Operations Manager Jobs

Position Available: Operations Manager, Wastewater Alternatives & Innovations (WAI).

Posting Date: June 6, 2023

Summary: Wastewater Alternatives & Innovations (WAI) is seeking an Operations Manager to start work immediately. This person must be based in Hawaii and be a highly organized, experienced program manager with a track record of successfully delivering results in a timely way.

The Operations and Finance Manager reports to the Executive Director. This person will manage two other staff. The job primarily entails managing our Workforce4Water program funded by the Department of Labor. This includes monthly reporting and invoicing, working closely with our partner PICHTR.

The job also entails some financial management, especially invoicing PICHTR in DOL’s approved format, in partnership with the WAI bookkeeper. Other responsibilities include attending staff meetings, participating in Workforce4Water convenings, supporting the other Workforce4Water staff, coordinating closely with PICHTR staff and consultants on the program deliverables.

WAI is an innovative nonprofit dedicated to protecting water quality and solving wastewater issues in Hawaii caused by the 88,000 cesspools across the state.

Job Details: This is a full-time, salaried position with a starting salary set at $65,000 per year per the grant terms. There are paid benefits, including generous vacation days and reimbursement for health insurance premiums, as well as access to a retirement savings plan.

To apply: Please send a resume and cover letter outlining your interests and qualifications for this position to [email protected] & [email protected] by June 23, 2023.

: The Operations and Finance Manager will work closely with the Executive Director and management team on the coordination and deliverables of the Workforce4Water program to ensure they are within budget, on time and within scope. He/she/they will:

• Directly manage all aspects of the Workforce4Water Program.
• Create and maintain required project documentation and funding reports.
• Attend staff and partner Zoom and in-person meetings, take notes and help follow up on action items.
• Engage with media outlets, social media and the website.
• Prepare reports for WAI management, the board of directors & key partners regarding the status of Workforce4Water.

Operations Manager Requirements:

• Competency in Microsoft (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.), G-Suite, Zoom, etc.
• Experience using Macs, PCs and project management programs for a variety of tasks.
• Ability to work remotely, both independently and as part of a close team.
• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues on tight deadlines.
• Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree preferred with experience in engineering, education, environmental studies, geology/hydrology or related subject matter.
• Three to five years of experience in nonprofit organizational management work; knowledge and experience in water or wastewater-related work desired.
• Strong verbal, written and presentation skills.
• Very organized, detail-oriented and open to innovative problem-solving.
• Experience with database management, ArcGIS mapping preferred.

Background: The cesspool situation in Hawaii requires transformation and innovation. With more than 88,000 cesspools across the state, these substandard sanitation systems leach more than 53 million gallons of untreated sewage into Hawaii’s groundwater, streams and nearshore waters each day. The prevailing alternative of a septic system does not adequately reduce wastewater and nutrient pollution in the environment and is too expensive for most homeowners to afford. With the state mandate to convert all cesspools, WAI is committed to helping homeowners and affected communities with this difficult challenge. The organization is developing a multi-faceted, multi-stakeholder campaign to offer more efficient, affordable and environmentally friendly sanitation systems for Hawaii. In the next year, we expect to see measurable progress in the following areas:

1. Engagement of key stakeholders in finding a common solution, including communities, non-profit organizations, infrastructure finance companies, wastewater companies & engineers, Native Hawaiian organizations, and state agencies.

2. Additional research linking cesspool pollution to degraded marine ecosystems and freshwater supplies, along with the impact and practicality of various solutions.

3. Greater public awareness of the cesspool problem, and growing support for, practical, ecological and affordable sanitation solutions.

4. The design and implementation of successful pilot projects that provide direct proof of the efficacy and practicality of ecologically-sound sanitation solutions that benefit fresh water sources and the marine environment.

The goals of WAI are to help solve Hawaii’s cesspool and sanitation issues, reduce wastewater contamination and help restore our watersheds and coastal ecosystems. WAI is a founding partner in national and international networks working on these issues and was recently recognized by Pacific Business News and given its Fire Innovation Award. Please feel free to share this job description with eligible candidates who want to be part of an innovative organization and WAI’s talented team. For more info, go to: www.WaiCleanWater.org.