Septic Repair Program Specialist

Septic Repair Program Specialist

FLSA Status: Part -Time -
Non-exempt / Hourly

Compensation: $30.00 per hour - eligible for overtime

Reports To: Clean Water Director
Direct Reports: None

Typical Schedule: Part-time (Less than 32 hours per week). A flexible schedule may be required to meet the needs of the organization. Limited hybrid work may be available on a case-by-case basis with prior approval.

Position Summary
Reporting to the Clean Water Director, the Septic Repair Program Specialist will support the implementation of MountainTrue's Hurricane Helene Septic Repair and Replacement program. Working closely alongside Riverkeepers, water quality specialists, homeowners, contractors, county Environmental Health officials, engineers, soil specialists, and community partners, this role drives septic restoration projects from initial intake through final completion.
The Septic Repair Program Specialist helps ensure projects are completed efficiently, compliantly, and in accordance with grant requirements while advancing program goals related to public health protection, water quality improvement, and community recovery. Work will be conducted in a variety of settings, including offices, community meeting spaces, county government offices, and private properties throughout Western North Carolina.

Primary Responsibilities

Program Implementation:

• Devise and implement a targeted strategy to address failing septic systems in the most impacted sub-watershed, with the goal of providing assistance to repair as many septic systems as possible in those communities.
• Schedule site visits, inspections, permit reviews, and project meetings.
• Collect and organize project documentation including but not limited to ownership records, tax parcel information, income verification, permits, photographs, inspection reports, and other program records.
• Coordinate activities with county Environmental Health Departments, Authorized Onsite Wastewater Evaluators (AOWEs), engineers, soil scientists, septic inspectors, and contractors.
• Assist with verification of septic system failure, Hurricane Helene impacts, and project eligibility.
• Support documentation procurement and contractor selection processes in accordance with federal and state requirements.
• Supporting contractor prequalification, Request for Qualifications (RFQ) processes, contractor outreach, and bid solicitation activities.
  
  

Community Engagement/Outreach:

• Support public outreach and homeowner engagement through meetings, presentations, direct communications, social media, and partner referrals.
• Review applications for completeness and assist with eligibility determinations.
• Guide homeowners and property owners through the application process, assisting with gathering required documentation.
• Monitor project schedules and communicate regularly with homeowners and contractors regarding project status.
  
  

Administrative:

• Maintain thorough project files and ensure required documentation is collected and retained in accordance with grant requirements.
• Track project milestones from initial application through permitting, construction, inspection, and project closeout.
• Assist in development and maintaining scopes of work, homeowner agreements, contractor agreements, and project documentation.
• Support contractor invoice reviews, payment documentation, and project cost tracking.
• Enter and maintain accurate project data within databases, spreadsheets, GIS systems, and reporting platforms.
• Support grant reporting, data management, compliance monitoring, and records retention activities.
• Maintain accurate time logs and work activity records.
• Adhere strictly to all applicable grant, procurement, privacy, financial, and regulatory requirements.
  
  

Operational Metrics and Analytics

• Collect and organize documentation related to resiliency measures, including photographs, inspections, checklists, and supporting records.
• Coordinate with program partners to prevent duplication of benefits and ensure compliance with funding requirements.
• Track and report program accomplishments, challenges, project outcomes, and performance metrics.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with grants, environmental programs, construction projects, housing programs, disaster recovery efforts, or community assistance programs.
• Experience with spreadsheets, databases, GIS mapping tools, and document management systems.
• Familiarity with septic systems, environmental health programs, permitting processes, construction management, or disaster recovery programs is preferred (but not required).
• Access to reliable transportation and a valid driver's license required.
  
  

Desired Qualifications

• Strong organizational, administrative, and project management skills. Detail-oriented.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Comfortable interacting with homeowners, contractors, government agencies, and nonprofit partners.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet strict deadlines.
• Ability to maintain confidential information and handle sensitive personal data appropriately.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining strong communication with supervisors and project partners.
  
  

Location & Travel

• This position is based in Asheville, North Carolina, with travel throughout Western North Carolina as needed.
• This position requires a hybrid mix of field work, in person reporting, and regular virtual team meetings.
• Some evening or weekend work may be required for community outreach, homeowner meetings, site visits, or partner coordination.
• Mileage reimbursement is provided by the organization for personal vehicle use. A MountainTrue vehicle may be available on a case-by-case basis.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to hike across uneven terrain and work in and around streams and rivers.
• Ability to lift and carry equipment weighing up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to safely operate field equipment and vehicles.
  
  
  

Safety Expectations

• Follow MountainTrue’s safety protocols and procedures.
• Report occupational injuries, illnesses, or near misses immediately.
• Participate in required safety training and accident investigations as needed.
• Identify and immediately report unsafe conditions to the appropriate supervisor or safety lead.
  
  
  

Compensation & Benefits

• Part -Time -
  Non-exempt / Hourly: $30.00
• With potential to expand into full time.
  
  

Benefits:

• Benefit Eligibility only when in conjunction with another part time role equaling Full-Time benefit status (32 - 40 hrs a week).
• This position is eligible for MountainTrue benefits, including health insurance, paid time off (vacation, sick leave, jury duty, and bereavement leave), and participation in the organization’s retirement plan.