Utility Services Specialist

Salary

$43.87 - $58.80 Hourly

Location

Tacoma, WA

Job Type

Classified

Job Number

0617-24

Department

City of Tacoma - CITY WIDE LIST

Opening Date

09/20/2024

Closing Date

10/7/2024 5:00 PM Pacific

• Description

• Benefits

• Questions

Position Description

Tacoma Public Utilities is establishing an eligible list for Utility Services Specialist which will be used to fill vacancies for one year. Tacoma Power has an immediate vacancy.

A Utility Services Specialist acts in a lead role on assigned projects and performs a variety of technical office and field work involving new and updated services and project coordination for Tacoma Power or Tacoma Water.

In this role, you are responsible for complex technical work on service installations and projects, as assigned. Work entails responsibility for aspects of design, consultation, estimation, and technical direction. This includes numerous contacts with contractors, engineers, technical staff, other divisions, departments, and outside organizations.

Responsibilities include:

• Coordinate and prepare layouts and estimates for services, projects, and related activities from pre-established construction standards. Apply design specifications and standards to assigned projects.

• Perform and participate in the preparation of service and plat layouts, feeder or main extensions, and cost estimates. Determine types and locations of field installed materials and equipment; schedule and assign work to assure completion of projects according to established time lines.

• Create work orders for overhead and underground line construction using established work practices.

• May train and supervise assigned personnel; coordinate, assign, and review work; assist in the selection and evaluation of personnel.

• Responsible for planning, coordinating, and directing the activities of their respective groups and/or assigned work areas.

• Coordinate communication and projects with other City departments and personnel, governmental and private agencies, consultants, architects, contractors, vendors, and the general public.

• Compile and analyze statistical and technical information and data; prepare reports concerning projects and related activities.

• Oversee and participate in construction inspections and review plans and projects to assure compliance with applicable codes, ordinances, and regulations. Drive to project sites; perform staking, review, and coordination of work.

• Serve as City and departmental representative at various meetings, conferences, and on committees as required.

• Prepare and administer contracts, such as construction contracts, as necessary to complete projects.

• Review and provide recommendations concerning local codes, regulations, policies, and ordinances as directed.

• Respond to questions and complaints from the public and provide technical information related to codes, ordinances, regulations, policies, and projects.

Qualifications

An equivalent combination to:

• Graduation from a two-year program in engineering design, construction or related field AND

• Five years increasingly responsible experience in the preparation and coordination of construction projects and staff

  *Equivalency: 1 year of experience = 1 year of education

  LICENSES, CERTIFICATES and OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Valid Driver License at time of application with maintenance thereafter

• Employees must be able to pass background check and may be required to obtain Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) card

• Employees in this classification may be expected to complete the Northwest Public Power Association (NWPPA) Staking Technician certification

Knowledge & Skills

KNOWLEDGE

Principles and practices of supervision and training.

Technical aspects of field of specialty.

Applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures.

Oral and written communication skills.

Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.

SKILLS:

Perform difficult and complex mathematical computations.

Design of complex and technical projects.

Train, supervise and evaluate personnel.

Assign and review the work of others.

Work independently with little direction.

Prepare plans and specifications.

Oversee and inspect the work of contractors on projects.

Accurately compile and analyze statistical and technical information, maps and other data.

Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.

Plan and organize work.

Meet schedules and timelines.

Read, interpret, apply and explain codes, rules, regulations, policies and procedures.

Maintain records and prepare reports.

Establish and maintain a cooperative and effective working relationships with others.

Selection Process & Supplemental Information

This recruitment is being managed by Elise Drennen if you would like to be notified of similar opportunities or stay connected with things going on at Tacoma Public Utilities and the City of Tacoma, connect with me on LinkedIn!

City of Tacoma Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Tacoma's diversity is its greatest asset. Tacoma embraces its multi-cultural and multi-ethnic character. Communities of color and immigrant communities are fundamental to Tacoma's entrepreneurial spirit, workforce, and long-term success. In Tacoma, equity and empowerment are top priorities, meaning that all Tacoma residents must have equitable opportunities to reach their full potential and share in the benefits of community progress. One of our goals is for the City of Tacoma workforce to reflect the community it serves. We actively work to eliminate racial and other disparities and welcome candidates with diverse backgrounds and/or multicultural skill sets and experiences. Our goal is for Tacoma to be an inclusive and equitable place to live, work, and play.

The City of Tacoma is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its workplace. Applicants are considered for positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital or veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, and local laws.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS:

Office, field and construction site environment includes working indoors and outdoors, working in inclement weather; subject to driving to construction sites and working around congested traffic areas; subject to noise and fumes from heavy construction equipment; requires traversing varying, loose and uneven terrain.

Apply

All interested individuals must apply online and attach a resume and cover letter that includes major responsibilities and accomplishments related to the position.

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will have their supplemental question responses reviewed by a panel of subject matter experts as part of the civil service examination. Applicants who pass the examination will be placed on the eligible list for interview and hiring consideration.

Appointment is subject to passing a background check. This position is covered by a Labor Agreement between the City of Tacoma and Local 483. New employees must successfully complete a nine-month probationary period prior to obtaining permanent status in this classification.

