Utility Services Specialist

Job Description:

Utility Services Specialist

Description

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 age26 or younger.

Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age26 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.

Closing Date/Time: 10/7/2024 5:00 PM Pacific

Salary:

$43.87 - $58.80 Hourly