Water Utility Service Representative I

City of Cedar Rapids, IA; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Cedar Rapids seeks a Water Utility Service Representative I to join the Water Admin Department, performing field customer service for water meters and services. Duties include meter installation, maintenance, testing, and repair, plus investigating leaks and service issues for customers.

This role educates customers on water quality, meters, and service, and participates in standby rotations for weekend/work-day off hours. A valid driver’s license is required.

Qualifications

• One year experience in operation and maintenance of water utility distribution systems.
• Valid Driver’s License; certification requirements explained in job post.
• State-issued water distribution/operations certification guidance provided within specified timelines.
• Ability to perform outdoor field duties and operate meters and related equipment.

Responsibilities

• Installs, removes, exchanges and maintains water meters and AMR systems.
• Operates stop boxes to turn water service on/off as required.
• Investigates customer inquiries regarding water quality and service problems.
• Investigates water main and service line leaks and initiates remedial actions.
• Inspects taps, wraps, and GPS marks service taps to conform to plans and specs.
• Provides condition assessment for capital improvement projects.
• Rotating standby for weekend/after-hours investigations of service problems.
• Uses equipment to tap water mains for new service lines and to locate mains.
• Tests, cleans and repairs water meters; installs meters and backflow devices on hydrants.

Skills

Customer service

Field work

Meter reading

Troubleshooting

Safety awareness

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

AMR systems

GPS equipment

Water meters

Job description

The City of Cedar Rapids is seeking a skilled and motivated Water Utility Service Representative I to join our Water Admin Department. The person in this role will work in the field providing essential customer service related to water meters and services. Some of those responsibilities, but not limited to, will include: installing, maintaining, testing, and repairing water meters, investigating water leaks and service concerns, and helping educate customers with questions about their water quality, meters, and water service.

This is an opportunity to build valuable skills in the water utility field while doing work that directly supports the community.

If you're looking for a career where you can work with your hands, solve real-world problems, serve your community, and develop specialized skills, we encourage you to learn more about the Water Utility Service Representative I position.

About our Organization

At the City, we are committed to employing individuals who reflect our community’s diverse backgrounds and this position is crucial in the success and strategic direction of a growing and evolving community. We appreciate and leverage the vast experience individuals bring beyond the technical requirements of a job. If you are an individual with similar experience listed here please consider applying. Experience and skills combined with commitment to our core values is key to building a greater community now and for the next generation.

About our Community

Nestled in the heart of Iowa, Cedar Rapids is our vibrant and diverse community known for its rich history, culture, and natural beauty. Our city has a strong sense of community which can be seen at any of our numerous parks, recreational opportunities, and family-friendly events year round. You can also explore our thriving downtown district, filled with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, or take a stroll along the Cedar River, which runs through the heart of the city. Cedar Rapids - Why you should live here!

About the Position

Responsible for performance of field customer service activities related to water meters and services to include the installation and maintenance of water meters; initiation and termination of water service and the investigation of water service problems. Works under immediate-to-general supervision and exercises considerable discretion in selection of work methods and techniques, within generally established boundaries.

The City of Cedar Rapids does not offer sponsorship for employment authorization.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Installs, removes, exchanges and maintains water meters and ancillary automatic meter reading (AMR)
• systems;
• Operates stop boxes to turn water service on and off as required for customer service, maintenance activities and collection purposes;
• Investigates and resolves customer service inquiries regarding water quality and service problems to include meter accuracy and internal plumbing leaks;
• Investigates water main and service line leaks to determine their nature and location and initiates the appropriate remedial action;
• Inspects water service tap point, proper poly wrap for mains and services, private water service line and GPS marking of service taps and stop box locations to assure conformance with plans, specifications and regulations;
• Provides condition assessment and operational evaluation of water services for capital improvement projects;
• Serves, on a rotating basis, as the Meter Service Activity's standby person for investigation of water service problems that occur on weekends and outside the normal work day;
• Uses specialized equipment to complete taps on water mains for connecting new service lines;
• Uses specialized equipment to locate water utility mains and appurtenances;
• Tests, cleans and repairs water meters in the service shop;
• Installs meters and backflow protection assembly units on fire hydrants;
• Assists the Distribution Activity in the completion of emergency repairs of damaged fire hydrants;
• Assists in the unloading of meter deliveries and the maintenance of inventory supplies;
• Assists in the cleaning and maintenance of Meter Service Activity equipment and work areas to include service vans;
• Wears and properly uses safety equipment including personal protective and fall prevention equipment,
• gas detection equipment as necessary to perform duties in trenches, pits, and uncontrolled sites;
• Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with City policies, procedures and safety practices;
• Attends work regularly at the designated place and time;
• Supports continuous process improvement initiatives;
• Performs related work as required.

Acceptable Experience and Training

• One year experience in the operation and maintenance of water utility distribution systems to include water meters and service lines; or
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge and abilities necessary to perform the work.

Required Special Qualifications

• Valid Driver’s License; Possession of a State of Iowa Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester certification within six months of appointment.
• State of Iowa certificate (grade I) in water distribution or water operations within 18-months of appointment (High School Diploma or GED is required to sit for the test).

Position Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm