Utility Services Technician

Job Description

Utility Services Technician (892)

Education and Experience

Graduation from high school or possession of a GED and the equivalent of five (5) years experience involving exposure to multiple facets of an automated utility billing operation, two (2) years of which have been in technology systems coordination including maintaining complex user-defined tables in a database environment, problem analysis and resolution, and business process documentation. Completion of sixty (60) semester units or ninety (90) quarter units of academic level courses from an accredited college or university may be substituted for two (2) years of the required experience. Computer proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access is required.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This is a paraprofessional position in the classified service requiring the frequent use of a high degree of independent judgment in a team-oriented environment. Incumbents in this class are expected to supervise and provide technical guidance to the clerical personnel assigned to their work area.

Typical Duties

Under general supervision: organizes, plans, and supervises the work activities of the utility billing on-line information system and the computerized meter reading system; coordinates interfacing with computer services, utility billing system vendor, other City departments, and Municipal Services staff including communication problems, error listings, job-processing, on-line data entry, software upgrades, and software problems; develops, writes, and maintains report requirements for the billing system; writes and maintains reports using electronic spreadsheet; develops and maintains Standard Operating Procedures Manual; schedules, assigns and reviews the work of other clerical and meter reading personnel involved in the meter reading process; participates in the maintenance of industrial, commercial, and residential utility accounts including electric, water, refuse, and sewer rate schedules; makes necessary corrections on utility accounts and rate schedules when required; answers questions pertaining to utility billing procedures and utility rate schedules and resolves bill discrepancies; analyzes and clarifies computations on a customer’s bill; trains clerical personnel in the use of the computer and related utility billing software; performs the daily processes required to bill the City’s utility accounts; prepares division payroll and requisitions; and performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Thorough knowledge of: data processing testing and quality assurance principles; and methods, practices, and terminology used in utility billing and electronic meter reading. Good ability to: interpret and explain utility rate schedules and computations and other financial information; interpret rules and regulations, and outside agency requirements; supervise and train subordinate personnel performing a variety of responsible office work and meter reading; understand customer questions and complaints and to make satisfactory explanations; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, other employees, and the public.

Supervision Exercised

May assist in the training or supervision of subordinate personnel as assigned.

Supervision Received

Works under the general supervision of a Division Manager.

Other Requirements

Must be able to perform all of the essential functions of the job assignment.

Special Conditions

Incumbents in this classification may be required to work evenings.

Approved, August 2000