Job Description

Position Description

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is looking for two (2) Utility Service Inspectors to join the crucial work our Drinking Water Quality Division is performing as we deliver clean drinking water to the citizens of Seattle. As a Utility Service Inspector, you will protect the city\'s drinking water as it flows through the entire water distribution system and into private homes and businesses, responding to and investigating customer calls and concerns related to drinking water quality, investigating and eliminating illegal connections to the city\'s drinking water system, protecting public health and the environment by responding to sanitary and combined sewer overflow and water main flooding events, and providing direct customer notification and support for planned water main outages and water utility related issues and concerns. These positions are represented by Plumbers and Pipefitters, Local 32 Bargaining Unit.

About Seattle Public Utilities: Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is a community-centered utility that delivers vital services to Seattle residents and businesses including drinking water, drainage and wastewater, and garbage/recycling/compost. SPU also provides drinking water for 1.5 million customers in the region. SPU\'s work includes system maintenance and improvements and keeping Seattle clean. Over 1,400 SPU employees work with our community to provide affordable and equitable stewardship of our water and waste resources for future generations.

For more information about Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), checkout the:

SPU commits to and as core principles that guide our work. We actively take steps to dismantle systemic racism and increase service equity. We value diverse life experiences and strive to create a workplace that is welcoming to all. We take steps to be inclusive and equitable in our recruiting, hiring and promotional opportunities.

We know work isn\'t only about what you do it\'s also about who you work for and with! SPU provides a fun and family-friendly work environment that supports a work life balance, including:

Family-friendly and multicultural work environment

Generous benefits package

Free Orca Pass

City pension plan with employer/employee contributions

Growth potential and advancement opportunities.

Job Responsibilities

• Provide consistently strong performance with high levels of customer support and customer service
• Perform regulatory required technical inspections of private-side plumbing systems. Manage phone calls from customers regarding regulatory inspections and inspection requests. Educate customers when deficiencies or violations are observed and move to enforcement where necessary. Accurately document inspection results in the city\'s work tracking system
• Respond to drinking water quality calls and investigate possible causes. Respond to and investigate water pressure concerns and other water utility-related questions from customers
• Provide customer support for private-side flooding damages resulting from water main breaks and sewer blockages/backups
• Collect drinking water quality samples using standard methods. Test drinking water quality and document results, including chlorine, ammonia, and temperature
• Attend preconstruction meetings to provide education about drinking water quality protection and sanitary control requirements during construction projects
• Ensure construction crews adhere to sanitary control requirements during drinking water main construction and repair projects during business hours, and occasionally after-hours and on weekends
• Make direct contact with critical water customers to help negotiate planned water main outage dates and times, as needed
• Deliver door-to-door notifications to impacted customers regarding planned water main shutdowns
• Provide specialized support for water utility customers who have unique, unexplained water consumption resulting in high water bills
• Perform flow test inspections to help SPU verify that new water meters are connected to the correct premises, which helps ensure accurate utility billing
• Provide direct support for City\'s Cross-connection Control program by helping to identify possible areas of concern
• Provide customer outreach, education, and training as needed
• Provide event response as directed by management or Incident Command

Participate in standby rotations, typically up to one week in duration per rotation, providing after-hours responses to tasks such as water quality calls, utility-related private-side flooding events, water service unlocking, and other responsibilities, and as needed.
Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Qualifications

Education/Experience:

• Requires two (2) years of experience in a utility in installation, maintenance and repair of water distribution systems or engineering inspection or one (1) year of formal training in an approved waterworks training program
• OR: A combination of education/experience/training which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class.

License, Certification and Other Requirements

• Current Washington State driver\'s license
• Certification as Washington State Water Distribution Manager I within one year of employment.

As a public servant in SPU\'s Utility Service Inspections team, staff are expected to:

• Be committed to City Values and advancing race and social justice
• Be community-centered, fair and equitable, solution focused, innovative, and forward-thinking
• Communicate and work effectively, efficiently, and consistently within a multi-cultural workforce serving a diverse customer base
• Provide exceptional customer service to all customers, internal and external
• Maintain professionalism in a public service and regulatory enforcement environment
• Effectively troubleshoot issues, solve technical problems, and manage difficult conversations/situations, both alone and in collaboration with others
• Provide leadership and support for co-workers
• Consistently provide good workplace attendance and professional conduct
• Successfully respond to emergency events.

Additional Information

Application Requirement(s):

• A full City of Seattle online application
• Please DO NOT include a resume or cover letter. They will not be considered in review of candidates\' qualifications.

Work Environment/Physical Demands:

Work environment includes both field work and office work, including answering phone calls

Required to enter construction sites that require safety awareness and personal protective equipment

Outdoor work environment in various weather conditions

Entering private property

After-hours work

Work is completed in office environment, construction sites and outdoors (including within private property) in all weather conditions with potential exposure to dust, fumes, and chemicals, as well as exposure to high noise levels and work near heavy traffic.

Seepage sample collection involves working with unknown and potentially harmful substances.

The full salary range for this position is $ 36.82 - $ 42.97 per hour.

Who may apply: The City of Seattle encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experience. This position is open to all qualified candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

This hiring process involves a background check of conviction and arrest records in compliance with Seattle\'s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17. Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.

More information about employee benefits is available on the City\'s website at:
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If you have questions or concerns regarding this recruitment process, please contact SPU Personnel Specialist Isaac Good at isaac.good@seattle.gov

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