Utilities Service Representative

TO APPLY:

To be considered for this opportunity, please visit "Job Opportunities" atwww.rpcity.organd complete the online application and required supplemental questionnaire. All applications will be screened in detail for completeness and possession of minimum qualifications.

Under general supervision, performs meter reading, maintenance, repair, and replacement of meters; performs various duties related to servicing accounts such as turning water service on or off, placing tags for delinquent accounts, answering customer inquiries and complaints and performing leak checks; performs related duties as assigned.

General supervision is received from the Water System Supervisor. Additional direction may be provided by the Public Works Operations Manager- Utilities. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

The Utilities Service Representative is a journey-level classification that performs the full-range of duties associated with water meter reading and utilities customer service for the City’s Department of Public Works. Incumbents are expected to work independently and exercise a considerable amount of independent judgment and initiative in performing duties in the field. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Reads meters using a variety of methods including automated meter reading device and manually by established routes.
• Responds to citizens’ questions, concerns, complaints, and inquiries.
• Determines accuracy of meter readings and reports unusual situations to the supervisor or other authorized personnel.
• Performs data entry on hand-held computers.
• Cleans and maintains meters and boxes; installs, rebuilds, or replaces meters and repairs minor leaks.
• Builds, installs, removes, and/or repairs temporary hydrant meters.
• Performs final inspection of water services; ensuring adherence to City standards; issues correction notices if required.
• Reports water waste violations.
• Conducts water leak investigations.
• Conducts re-reads of possible high or low usage.
• Programs or re-programs water meter electronic transmitting units.
• Delivers advanced disconnect door tags as directed.
• Disconnects water service for non-payment and/or customer request.
• Reads and interprets printed maps, plans, and computer-based information systems.
• Calculates and records figures accurately and rapidly.
• Organizes and maintains accurate records.
• Performs meter accuracy flow tests.
• Performs required daily route and usage information downloads and uploads using appropriate equipment and computer applications.
• Works closely with other City employees, i.e., Finance Department Utility Billing staff.
• Performs recycled water site inspections for compliance and runoff.

In performing the duties described above, the incumbent is expected to:

• Provide outstanding and friendly customer service.
• Create and maintain a respectful and collaborative working environment.
• Communicate honestly and behave in a manner that is ethical, legal and fiscally responsible.
• Demonstrate care for the organization, customers, and coworkers.
• Perform work of the highest quality possible.
• Practice and encourage initiative and innovation to improve the workplace.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Safe practices in using a variety of mechanical and power tools and equipment in constructing, maintaining, and repairing a variety of City facilities and infrastructure.
• Occupational hazards and standard safety precautions relevant to the safe conduct of City construction and maintenance activities.
• City streets and parcel identification system.
• Relevant City Ordinances related to water usage and conservation.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination.
• Computers, remote electronic field devices, and software programs to conduct, compile, and/or generate documentation.

ABILITY TO:

• Perform data entry quickly and accurately at a rate to accomplish deadlines.
• Perform manual work pertaining to water meters.
• Correctly operate meter reading equipment.
• Be proactive in addressing problems.
• Take initiative and seek out work.
• Complete tasks and follow through with work assignments in a timely fashion.
• Follow verbal and written directions.
• Read, understand and follow directions on a variety of chemical spraying and cleaning products.
• Practice safe work procedures.
• Adhere to driver safety and awareness principles.
• Learn and utilize new technology.
• Work from plans, maps, or drawings.
• Maintain required paper and electronic documentation.
• Meet, confer, and relate well with contractors and vendors.
• Perform duties in environments where animals may be present.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Equivalent tocompletion of the twelfth (12th) grade. Experience in reading utility meters is highly desirable.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS:

• Possession of a valid California Class C driver’s license by date of appointment and a satisfactory driving record.
• California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) Water Distribution Operator Certificate Grade I within one year of date of appointment.

Must possess mobility to work in the field; strength, stamina, and mobility to perform medium to heavy physical work, to climb and descend ladders, to operate varied hand and power tools, and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various City sites; close, distance, color, and peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus to read meters, printed materials and a computer screen; smell to recognize and distinguish odors; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone or radio. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate above-mentioned tools and equipment. Positions in this classification bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and climb to perform work and inspect work sites. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 40 pounds or heavier weights with the use of proper equipment and assistance from other staff.

Employees work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. The incumbent may be required to wear respiratory equipment. May involve exposure to dangerous animals. Employees may interact with members of the public or with staff under emotionally stressful conditions while interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

May provide twenty-four-hour standby service.