Communication from the City of Tacoma:

We primarily communicate via e-mail during the application process. E-mails from cityoftacoma.org and/or neogov.com must be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk e-mail folders.

For assistance with the NEOGOV application process, questions regarding this job announcement, or if you are experiencing complications while applying, please contact the Human Resources office at 253-591-5400 by 4:00 pm of the closing date of the job announcement. This will allow time to assist you before the job announcement closes. (For technical difficulties using the NeoGov system, call the applicant support line at 1-855-524-5627 between 6:00 AM and 5:00 PM Pacific Time.)

The City of Tacoma provides excellent medical, dental and vision plans for the whole family; paid holidays and paid leave; participation in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System (alternate plan for Police/Fire); continuing education and advancement opportunities and a growing variety of City-sponsored health and wellness opportunities and incentives.

Medical Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger.

Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger.

Vision Coverage: For eligible employees and their eligible dependents.

Paid Leave: City employees are entitled to received paid holidays, sick/vacation leave or personal time off (PTO), depending upon union affiliation and appointment type.

Insurance Plans: Employees are covered by a long-term disability plan. Short-term and expanded long-term disability insurance plans are also available to employees. The State Industrial Insurance Act also covers employees.

Deferred Compensation: Income can be set aside on a pretax basis and invested for supplementation of normal retirement income.

Retirement: All employees of the City, except members of the Police and Fire services, Tacoma Rail and certain project employees, are included in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System. Information on the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System can be found at www.cityoftacoma.org or by calling (253) 502-8200.

Other Employment Information

Direct Deposit: Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule by direct deposit.

Salary Increases: Based on satisfactory job performance, the City provides for a regular progression of salary increases for most classifications according to the salary schedule.

Union Affiliation: Many job classifications are covered by union security provisions which require union membership, dues, or payment of equivalent service fees.

Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.

01

Responses to supplemental questions must be original content created by the applicant using their own words. The use of online tools or resources to create responses, such as Artificial Intelligence (ChatGPT, etc.), Google, Bing, etc., or plagiarism in any form, is considered cheating and falsification of the application. I understand that any form of cheating or falsification will disqualify my application for further consideration.

• Yes

• No

  02

  Have you graduated from a two-year program in engineering design, construction, or a related field (Equivalency: 1 year of experience = 1 year of education ).

• Yes

• No

  03

  Do you have at least five years of increasingly responsible experience in the preparation and coordination of construction projects and staff?

• Yes

• No

  04

  Do you possess a valid driver's license or the ability to obtain one by the time of appointment?

• Yes

• No

  05

  Do you have utility experience? Check all that apply.

• Water Utility

• Electric Utility

• Other Utility: Gas, Sewer, Storm, Cable, etc.

• None

  06

  Please check all departments that you are interested in filling a vacancy in:

• Power

• Water

  07

  INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING TEST:

  Questions #7-10 are the experience and training test that will be used to establish the eligibility list. These questions will be scored by subject matter experts who will not have access to any of your application materials, and will provide scores based solely upon your answers to the questions. Your answers must stand on their own merit. DO NOT RESPOND WITH "SEE RESUME" in lieu of answering this question, as raters will not have access to your resume or application and this will result in a score of 0 points and you will fail the test. Your score on the experience and training test will ONLY reflect your response to the questions asked.

Please indicate "Yes" that you have read and understand the instructions for questions #7-10.

• Yes

• No

  08

  In 300 words or less, describe the most challenging project you've been involved with including your role in its execution. Please provide information on project scope, budget, and time line.

  09

  In 300 words or less, describe your experience preparing and administering contracts, such as construction contracts, as necessary to complete projects.

  10

  In 300 words or less, what does exceptional customer service mean to you? Please tell us a specific example where you exhibited your skills.

  11

  In 300 words or less, describe your experience interpreting, applying, and/or providing recommendations to codes, regulations, policies, ordinances, and permit requirements.

  12

  One of the City's Principles that guides us is Equity. In 300 words or less, describe what equity means to you and describe an experience you have working with diverse groups of people.

  13

  Which applications do you have experience working with? Check all that apply.

• Word

• Excel

• Outlook

• PowerPoint

• OneNote

• Publisher

• Access

• SharePoint

• Smartsheet

• MS Project

  14

  Please describe your experience with and proficiency in Microsoft Office applications you selected in question 10 above.

  15

  Which best describes your experience working with SAP?

• More than one year of experience

• Less than one year of experience

• Familiar with it, but have not worked with it

• No experience

  16

  Please tell us how you first learned about this job opening.

• Job Interest Card notification

• Internet search

• Professional organization

• Military organization

• Union job posting

• City of Tacoma employee

• Online job board posting

• Word of mouth

• LinkedIn

• TTEP (Tacoma Training and Education Program)

• Indeed

• Facebook

• Instagram

• Government Jobs

• NWPPA

• Outreach Event

  17

  Please provide specific information regarding how you learned about this job opening. Thank you, your feedback will be used to evaluate our success reaching the public and refine our methods for future job postings.

  Required Question

Agency

City of Tacoma

Address

Human Resources Department 747 Market Street Tacoma, Washington, 98402-3764

Phone

253-591-5400

Website

http://www.cityoftacoma.org

Apply

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