The City of Poway is recruiting for a new Customer Services Field Worker to join the team! The job duties for this position include the inspection, maintenance, and repair of valves, meters, and related appurtenances, and high-level customer service. The ideal candidate is proficient at time management, detail-oriented, and a problem solver. If you have the qualifications as outlined below to fulfill this position, we encourage you to apply today!
The person hired for this position will receive the following:
7/1/2025 - 5% wage increase
7/1/2026 - 5% wage increase
Under general supervision, performs fieldwork in reading water meters and recording amounts consumed for billing purposes; performs a variety of routine work in the setting, repair, and maintenance of the City's water meter boxes and related equipment; makes field service calls to customers to perform a variety of service tasks; turns water service on and off per customer request or City policy; and performs related work as required.
Receives direct or general supervision from the Utilities Administrator or assigned supervisor. No direct supervision of staff is exercised.
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.
- Performs a variety of semi-skilled work to inspect, maintain, and repair valves, meters, and related appurtenances.
- Performs customer service duties by performing courtesy turn-ons and shut-offs and checking for leaks or inoperative meters; reports water use violations; assists customers in resolving water volume and pressure problems.
- Utilizes a hand-held meter-reading computer to retrieve data from water meters in accordance with an assigned schedule and route including taking transfer and final readings; notes any unusual computer messages and takes appropriate actions to remedy issues.
- Observes and reports meter or service defects, unusual water flow, unauthorized fire hydrant use, or unauthorized use of reclaimed water; submits work orders for the repair of service leaks.
- Maintains meters, boxes, lids, and landscape around meter boxes; installs water meters and customer valves.
- Participates with implementation of automated meter reading equipment, including installation and connection, documentation for customer record, and troubleshooting functionality issues.
- Provides customers with specialized information about their water service (e.g., when consumption is unusually high, when an obstruction prevents reading of meter, and/or when service shut-offs may be required for maintenance purposes).
- Uses the utility billing system and the geographic information system to access information about customers and the water system.
- Responds to requests and complaints from the public and answers questions or refers to supervisor, as necessary.
- Reads and interprets maps and diagrams in the performance of the work.
- May assist other maintenance crews in emergency or relief situations.
- Attendance and punctuality that is observant of scheduled hours on a regular basis.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Any combination of the following education and experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of this classification.
Experience:
One year of experience in customer service, the maintenance or repair of underground utilities and/or water meters, or a related mechanical maintenance field. Experience in meter reading is highly desirable.
Education/Training:
Equivalent to the completion of the 12th grade.
Licenses and Certifications:
- Valid California class C driver's license with satisfactory driving record.
- Ability to obtain a Grade I Water Distribution Operator certificate issued by the California State Department of Public Health (CDPH) within the first year of employment; once obtained, the certification must be maintained in valid status.
Physical Demands
Must possess mobility to work in the field; strength, stamina, and mobility to perform medium to heavy physical work, to work in confined spaces and around machines, to climb and descend ladders, and to operate varied hand and power tools and construction equipment; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; 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 75 pounds or heavier weights with the use of proper equipment.
Environmental Elements
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. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives and contractors in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
Applicants will be evaluated on the basis of relevant training and experience. Highly rated candidates will be invited to participate in an examination process consisting of an appraisal interview. Successful candidates will be placed on an eligibility list according to the score received. The eligibility list established will be in effect for a period of six months. Applicants will be notified of their eligibility status. All appointments are subject to the successful completion of a pre-employment physical that includes a drug screening, a background investigation including LIVESCAN fingerprinting, and will be required to submit verification of the legal right to work in the United States. All employees are required by law to sign a loyalty oath to the United States and the State of California constitution at time of hire.
