Job Details
Salary : $47,662.73 - $65,703.61 Annually
Location : Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
Job Type: Full-Time Represented
Job Number: 2024-26
Department: Administration
Division: Customer Service Field
Opening Date: 06/20/2024
Closing Date: 7/4/2024 11:59 PM Pacific
Job Description
The Santa Margarita Water District is looking for an individual who is customer focused and has excellent communication skills. Detailed information regarding essential functions, requisite abilities and additional information regarding this exciting job opportunity are listed below.
DEFINITION
Under general supervision, reads water meters on an assigned route and records readings in hand-held computer; performs routine customer service duties to ensure quality customer service to consumers, and performs a variety of maintenance tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
Incumbents require a general knowledge of water system operations. Assignments are limited in scope, contain routine tasks, and are performed within a procedural framework established by higher level employees.
Essential Functions
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The following is a non-exclusive list of essential functions.
- Reads meters on an assigned route, enters readings into hand-held computer, re-reads meters as necessary.
- Operates hand-held and office computers; enters and retrieves data; uploads and downloads hand-held equipment.
- Investigates unusual readings and customer complaints regarding high bills, taste and odor pressure and related problems; resolves problems or prepares work orders for follow-up.
- Inspects meters and lines for damage or leaks; replaces meter lids; reports inoperative or damaged meters, bypassed meters and related problems; clears or reports meters obstructed by landscaping; orders parts and supplies.
- Inspects tracts/developments for correct installation of water meters; records information on meters to set up new accounts and provides data to Customer Relations.
- Completes all service orders such as turn on, turn off, reads and re-checks; posts notices of service; prepares incident reports.
- Identifies meter types and makes recommendations to supervisor when incorrect type is being used.
- Provides information to customers or refers customer to supervisory staff as appropriate; maintains good public relations, notifies customers as required.
- Operates vehicles in performing assignments; ensures assigned vehicle is checked for proper fuel and fluid levels; inspects and fuels vehicle; reports any inoperable deficiencies through daily trip logs.
- Prepares work orders as necessary.
- Assists in training new employees.
- Reports any unsafe conditions observed in the field and provides recommendations for resolving unsafe conditions.
- Attends safety meetings as required.
- Performs other duties as required.
Requisite Abilities- Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
- Identify meter irregularities and recommend how to correct.
- Deal tactfully and courteously with the public, often in difficult or strained circumstances and establish and maintain effective relationships with the community at large.
- Understand and carry out written and oral directions.
- Work independently while implementing District safety procedures.
- Maintain and keep accurate records.
- Principles and practices of customer service
- Follow safe work practices and work safely.
- Read gauges and meters accurately.
- Understand, explain and apply policies and procedures.
- Ability to differentiate between meter types.
- Repair meters.
- Perform mathematical computations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.
- Follow an assigned meter reading route in a prescribed period of time.
- Read and interpret maps and plans.
- Operate a computer and hand held meter reading devices.
- Meet the physical requirements established by the District.
Qualifications Guidelines Education and/or Experience
Any combination of education and/or experience that has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for acceptable job performance. Example combinations include equivalent to graduation from high school; one year of customer service experience is desirable.
Knowledge and Skill Level
Basic mathematical skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division); general computer programs related to the work; safe work methods and safety precautions related to the work.
Physical Requirements
Employees must meet the following requirements which are necessary to successfully perform the essential functions of this class: sufficient mobility to work in a field environment, work out of doors in all weather conditions on a variety of terrain with exposure to dust, dirt, stinging and biting insects, and hostile dogs; have strength and stamina sufficient to walk long distances, to stand for extended periods of time; bend, stoop, crouch, twist, stand, and kneel repeatedly; lift and carry objects weighing up to 90 pounds; communicate orally face-to-face and over the telephone and radio and have hearing and vision within normal ranges.
Special Requirements
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a Class C California driver's license and a satisfactory driving record.
Santa Margarita Water District offers a comprehensive benefit package for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. These benefits include the following: retirement benefits; medical, dental, vision and life insurance; and a variety of other benefits. Benefits may vary based on employment status.
HEALTH INSURANCE. The District contracts with the Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) for medical insurance coverage. Employees may elect coverage from PPO or HMO plans. Medical premiums for plans in an amount up to or equal to the highest HMO are paid for by the District for all full-time employees. The District shares the cost of medical insurance for dependents with the employee. Coverage is effective the first of the month following one month of employment with full-time status.
DENTAL INSURANCE. The District provides dental insurance for all full-time regular employees. Optional dependent dental coverage is available at the District's rates.
PUBLIC EMPLOYEES RETIREMENT SYSTEM. As a public agency, the Santa Margarita Water District has enrolled in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) for retirement benefits. The retirement formula and required employee contribution may vary based on employment status.
LIFE INSURANCE AND ACCIDENTAL DEATH AND DISMEMBERMENT. The District provides term-life insurance for all full-time employees through Lincoln Financial with Employee benefits equaling 2 1/2 times the employee's annual salary to a maximum of $200,000. Adjustments are made based on the employee's salary.
VISION INSURANCE. The District provides each full-time employee and their eligible dependents with vision insurance through Vision Service Plan (VSP).
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP). The District provides all employees and their dependents with an EAP that provides confidential, professional assistance with a variety of services such as legal/financial concerns, ID recovery, mental health, and more.
GENERAL LEAVE ACCRUAL. General leave is a multi-purpose leave providing for vacations, personal affairs, and non-job related illness/injuries.
- First year through five-year anniversary date of continuous employment: 11.67 hours per calendar month (140 hours per year) with an accumulated maximum of 304 hours.
- Sixth through ten-year anniversary date of continuous employment: 16 hours per calendar month (192 hours per year) with an accumulated maximum of 350 hours.
- Eleventh through fifteen-year anniversary date of continuous employment: 19.33 hours per calendar month (232 hours per year) with an accumulated maximum of 350 hours.
- Sixteenth year and beyond of continuous employment: 22.67 hours per calendar month (272 hours per year) with an accumulated maximum of 380 hours.
While accrual begins from the date of hire, for the most part, general leave may not be taken until completion of the employee's six-month probationary period.
HOLIDAYS. The District provides 10 holidays (84 hours) per year for full-time employees.
FLEX SPENDING ACCOUNT. Through the District's Flexible Spending Account (FSA), employees may set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for eligible "out-of-pocket" (unreimbursed) medical expenses, child or dependent care.
EDUCATION REIMBURSEMENT. All full-time employees are eligible for reimbursement for educational training or certification training taken from any college, university, or accredited institution, up to $5,250 per year with Department Head approval.
DIRECT DEPOSIT. All employees have the option to have their paycheck automatically deposited into different accounts with their bank and/or credit union.
The aforementioned information is only a summary of the District's benefits. Detailed information may be found in the Personnel Rules and Regulations and/or the Memorandum of Understanding between the SMWDEA and the Santa Margarita Water District.