Onsite Wastewater Specialist

Location: Raleigh, NC

Essential Job Duties:
The Extension Assistant Professor for On-site Wastewater Management leads the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences' statewide Extension training program that prepares on-site wastewater professionals for certification and keeps certified professionals current through continuing education. Through hands-on schools and workshops at the Lake Wheeler Field Laboratory in Raleigh and other training locations across the state, along with the annual NC Onsite Treatment Conference, this position trains septic system installers, inspectors, operators, local health department staff, and Extension agents from every region of North Carolina. The program also covers the safe land application of biosolids and other organic wastes. Every person trained helps ensure that wastewater from homes, businesses, and communities is treated properly, protecting public health, drinking water sources, and the streams, rivers, and coastal waters that North Carolinians depend on.

Extension Program Delivery and Training:

• Plan, schedule, and teach certification schools, workshops, and continuing education courses for on-site wastewater professionals, local health department personnel, Extension agents, and other stakeholders, primarily at the Lake Wheeler Field Laboratory with additional sessions offered across the state.
• Deliver instruction on on-site wastewater system design, installation, operation, and maintenance, and on the land application of municipal wastewater residuals (biosolids) and other organic wastes.
• Assist in organizing the annual NC Onsite Treatment Conference by helping develop the program agenda, recruiting speakers, coordinating logistics with the planning team, and presenting educational sessions.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of training programs using participant surveys and learning assessments, and use the results to improve course content and delivery.

Curriculum and Educational Resource Development:

• Develop and update training curricula, training manuals, and course materials so content reflects current North Carolina regulations, technologies, and industry practices.
• Write and publish fact sheets, Extension bulletins, technical publications, and reports on on-site wastewater treatment and land application of residuals for professional and public audiences.

Training Facilities and Demonstration Management :

• Develop, maintain, and improve hands-on training facilities and demonstration systems at the Lake Wheeler Field Laboratory (Raleigh) and the Mountain Horticultural Crops Extension Center (Mills River).
• Maintain wastewater and land application training displays and equipment; inspect them before training events and arrange repairs and upgrades so demonstrations remain functional and up to date.

Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement:

• Build and maintain partnerships with industry, government agencies, local health departments, professional organizations, and other stakeholders; for example, meet with regulatory and industry partners to identify training needs and co-sponsor educational events.

Minimum Experience/Education:
A Ph. D. in Soil Science, Agronomy, Agricultural Education, Biological Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a closely related field is required

Required Qualifications:

• Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to teach and communicate effectively with adult learners.
• Ability to develop, deliver, and evaluate applied, hands-on training programs and to work effectively with Extension personnel, government agencies, industry, and other stakeholders.
• Knowledge of on-site wastewater treatment systems and irrigation systems, and the soils of North Carolina and their relationship with on-site wastewater treatment systems.
• Writing skills necessary for producing programmatic output, including reports, Extension bulletins, fact sheets, and training materials and manuals.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in on-site wastewater management, land application of wastewater residuals, or a related field.
• Previous work with health departments, an agronomic or soil science background, knowledge of on-site wastewater treatment and disposal systems, and the ability to troubleshoot system-related problems.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver professional training or Extension programs, educational material development, and hands-on or mechanical work is also desirable.
• Familiarity with NC-specific regulatory bodies and stakeholder networks relevant to on-site wastewater treatment, e.g., local health departments and professional associations related to the area.

Required License or Certification:

• A valid NC Driver's License or the ability to obtain an NC Driver's License within 60 days of hire.
• A valid Driver's License must be maintained throughout employment

AA/EEO Statement:
NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.