Technology & Innovation Consultant

Connect technology to better utility performance

EMA is an employee-owned consulting firm serving water and wastewater utilities. We are seeking a Technology & Innovation Consultant who combines technical expertise with curiosity, sound judgment, and the ability to see the bigger picture.

In this role, you will help utilities understand their challenges, evaluate opportunities, and implement practical technology solutions that improve operations, strengthen cybersecurity, and support informed decisions. You will connect technical recommendations to the people, processes, and operational needs that determine whether a solution succeeds.

What you will do

• Work with clients to define problems, understand operational needs, and identify opportunities to improve performance through technology.
• Assess IT and operational technology (OT) environments and develop recommendations that consider cybersecurity, reliability, integration, and long-term support.
• Support technology planning, cybersecurity assessments, policy development, and implementation activities in coordination with client teams.
• Develop or integrate digital tools, applications, and data workflows that improve access to information, streamline work, and support decision-making.
• Evaluate opportunities to use AI and analytics responsibly, considering data protection, accuracy, human review, and practical value.
• Translate technical findings into clear recommendations, implementation plans, and deliverables for technical and nontechnical audiences.
• Collaborate across EMA’s disciplines to connect technology solutions with utility operations, organizational priorities, and client goals.
• Contribute to project scopes, budgets, schedules, and proposals while delivering accurate, complete, and professional work.
• Build strong client relationships by listening, asking thoughtful questions, and identifying needs beyond the immediate assignment.

• Demonstrated experience applying technology to solve operational or business problems.
• Technical depth in one or more relevant areas, with the ability and interest to work across disciplines.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to connect individual technical decisions to broader operational outcomes.
• The ability to explain complex concepts clearly, facilitate discussions, and work effectively with people who have different perspectives and levels of technical knowledge.
• A collaborative approach, learning agility, and curiosity about emerging technologies.
• Sound judgment about cybersecurity, data quality, confidentiality, and responsible AI use.
• Strong attention to quality, preparation, documentation, and follow-through.
• A relevant degree and a combination of education and practical experience.

Relevant experience may include

Candidates may bring different combinations of the following:

• IT infrastructure and networking: VMware, Microsoft Server, network design and configuration, switches, DNS, VPNs, remote access, and multifactor authentication.
• IT/OT cybersecurity: Assessments, policies, planning, strategy, and experience applying frameworks or guidance such as NIST CSF, NIST SP 800-53.
• Software development and integration: Python, JavaScript, web applications, APIs, databases, and tools that connect systems or improve workflows.
• Utility operations and data: Water or wastewater processes, regulatory reporting, operational data management, process optimization, or digital tools supporting field and operational teams.
• Consulting and project delivery: Client facilitation, needs assessments, technology roadmaps, implementation planning, and project coordination.

Water or wastewater utility experience is valuable. Candidates with transferable experience in other utilities, critical infrastructure, or complex operational environments are also encouraged to apply.