Utilities Service Leadworker

American Water Works Association; Ventura (CA); On-site; USD 93,354,441 - 113,470,156; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance (HMO, PPO) Since the

Dental and Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Vacation & Holiday Compensation

Deferred Compensation

CalPERS Retirement

Wellness Program

Tuition Reimbursement & Bilingual Pay

Job summary

Ventura Water is seeking a Utilities Service Leadworker in Ventura, CA to lead meter reading, maintenance, and customer service efforts to deliver reliable utility services. The role coordinates daily operations, trains staff, and acts as a liaison between field operations and the public.

The ideal candidate will direct schedules, oversee implementations of AMR/AMI technologies, and contribute to conservation programs while ensuring safety and quality service.

Qualifications

• Experience in utility customer service, meter reading, meter maintenance, or related utility operations.
• Ability to lead, train, and guide staff while fostering teamwork.
• Investigates customer concerns and explains technical information clearly.
• Strong organizational skills with accurate records and reports.
• Builds relationships across departments and with the public.
• Identifies opportunities to improve processes and service.
• Demonstrates sound judgment, initiative, and professionalism.
• Committed to safety, quality service, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead, schedule, and coordinate daily work of Utilities Service Representatives.
• Coordinate utility installations, meter requirements, and customer data with City departments.
• Monitor AMR/AMI operations to ensure accurate billing.
• Conduct water usage audits and provide conservation recommendations.
• Support water conservation initiatives and public education programs.
• Maintain records, prepare reports, and improve workflows.
• Assist with Cross Connection Program and equipment purchases.
• Participate in evaluations, goal setting, and process improvement.
• Build positive relationships with customers, contractors, and City staff.

Skills

Leadership

Customer service

Organization

Communication

Tools

AMR/AMI Systems

Job description

Pay & Benefits

$32.58 - $39.60 Hourly (DOQ)

Benefits

• Medical Insurance (HMO, PPO options)
• City Paid Dental and Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Vacation & Holiday Compensation
• Deferred Compensation
• CalPERS Retirement
• Wellness Program (access to gym facility and fitness classes)
• Tuition Reimbursement & Bilingual Pay

About the Opportunity

Ventura Water is hiring a Utilities Service Leadworker to lead meter reading, meter maintenance, customer service, and water conservation activities that support the delivery of reliable utility services to our community. This position plays a critical role in ensuring customers receive accurate utility services while supporting Ventura Water's commitment to conservation, innovation, and exceptional customer service.

As a working lead, you’ll provide day-to-day direction, training, and technical guidance while remaining actively involved in field and customer service operations. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys coordinating daily operations, leading staff, solving customer concerns, and serving as a key liaison between field operations, customers, and internal City departments.

Incumbent may be required to work stand-by on rotational basis and report to work on a callback basis as needed within a designated time frame. Standby assignment is at the discretion of the Division Head.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, schedule, and coordinate the daily work of Utilities Service Representatives engaged in customer service, meter reading, and meter maintenance activities.
• Coordinate utility service installations, meter requirements, connection fees, and customer account information with internal City departments.
• Monitor meter reading operations and help ensure accurate customer billing through the use of Automated Meter Reading (AMR) and Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) technologies.
• Conduct customer water usage audits, investigate consumption concerns, and provide recommendations to improve water efficiency.
• Assist with implementing water conservation initiatives, public outreach efforts, and customer education programs.
• Maintain records, prepare reports, and support the development of efficient work processes and operational improvements.
• Assist with the City's Cross Connection Program and the purchase of equipment and supplies.
• Participate in employee evaluations, goal setting, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Build positive working relationships with customers, contractors, and City staff while delivering responsive and professional customer service.

The Ideal Candidate – Preferred Qualifications

• Has experience in utility customer service, meter reading, meter maintenance, utility billing, water conservation, or related utility operations.
• Demonstrates the ability to provide day-to-day leadership, training, and technical guidance while fostering a collaborative team environment.
• Effectively investigates customer concerns and explains technical information in a professional and customer-friendly manner.
• Possesses strong organizational skills and maintains accurate records and reports.
• Builds productive working relationships across departments and with members of the public.
• Identifies opportunities to improve processes and enhance customer service.
• Exercises sound judgment, initiative, and professionalism while working independently and as part of a team.
• Is committed to safety, quality service, and continuous improvement

About Ventura Water

Ventura Water provides drinking water to more than 109,000 people through approximately 32,000 water service connections. This complex water system has more than 391 miles of pipeline, 3 water treatment plants, 23 pump stations and 31 reservoirs. Our community relies on three 100% local water sources - the Ventura River, Lake Casitas, and local groundwater wells, as well as, providing reclaimed water from the Ventura Water Reclamation Facility to two municipal golf courses, the Ventura Marina area, and private customers for landscape irrigation. We maintain a full-service laboratory and monitor our water quality daily.

For more information about Ventura Water, visit https://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/2268/Ventura-Water.

Additional Information

For additional information on the duties and responsibilities of the position, refer to the job descriptions located on the City's Career Page at City of Ventura Jobs or by viewing here Utilities Service Leadworker.

To learn more about the City's hiring process, visit the City of Ventura Hiring Process page.

The City is an equal opportunity employer and strives to attract qualified applicants from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. We aim to create an environment that celebrates and embraces the diversity of our workforce. We welcome you to join our team!

A combination of education, training and experience equivalent to graduation from high school and at least two years of experience in meter maintenance, meter reading, utilities business, water conservation or utility billing. Supervisory coursework, training and/or experience are desirable.

Highly Desirable Qualifications

• Experience leading or coordinating the work of utility or customer service staff.
• Experience using Automated Meter Reading (AMR) and/or Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) systems, including Neptune or similar meter reading systems and equipment.
• Knowledge of utility billing practices, water conservation programs, or customer water audits.
• Experience working with cross-connection, utility service installations, or land development coordination.
• Possession of a valid California State Water Resources Control Board Water Distribution Operator Grade D1 Certificate is highly desirable.
• Experience driving and operating a bucket truck is highly desirable.
• License: Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license is required.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you need an accommodation in a selection process, please notify the Human Resources Department in writing by the final filing date of the position you are interested in. The Human Resources address is: 501 Poli Street, Room 210, Ventura, CA 93001, [phone], e-mail: [e-mail].