Service Technician

cityofottawa; Ottawa (KS); On-site; USD 36,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Ottawa is hiring a Service Technician to perform meter reading, manage the AMI Smart Meter program, connect and disconnect utilities, and handle service work orders. You will read water and electric meters, test hydrants, operate valves, and document maintenance history while providing customer service at the utility counter and coordinating with city staff.

Ideal candidates have a high school diploma, valid driver’s license, and 1 year of related experience; familiarity with digital

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Valid driver's license required.
• College coursework or related training preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage, implement, and analyze the AMI Smart Meter program.
• Read water and electric meters accurately, completing meter routes and troubleshooting as needed.
• Disconnect utilities for delinquent accounts.
• Connect and disconnect water and electric meters.
• Perform meter work orders, including repair and replacement of meters and components.
• Regularly exercise and inspect water distribution system valves.
• Conduct fire hydrant flow testing and preventive maintenance.
• Document hydrant and valve data using digital tools.
• Manage school crossing light timers according to schedules.
• Collect money from bulk water dispenser and make repairs as needed.
• Transport deposits from other city facilities.
• Provide customer service at the utility counter and assist with inquiries.

Skills

Apple products

Microsoft Office

SMART meter technology

Meter equipment maintenance

Mathematics knowledge

Verbal communication

Electrical safety procedures

Customer service

Time management

Education

High school diploma

College coursework preferred

Valid driver’s license

Job description

The City of Ottawa is recruiting for a Service Technician. The Service Technician completes service work orders, performs management, implementation, and analysis of the Smart Meter program, connects and disconnects utility services, and reads water and electric meters for accurate recording and billing. Responsibilities also include regular flow testing of fire hydrants, exercising water utility valves, and providing customer service.

Essential Job Functions:

• Manage, implement, and analyze the AMI Smart Meter program.
• Read water and electric meters accurately, completing meter routes ensuring accurate reads and troubleshooting as needed.
• Perform disconnection of utilities when accounts are delinquent.
• Connect and disconnect water and electric meters.
• Perform service work orders, including repair and replacement of meters and meter components as needed.
• Perform regular exercising and inspection of water distribution system valves using hydraulic or manual valve exercising equipment.
• Conduct fire hydrant flow testing, flushing, lubrication, and preventive maintenance.
• Document hydrant and valve condition, GPS locations, and maintenance history using digital tools or inspection logs.
• Manage school crossing light timers according to school schedules.
• Collect money from bulk water dispenser and make repairs as needed.
• Transport deposits from other city facilities.

Ancillary Job Functions:

Customer Service:

• Provide customer service for the utility counter which includes accurate and prompt response to customer inquiries for amounts due, service account changes, billing questions, and payments for utility bills as needed.
• Establish and maintain successful working relationships with other employees, City officials, businesses, and the public.
• Provide assistance to citizens when onsite for disconnection of utilities, verifying a reading accuracy or need for meter repair or replacement, and providing next day warnings to delinquent accountholders.

Other:

• Maintain calendar and procedures manual.
• Complete special projects, assist other departments, and perform other related duties as assigned.
• Work on call if needed to connect/disconnect utilities, including after hours and on weekends.
• Comply with all City ordinances and practices.

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• College coursework or related training preferred.
• Minimum of one year of relevant experience preferred.
• Must maintain a valid driver's license.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong technology skills for mobile and desktop computers to include: Apple products, Microsoft Office, and SMART meter technology
• Knowledge of mathematics and meter equipment maintenance
• Attention to detail
• Ability to operate a computerized handheld meter reading device
• Ability to adapt to changing technologies in the utility industry
• Strong verbal communication skills
• Knowledge of electrical safety procedures
• Ability to work quickly and meet deadlines
• Knowledge of city geographies and residential/business locations
• Ability to deal safely with aggressive pets/animals
• Ability to effectively organize and prioritize work as well as concentrate on multiple tasks simultaneously
• Ability to work under general supervision and make responsible decisions
• Ability to use good judgment and think quickly and rationally in difficult or stressful situations

Work Environment:

• May be required to work in confined spaces, hazardous traffic conditions, or high/dangerous places.
• May be exposed to wet/humid conditions, inclement outdoor weather, vibration, mechanical oils, airborne particles/fumes, moving mechanical parts, risk of electrical shock, or loud noise levels.

Physical Abilities:

• Must be able to sit, talk, hear, feel attributes of objects, grasp, push, stand, walk, drive, reach with hands/arms, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb, balance, and operate mechanical equipment
• Must be able to have repetitive wrist/hand/finger movement and manual dexterity
• Must have clarity of vision, three-dimensional vision, ability to identify/distinguish colors, and precise hand-eye coordination
• Must be able to lift up to 40 pounds
• Regular attendance is a necessary and essential function

Range: $25.87 to $36.22

Date Opened: July 28, 2026

Date Closed: August 11, 2026

Hours: 7:00 am to 4:00 pm - Monday - Friday