agencies.

Specific job goals, objectives and tasks are established for each employee as part of the annual evaluation and work plan process. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all qualifications, responsibilities, duties and skills required.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Learn/gain proficiency in the following areas:
• Utilizing RCAC reporting and data programs: DCS, Unanet, SharePoint as examples
• Addressing communities in the field and our clients
• Building technical, managerial, and/or financial capacity at small utilities
• Recommending and implementing solutions for community needs
• Providing excellent customer service
• Preparing activity and outcome reports as required
• Performing other related duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications and Necessary Requirements:

• EDUCATION: High School Diploma or GED is preferred
• LICENSE/CERTIFICATION: Valid driver's license and proof of insurance that meets the minimum requirements ($100,000/$300,000) of RCAC corporate liability policy.
• EXPERIENCE:
• Passion for environmental stewardship and sustainable practices
• Familiarity with rural and/or Tribal community dynamics
• Proficiency with personal computers including MS Office Suite, SharePoint, and Teams
• Ability to travel to project sites as required
• Capacity to listen effectively and communicate both verbally and in writing
• Ability to work independently as well as in team environment
• Ability to effectively prioritize multiple tasks
• Applicant must pass a criminal background investigation prior to employment
• Be present and active with supervisors, mentors, and any training provided

The Application & Selection Process 

• APPLY Careers - RCAC. The application window for the 2024-2025 program year is July 26 through August 30. Applications will be screened by a panel of mentors and a select number of candidates will be invited to a panel interview. 
• PREPARE If selected for an interview, be ready to tell the panel why you want to work in the community and environmental industry, what sets you apart from other applicants, and what other skills you have to offer. If selected for placement, you will be required to provide proof of a valid driver's license and the ability to maintain vehicle insurance, undergo a background check, and provide the required employment authorization documentation. 
• BEGIN YOUR INTERNSHIP Interns are asked to commit to a maximum 40-hour workweek for approximately 24 weeks. Placements are made throughout the RCAC service area. 
• GRADUATE from the Community and Environmental Apprenticeship Program  

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable persons with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 
• Work performed in an office requires ability to operate computers and various pieces of office equipment, including telephone. Use may be moderate (average 2 hours per day) to heavy (4 or more hours per day)
• While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to stand and/or sit for prolonged periods of time; walk; talk; hear; use hand to finger; handle; feel or operate objects, tools or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.
• The employee may occasionally lift and or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.
• This position also requires moderate (up to 2 days per month) to heavy (up to 10 days per month) automobile and airline travel, including overnight travel.

Working Conditions:

Work will be shared between office time and fieldwork. Work is typically dictated through funder requests for assistance, or from direct community requests for assistance. A typical two-week work example may look like one week in the office and one week in the field. The technical assistance provider (TAP) has the liberty to set their schedule around the community/funder requests for assistance. This position will directly shadow one or more existing RCAC TAP's schedule for the 24-week term. The apprentice must be available for regular internal office check-ins with their mentor(s) and be ready for job shadowing travel requirements. As this position is specifically designed to build skills required to further the apprentice towards full-time community assistance work, it is a must that all opportunities are taken advantage of.

RCAC is an equal opportunity employer and considers all employees and job applicants without regard to race, religion, color, gender, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or marital status, or any other status protected by law. RCAC strives to reflect the diverse constituencies that the organization serves.

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