UTILITY METER READER/BILLING CLERK - Town of West Springfield, MA : Job Details

Salary: $22.97 HourlyLocation : West Springfield, MAJob Type: Full timeJob Number: 00255Department: Public WorksOpening Date: 08/13/2024Closing Date: 9/30/2024 11:59 AM EasternDescription Statement of Duties: Employee is responsible for the reading of the Town's water meters for the purpose of billing for water and sewer usage. Employee is responsible for various functions of utility billing, accounts payable and customer service as they relate to the Department of Public works and its five divisions: Administration, Operations, Flood Control, Water, and Sewer. Employee is required to perform all similar or related duties.Examples of DutiesThe essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various type of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.Meter Reader

• Reads and interprets data from water meters and two different software programs.
• Attends training sessions as required to maintain abreast of system updates or changes in occupational safety requirements.
• Mails notification postcards (high consumption, defective meter, etc.) and then communicates with residents to resolve.
• Responsible for setting up appointments for the Water crew.

Utility Clerk

• Responsible for billing and maintenance of approximately 8,600 utility (water/sewer) accounts. Ability to review and analyze data for accuracy is essential.

• Set-up new accounts when a new property is built or a new irrigation meter is installed.
• Responsible for final readings and completion of Closing Forms, as requested by various law offices.
• Import water meter readings into ARBN software; generate series of reports; analyze readings and proofread to make sure there are no missing readings, inaccurate readings, faulty equipment; generate monthly commitment to submit to the Collector/Treasurer department to generate the bills.
• Responsible for final readings and completion of Closing Forms, as requested by various law offices.
• Assists in setting up daily appointments to service our utility customers in order to resolve problems or update Town owned equipment.
• Acts as a customer service representative fielding complaints and questions from the public regarding services provided by Public Works. Must have knowledge of department and Town policies/programs and be able to communicate effectively to the public.
• Create and submit monthly miscellaneous Water/Sewer commitment to the Collector/Treasurer.
• Create and submit semiannual City of Holyoke billing.
• Create and submit monthly Bondi's Island and F&G consumption billing.
• Create and submit quarterly PABS billing.
• As directed, dispatches work crews in response to requests for service.
• Documents all requests for information and assistance and filters them as directed to appropriate personnel for investigation and resolution.
• Ability to cross-train, assist and perform tasks and assignments as directed

Qualifications Education and Experience: Associate's degree with one to three (1-3) years work experience in financial record keeping or clerical/secretarial work; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job. Special Requirements: Valid Class D Motor Vehicle Driver's LicenseKnowledge, Abilities and Skill Knowledge: Knowledge of water meter reading devices; working knowledge of City's street and highway systems and water meter reader operations. Knowledge of financial record keeping methods and procedures; knowledge of modern office practices and procedures; knowledge of basic procedures and equipment used in computerized systems for record keeping and data entry. Knowledge of a variety of database management programs.Abilities: Ability to read and interpret instructions regarding the safe and efficient use of equipment and related materials, pay careful attention to details, perform work under extreme weather conditions for days at a time. Ability to recognize unsafe working conditions to ensure that appropriate safety precautions are taken to ensure employee safety. Ability to operate specialized equipment required to read water meters. Ability to type routine letters, memos and form; ability to perform arithmetic computations quickly and accurately; ability to maintain financial records and to prepare standard reports and information from these records; ability to independently seek assistance from outside sources in completing these reports; ability to interact effectively and appropriately with disgruntled members of the public and other personnel. Ability to perform work in a detailed and accurate manner.Skills: Effective motor skills necessary to operate department vehicles, meter reading equipment, standard office equipment, personal computers, office software - especially Google Sheets and Excel, and peripheral equipment. Proficient written and oral communication skills.We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave. Part-time employees who work an average ofhours per week over the course of a year, receive benefits on a pro-rated basis. To learn more details, visit our benefits page.