Meter Reading Manager (Manager2)

Seattle Public Utilities is seeking an experienced manager to join our Meter Reading Team responsible for the timely and accurate reading of SPU water meters as the meter reading functions play a critical role in revenue generation for the utility. The Meter Reading Manager will supervise 26 staff employees (directly and indirectly) and report to the Customer Service Division Director.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 Website• SPU Workplace Expectations (Download PDF reader)• Strategic Business PlanSPU commits to Our City Values and Race and Social Justice 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• The position must be located at the Seattle Public Utilities Operation Control Center and is responsible to manage essential workers.• Plans, assigns and reviews the work of meter reader/supervisors; assures adequate coverage of all areas to ensure meters are read on schedule; develops, implements, and maintains an effective route structure for water meter reading; assigns special readings and investigations resulting from complaints and requests for information by customers and business partners; develops and coordinates programs for reading categories of specific accounts; reviews meter reading adjustment field orders/reports.• Manages (26) professional staff. Directly manages the Sr. MSA's and Supervisors and directs, reviews, and evaluates the work of the Meter Reader personnel and support staff.• Participates in study and implementation of revised procedures; works with managers and supervisors to implement procedural and operational improvements.• Managing and working with a variety of work groups and coordinating with other divisions regarding problems, repairs, and dangerous situations to achieve desired results.• Manage human resource activities including initiating hiring processes, coordinating staff development, coaching/training, setting expectations, and administrating corrective and/or disciplinary actions.• Monitor unit's performance, including setting performance metrics and measuring performance.• Assess needs, develop plans and lead implementation of staffing and other resource changes to better meet customer business needs.• Manage the Unit's budget.• Ability to recommend, develop and implement new technologies relating to meter reading.• Responsible for translating operational objectives in specific outcomes through effective utilization of personnel, financial and other resources.• Responsible for tracking program results and making recommendations and/or implementing policies, procedures and processes to improve operations and customer service.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.Experience: Three (3) years of increasing responsible customer service or utility experience, to include prior supervisory/lead experience.Education: Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration or related field OR two (2) additional years of related experience.Education and Experience Equivalency: Combination of education and/or training and/or experience which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class.License, Certification and Other Requirements:Current Washington State driver's license or evidence of equivalent mobility may be required for some positions.Desired Qualifications:• Experience in mentoring, coaching, training and developing staff.• The ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with business partners and the public.• Strong leadership skills and knowledge of supervisory methods including performance management.• Utility operations involving a high volume of daily work with critical timelines for completion.• Strong verbal, written and interpersonal communications skills.• Strong leadership skills and knowledge of supervisory methods including performance management.• Experience leading efforts driving continuous improvement including analyzing trends, customer needs, and employee skill sets and translating that analysis into solid action plans for recommendations to improve customer service.• Working knowledge of utility policies, programs, operations or procedures.• Extensive leadership and team building experience.• Effective strategic and functional problem analysis and resolution skills. Ability to communicate effectively at various levels of an organization.• Ability to work within the organizational framework of SPU Workplace Expectations including our values on Safety, Respect, Diversity, Trust, Trust, Humor, Productivity, Integrity, Innovation, and Partnership.• Ability to communicate and work effectively within a multi-cultural workforce servicing a diverse customer base.• Metering and/or billing database management with mobile and remote reading interface technology experience..How to Apply: In addition to fully completing the online application, please attach your resume and cover letter. Your cover letter should address your knowledge and experience related to the position.Workplace Environment: Employees will be required to come into the office five days a week. Individual schedules will be agreed upon by the employee and their supervisor.The full salary range for this position is $52.50 - $78.78 per hour.Benefits: The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holidays, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.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.Backgrounds: 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.If you have any questions, please contact Charles Gilmore at charles.gilmore2@seattle.govLearn more about Seattle Public Utilities at our web page www.seattle.gov/util/.