Utility Services Representative

Position Description

Tacoma Public Utilities is establishing a Utility Services Representative (USR) list that will be used to fill vacancies for one year.

Utility Service Representatives provide support for a wide variety of residential and commercial construction activities associated with requests for new and existing utility services and the cross-connection control program. Responsibilities include receiving and providing information and services to other City personnel, governmental and private agencies, various outside organizations, customers, and the public. USRs provide detailed and accurate information regarding the existence, location, type, and extent of utility facilities and services using drawings, diagrams, sketches and utility systems maps. Duties include working independently on assignments while providing information to Tacoma Public Utilities' customers and obtaining field information for engineering and field staff.

Responsibilities Include:

• Provide information in support of residential and commercial construction activities associated with requests for new and existing utility services to City, County, State, outside agencies, and utility customers regarding permit requirements, City ordinances, codes, and regulations
• Provide information regarding the existence, location, type, and extent of utility facilities and services relating to street, traffic, water, and power utility services; use and interpret drawings, diagrams, sketches, and utility systems maps
• Research property information, read, and understand legal descriptions
• Request from the City, County, State, and Railroad, right-of-way permits and easements for the installation of utility facilities
• Coordinate activities, and collect and track fees associated with customer requests for new and existing utility services and provide billing information to internal and external customers
• Provide technical administrative support to the Water Regulatory Compliance Group; coordinate all activities of the cross-connection control program, working with building officials, inspectors, water purveyors, utility customers and contractors; database maintenance, field investigations, researching property information, administering water service holds, and enforcement activities
• Access, prepare, update, and maintain computerized and manual records of sectional maps, inventory of various types of electrical, water, or public works installations, additions and changes of poles, lines, circuits, easements, transformers, water mains, fire hydrants, valves, water services, files, lists, and reports related to utility service and billings
• Under the direction of a supervisor and/or senior staff member relay work assignments to crews
• Work safely and cooperatively with co-workers and the public

Qualifications

• 1+ year of work experience in utility infrastructure, such as residential utility construction activities, utility permitting, utility installation, maintenance and repair or closely-related experience; AND
• Graduation from high school or equivalent

Desired

• Exceptional customer service skills
• Proven organizational skills
• Ability to multitask well in a fast paced environment

LICENSES, CERTIFICATION AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Some positions may require possession of a valid Washington State Driver License at time of appointment with maintenance thereafter or evidence of equivalent mobility

Knowledge & Skills

• Perform work in a professional manner under stressful situations with many on the job interruptions, and apply and use proper interpersonal skills of tact, patience, and courtesy
• Work from diagrams, drawings, sketches and utility service maps and provide updates
• Demonstrate proper telephone techniques and etiquette
• Perform proper electronic and manual record-keeping techniques
• Learn, interpret and apply applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures of assigned area quickly and accurately
• Operate a personal computer with applicable application software and peripheral devices
• Meet schedules and timelines using organizational skills in a multi-task work environment while working independently with little direction; analyze situations quickly and adopt an effective course of action
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Perform basic mathematical computations quickly and accurately; calculate bills, compute differences, and explain complicated rate schedules
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with other employees, the general public and representatives of other agencies

Selection Process & Supplemental Information

City of Tacoma Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Tacoma's diversity is its greatest asset. Tacoma embraces its multi-cultural and multi-ethnic character. Communities of color and immigrant communities are fundamental to Tacoma's entrepreneurial spirit, workforce, and long-term success. In Tacoma, equity and empowerment are top priorities, meaning that all Tacoma residents must have equitable opportunities to reach their full potential and share in the benefits of community progress. One of our goals is for the City of Tacoma workforce to reflect the community it serves. We actively work to eliminate racial and other disparities and welcome candidates with diverse backgrounds and/or multicultural skill sets and experiences. Our goal is for Tacoma to be an inclusive and equitable place to live, work, and play.

The City of Tacoma is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its workplace. Applicants are considered for positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital or veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, and local laws.

Apply
Interested individuals should complete the online application. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will have their responses to the supplemental questions scored. Applicants must receive a passing score to be placed on the eligible list for interview and hiring consideration.

Individuals given a conditional offer of employment will be required to pass a background check. New employees must successfully complete a nine-month probationary period prior to obtaining permanent status in this classification.

This position is covered by a Labor Agreement between the City of Tacoma and Local 17.

Communication from the City of Tacoma:
We primarily communicate via e-mail during the application process. E-mails from cityoftacoma.org and/or governmentjobs.com must be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk e-mail folders.

If you have any additional questions regarding this position, please contact the Human Resources Department at 253.591.5400 before 4pm on the date this posting closes.

The City of Tacoma provides excellent medical, dental and vision plans for the whole family; paid holidays and paid leave; participation in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System (alternate plan for Police/Fire); continuing education and advancement opportunities and a growing variety of City-sponsored health and wellness opportunities and incentives.

Medical Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age26 or younger.

Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age26 or younger.

Vision Coverage: For eligible employees and their eligible dependents.

Paid Leave: City employees are entitled to received paid holidays, sick/vacation leave or personal time off (PTO), depending upon union affiliation and appointment type.

Insurance Plans: Employees are covered by a long-term disability plan. Short-term and expanded long-term disability insurance plans are also available to employees. The State Industrial Insurance Act also covers employees.

Deferred Compensation: Income can be set aside on a pretax basis and invested for supplementation of normal retirement income.

Retirement: All employees of the City, except members of the Police and Fire services, Tacoma Rail and certain project employees, are included in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System. Information on the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System can be found at www.cityoftacoma.org or by calling (253) 502-8200.

Other Employment Information

Direct Deposit: Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule by direct deposit.

Salary Increases: Based on satisfactory job performance, the City provides for a regular progression of salary increases for most classifications according to the salary schedule.

Union Affiliation: Many job classifications are covered by union security provisions which require union membership, dues, or payment of equivalent service fees.

Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.

Closing Date/Time: 1/6/2025 5:00 PM Pacific

• 

• City of Tacoma

• 253-591-5400

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