Utilities Services Dispatcher

The primary function of the Utility Services Dispatcher is to perform responsible computer and telecommunications work under stressful conditions receiving emergency and routine calls in a 24-hour operations environment related to public utilities (gas, water, sewer, storm water) or public works (street, traffic or trash) inquiries and emergencies within the Charlottesville service area. Monitors gas regulating equipment of the gas distribution; dispatches service crews in response. This position reports to the Utilities Administration Manager within Public Utilities.

Extensive on-the-job training is required before release to work independently. Training is conducted in-house by a qualified dispatcher and will occur on various shift assignments. 

Primary Work Assignment is the Evening Shift (Standard Shift: 8 hours per day, with the potential for 12-hour shifts or additional hours as operational needs arise):

• Evening Shift:
  • Hours: 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM
  • Workdays: Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday
  • Days Off: Wednesday, Thursday

Additional Shift Flexibility: While this position is primarily for the Evening Shift, candidates should be willing to cover other shifts as operational needs arise. These shifts include:

• Swing Shift:
  • 11:00 PM – 7:00 AM (Friday – Saturday)
  • 11:00 PM – 7:00 AM (Saturday – Sunday)
  • 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Tuesday)
  • 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM (Wednesday – Thursday)
• Midnight Shift:
  • 11:00 PM – 7:00 AM (Sunday – Thursday)
• Day Shift:
  • 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Thursday, Friday)

The preferred hiring amount is between $21.88 - $26.90 an hour ($45,510.40 - $55,952.00 Annually). Starting offer is based on applicable education, experience, and internal equity. This is a full-time, non-exempt, position which provides excellent benefits including 13 paid holidays 1 floating holiday, paid vacation and sick leave, health insurance options with employer contribution, employer-paid life insurance, City's retirement options, gym membership reimbursement, and continuing education/training opportunities.

• For a general summary of benefits offered by the City, please click the 'benefits' tab on this posting, or visit https://www.charlottesville.gov/1047/Employee-Benefits.

• The City of Charlottesville manages its own retirement system and does not participate in VRS; however, the City has a Portability Agreement with VRS and there are certain provisions that must be met. If questions pertaining to the Portability Agreement, please contact the City's Benefits Administrator at 434-970-3462.

Note: This job opportunity is advertised with a closing date of "Continuous." If interested in being considered, an application should be submitted as soon as possible. Applications may no longer be considered once a reasonable number of applications has been received or once a candidate to fill the position is identified. Applications may be evaluated on a continuous basis and interviews may be conducted as soon as possible during the recruitment with candidates who are best qualified. This job announcement may close at any time after 7 calendar days.

• Monitors gas pressures and calculates consumption levels; reads and prepares charts; records data and prepares reports; relays abnormal operating conditions to appropriate personnel;
• Activates and checks alarm devices and consumption recording devices for proper functioning and performs routine maintenance;
• Receives complaints and requests for service from residential and commercial customers and other citizens for various services; dispatches work orders and relays information to division and other departmental service areas; documents all data in SAP;
• Seasonally monitors extreme weather conditions and notifies department authorities;
• Monitors fire department radio and relays information concerning gas leaks or other problems to appropriate personnel;
• Monitors security and controls admittance to administration building;
• Performs data entry for meter reading, work orders and related work in SAP;
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Any combination of education and experience equivalent to a high school diploma.
• A minimum of six months of office, customer service or clerical experience using computerized systems required.
• Note the required shift schedule in the general summary. 
  • (Extensive on-the-job training is required before release to work independently. Training is conducted in-house by a qualified dispatcher and will occur on various shift assignments.)

Special Requirements: 

• Position is subject to DOT drug and alcohol testing regulations.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of computers; methods and technologies utilized in the regulation and distribution of gas through a City gas system; some knowledge of telemetering equipment and logs; operation of gas appliances and fixtures; knowledge of City streets; strong customer service skills; ability to read charts and record data; ability to receive and transmit service orders; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with superiors, coworkers and the public; ability to make arithmetical calculations accurately.Sedentary: exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally or a negligible amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time, but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time.

This position may be required to work weekends, evenings, nights, and holidays and/or as needed to cover vacant shifts.

This is a safety sensitive position subject to DOT drug and alcohol testing for pre-employment, reasonable suspicion, post-accident and random testing.

A majority of time spent in this position involves indoor work. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Salary : $45,510 - $55,952