Utilities Service Leadworker (Ventura Water)

Applications are accepted exclusively through the City of Ventura Career Site:
www.cityofventura.ca.gov/jobs. Submissions through other websites or methods will not be accepted.

Applications and supplemental questions will be accepted until Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.

Pay & Benefits

• $32.58 – $39.60 Hourly (DOQ)

• Benefits

  • Medical Insurance (HMO, PPO options)

  • City Paid Dental and Vision Insurance

  • Life Insurance

  • Vacation & Holiday Compensation

  • Deferred Compensation

  • CalPERS Retirement

  • Wellness Program (access to gym facility and fitness classes)

  • Tuition Reimbursement & Bilingual Pay

About the Opportunity

Ventura Water is hiring a Utilities Service Leadworker to lead meter reading, meter maintenance, customer service, and water conservation activities that support the delivery of reliable utility services to our community. This position plays a critical role in ensuring customers receive accurate utility services while supporting Ventura Water's commitment to conservation, innovation, and exceptional customer service.

As a working lead, you'll provide day-to-day direction, training, and technical guidance while remaining actively involved in field and customer service operations. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys coordinating daily operations, leading staff, solving customer concerns, and serving as a key liaison between field operations, customers, and internal City departments.

Incumbent may be required to work stand-by on rotational basis and report to work on a callback basis as needed within a designated time frame. Standby assignment is at the discretion of the Division Head.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Lead, schedule, and coordinate the daily work of Utilities Service Representatives engaged in customer service, meter reading, and meter maintenance activities.

• Coordinate utility service installations, meter requirements, connection fees, and customer account information with internal City departments.

• Monitor meter reading operations and help ensure accurate customer billing through the use of Automated Meter Reading (AMR) and Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) technologies.

• Conduct customer water usage audits, investigate consumption concerns, and provide recommendations to improve water efficiency.

• Assist with implementing water conservation initiatives, public outreach efforts, and customer education programs.

• Maintain records, prepare reports, and support the development of efficient work processes and operational improvements.

• Assist with the City's Cross Connection Program and the purchase of equipment and supplies.

• Participate in employee evaluations, goal setting, and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Build positive working relationships with customers, contractors, and City staff while delivering responsive and professional customer service.

The Ideal Candidate – Preferred Qualifications

• Has experience in utility customer service, meter reading, meter maintenance, utility billing, water conservation, or related utility operations.

• Demonstrates the ability to provide day-to-day leadership, training, and technical guidance while fostering a collaborative team environment.

• Effectively investigates customer concerns and explains technical information in a professional and customer-friendly manner.

• Possesses strong organizational skills and maintains accurate records and reports.

• Builds productive working relationships across departments and with members of the public.

• Identifies opportunities to improve processes and enhance customer service.

• Exercises sound judgment, initiative, and professionalism while working independently and as part of a team.

• Is committed to safety, quality service, and continuous improvement

Minimum Qualifications – Required

A combination of education, training and experience equivalent to graduation from high school and at least two years of experience in meter maintenance, meter reading, utilities business, water conservation or utility billing. Supervisory coursework, training and/or experience are desirable.

Highly Desirable Qualifications

• Experience leading or coordinating the work of utility or customer service staff.

• Experience using Automated Meter Reading (AMR) and/or Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) systems, including Neptune or similar meter reading systems and equipment.

• Knowledge of utility billing practices, water conservation programs, or customer water audits.

• Experience working with cross-connection, utility service installations, or land development coordination.

• Possession of a valid California State Water Resources Control Board Water Distribution Operator Grade D1 Certificate is highly desirable.

• Experience driving and operating a bucket truck is highly desirable.

License: Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license is required.
 
About Ventura Water

Ventura Water provides drinking water to more than 109,000 people through approximately 32,000 water service connections. This complex water system has more than 391 miles of pipeline, 3 water treatment plants, 23 pump stations and 31 reservoirs.  Our community relies on three 100% local water sources - the Ventura River, Lake Casitas, and local groundwater wells, as well as, providing reclaimed water from the Ventura Water Reclamation Facility to two municipal golf courses, the Ventura Marina area, and private customers for landscape irrigation.   We maintain a full-service laboratory and monitor our water quality daily.

For more information about Ventura Water, visit https://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/2268/Ventura-Water. 

How to Apply

Submit an online City job application and supplemental questionnaire by the filing deadline.

• It is important that your city job application show all the relevant education, training, and experience you possess. Resumes, CVs, and cover letters may be attached to your application but will not be accepted in lieu of a completed job application or supplemental questionnaire. Submitting an incomplete application or supplemental questionnaire may disqualify you from further consideration in the recruitment process.

• After you apply, all future correspondence from the city will be via E-Mail.  Please check your messages regularly and keep your contact information up to date using your on-line application.

Selection Process

• All applications and supplemental questionnaires submitted will be screened in relation to the criteria outlined in this job announcement. Candidates will be reviewed, and only those candidates determined to be most qualified based on experience, training, and education, as submitted, will be invited to participate further in the selection process. Candidates will be notified about their status after the filing deadline.

• Those candidates whose qualifications most closely match the requirements of the position will be invited to a qualifying panel interview process. Candidates will be notified of specifics after the examination process has been completed. Initial panel interviews may be conducted in-person or via video teleconference. Candidates will be notified of specifics at the appropriate time.

• As a condition of employment, selected candidates will be required to complete a background check and a pre-employment medical screening.

The Eligibility List established for this classification may be used to fill other regular and temporary vacancies at the discretion of the City.

THE SCHEDULE

The timeline dates are subject to change. Candidates will be notified as necessary.

• Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. – Application Deadline. Applications and supplemental questionnaires must be submitted by this date to be considered for the position.

• Week of August 17, 2026 - Candidates will be notified by email of their status by this date.

• Week of August 24, 2026 - Panel Interviews are tentatively scheduled for this date. Qualifying candidates will be notified by email or phone if they are invited to the panel interview process.

• Department Selection Interviews will be scheduled promptly after the oral panel interviews have been completed. Qualifying candidates will be notified by email or phone if they are invited to the panel interview process.

• August 2026 – Candidates will be notified of the outcome of the interview by this date.

Additional Information

For additional information on the duties and responsibilities of the position, refer to the job descriptions located on the City’s Career Page at  City of Ventura Jobs or by viewing here Utilities Service Leadworker.

To learn more about the City’s hiring process, visit the City of Ventura Hiring Process page.

Questions? Contact the Recruitment Team:

[email protected]

(805) 654-7802