What are the responsibilities and job description for the Water Service Specialist position at City of Yakima, WA?
Initial candidate eligibility is based on the job application and any accompanying documentation. It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide sufficient information and details within the body of the application (education and work experience sections) to permit the City of Yakima to properly evaluate the candidate's qualification, abilities and experience as it relates to the requirements of the position. For calculation of experience, one year of experience equals 12 months with a minimum of 173.33 hours per month. Additional required documents must be attached. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of application fields.
Overview and Minimum Class Requirements
Any combination of education or experience equivalent to a high school diploma plus one year of water meter reading or mechanical work experience, which would demonstrate the ability to perform the function of the position. Ability to walk for extended periods of time, bend and lift objects weighing up to 50 pounds. Knowledge of the City of Yakima and surrounding area and the City of Yakima water system is desirable.
LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND/OR CERTIFICATES
Must possess and maintain a valid Washington State Driver's License. Obtain and maintain a valid First Aid/CPR Certificate within six months of appointment.
Job Summary
Essential Functions
Records water meter readings on a hand-held meter reading device; checks for leaks in the City's water and irrigation system; checks for abnormally high or low meter readings; notifies customers to check for possible leaks based on high meter readings; determines if shut-off is needed; reports cracked or broken pipes and meter tiles, leaks, broken meters and related equipment; makes written notes of any conditions requiring additional attention or repairs.
Cleans out meter tiles and trims shrubs and bushes around or covering the meter tile. Changes and cleans water meter registers as needed; replaces missing lids on meters; resets and/or replaces frost boards; changes out dead or broken water meters; checks for illegal connection to water service.
Processes new service orders and turns off delinquent accounts; Answers general utility billing questions from the public.
Assists in the training of all new field employees and assists new employees with work problems in the field.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Major Worker Characteristics
Knowledge of: City ordinances concerning water usage. Ability to: use hand tools associated with servicing water service/metering equipment; work independently; and meet and deal with the general public in a courteous and tactful manner.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Work involves walking, talking, hearing, using hands to handle, feel or operate objects, tools or controls and reaching with hands and arms below shoulder height. May work outside in all weather extremes, be exposed to animals, insects, pollen, dust, dirt, water, rough/uneven terrain and other weather conditions. Work includes operation of a vehicle and light equipment, noise, mechanical equipment, moving objects, fumes/odors, gases/vapors and dirt/dust. Frequent walking for excessive periods on uneven/rough terrrain. Frequent bending/stooping/kneeling, twisting, and squatting. Frequently lifting/carrying 10 pounds. Occasionally heavy lifting/carrying up to 50 pounds. Constant use of all senses including feeling/talking/hearing/ seeing/ touching, dexterity, while performing duties and while communicating with co-workers, general public and completing all tasks as assigned. May work alone, with others, or around others. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus. Must be able to maintain long-term and short-term memory. Occasional work at a computer and keyboard, use of maintenance tools, equipment and safety equipment. Will be subject to frequent repetition and occasional hazards. Mental requirements include reading, writing, memorization, analyzing, perception/comprehension, judgment, decision making with occasional math skill usage. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
UNUSUAL WORKING CONDITIONS
Constant driving in City traffic; exposure to engine exhaust fumes, gases, animal feces and electrical shock; exposure to varying temperatures and weather conditions, dust, and dirt; extensive bending and stooping and lifting objects up to 50 pounds is required; and subjected to bites by dogs, spiders, and bees. May at times have to deal with irate, upset, or disturbed citizens.
The City of Yakima is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
To reflect our commitment to attract and retain the highest quality employees, the City of Yakima offers a competitive benefits package including but not limited to:
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage
- FREE healthcare clinic!
- Life Insurance
- WA State Pension membership
- 457 Deferred compensation (employer contribution dependent upon union group)
- Generous vacation and sick leave accruals
- Additional supplemental benefit options.
City of Yakima employees are paid and accrue benefits on a monthly basis.
Temporary positions are not benefit eligible.
