Water Service Representative

Water Service Representative

Join the City of Petaluma! We are currently seeking a dedicated and customer-focused individual to fill one (1) Water Service Representative position in our Water Resources and Utilities Department. This vital role serves as a key liaison between the City and our water customers, performing a variety of administrative and field duties related to water service and customer accounts. The ideal candidate will bring a commitment to exceptional customer service and a strong understanding of policies and procedures in a utility setting. Prior experience in water utilities is highly desirable.

Salary Range : $67,891.20 - $82,576.00

For Your Health and Well Being :

• Medical Insurance : Choice of a variety of CalPERS Health Plans. City pays ~95% of the Bay Area Kaiser premium for employee & eligible dependents; or alternative option to receive Medical Cash Back (if you have medical coverage elsewhere).
• Dental & Vision Insurance : Coverage for employees & eligible family members, paid for by the City.
• Life Insurance : Competitive life insurance & Long-Term Disability benefits. Option to purchase additional life insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program : Support and benefits, for you & eligible family members, paid for by the City.
• Wellness Benefit : $500 annual allowance (subject to the annual budget approval process and may change in the future)

For Your Financial Future :

For Your Work / Life Balance (annual amounts) :

Other Exceptional Benefits :

Perform field and office duties in support of City water utility revenue and customer service activities including customer complaints, meter reading, and repair services; explain the City's policies and procedures with respect to meter related services to the City's customers.

General supervision is provided by a higher-level supervisor or manager; responsibilities may include the indirect supervision of support staff.

This class is distinguished from other water service classes in that the emphasis is on customer service and meter reading, rather than the installation and repair of water distribution systems.

Read residential, commercial, and industrial water service meters, on foot or from a vehicle, following an established route; record readings by using a hand-held computer or by posting readings into a meter book; reread meters when consumption appears to be unusually high or low; note the need for meter service, maintenance, or repair. Receive and investigate customer inquiries and complaints regarding high and low bills, leaks, water pressure, etc.; make appointments and meet the customer at the service site; resolve complaints by locating leaks and explaining the City's operating policies and procedures. Contact customers regarding delinquent accounts or returned checks and arrange for collection; explain the City's policies and procedures with respect to bill payment. Make readings for final bills; turn water on or off; accept information; may lock off service or remove meters for delinquent payment. Lay out meter routes in new service areas. Clean and maintain meters in the field; install or replace meters and repair minor leaks; investigate, initiate action, or resolve water distribution system minor repair matters during specified hours. Prepare and maintain records and reports of work performed. Drive a variety of motor vehicles in the performance of the work. Use appropriate hand and power tools to accomplish assigned work in a safe manner. As required, assist with utility operations and maintenance and repair work. Perform related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of : Operations and services of a water distribution agency. Principles and practices of quality customer service. Methods and techniques of reading water meters, either manually or through the use of handheld electronic devices. Methods and techniques of identifying and resolving customer issues such as excess water usage and related problems. Methods and techniques of installing and repairing water meters. Methods and techniques of performing minor repairs to the water distribution system as it relates to meter services. Operational characteristics of equipment and materials used in water meter reading and repair. Principles and practices of preparing and maintaining service records and reports. Basic mathematical principles.

Education and Experience : Any combination equivalent to the education and experience likely to provide the required knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to gain such knowledge and abilities would be : Education : Equivalent to graduation from high school. Experience : Two years of experience explaining rules and regulations to the public and resolving inquiries and complaints related to the installation, maintenance, or repair of water distribution or similar underground systems. Experience in a water utility setting is desirable. Certifications / Licenses : Obtain California Department of Health Services Grade I Water Distribution Certificate prior to advancing to Step 3 of pay range. Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell. The employee must frequently lift and / or move weight up to 70 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles. The employee occasionally works with use of vehicle. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.