CURRENT SAWS EMPLOYEES ONLY Field Operations Specialist

San Antonio Water System•San Antonio, TX

About The Position

The Field Operations Specialist evaluates and resolves complex issues related to water distribution and wastewater collection services. The role identifies root causes of metering and service issues, documents findings, and coordinates with appropriate departments for further handling and corrective action. The position works under limited supervision and is responsible for complex field investigations, advanced troubleshooting, and support for metering operations initiatives. The role is for current SAWS employees only. Grade 18; starting hourly rate is $26.46, with pay dependent on qualifications.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Four years of experience in customer contact, including two years investigating suspected abnormal or illegal water, wastewater, or utility consumption, or abnormal or illegal activity associated with services provided by a municipality.
One year of experience troubleshooting or repairing mechanical equipment.
Valid Class C Texas Driver’s License.
Ability to work regularly scheduled shifts within SAWS’s hours of operation, including during the training period when lunches and breaks are scheduled.
Ability to work overtime and/or weekends when required by business needs; the department may adjust an employee’s regular schedule.
Knowledge of SAWS field operations and safety practices.
Basic PC skills, including Microsoft Office Suite and Outlook.
Excellent problem-solving, reasoning, interpersonal management, and communication skills.
Ability to self-direct and operate autonomously.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and public relations.
Ability to use materials, tools, and equipment commonly used in construction, maintenance, or repair of a water distribution or wastewater collection system.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally and perform physical activities including standing, sitting, walking, climbing, bending, crawling, squatting, and kneeling, and working in cramped or strained positions for extended periods.
Ability to work in extreme outdoor weather and conditions involving wet or humid environments, wastewater, mechanical, electrical, and chemical hazards, confined spaces, slippery or uneven surfaces, excessive noise, heavy traffic, deep excavations, and animals, snakes, or poisonous insects.
Ability to operate a SAWS vehicle and equipment daily; may be required to work outside the regular daytime schedule, including weekends, shift work, overtime, and on-call duty.

Nice To Haves

Consistently demonstrates high levels of Emotional Intelligence.
Class C (Distribution) Texas Water Operator License.
Class D Texas Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator License.
Experience working with a customer service billing system.
Two years of experience in a lead or supervisory role.
Two years of experience installing, exchanging, or repairing water assets, including mechanical and AMI meters, curb stops, and communication endpoints.
Bilingual in English and Spanish.

Responsibilities

Conduct and support complex investigations of delinquent accounts and suspected water and wastewater theft of service, including field verification beyond the meter set.
Support escalated and complex metering and service issues with internal and external customers to determine root causes and recommended resolutions.
Review and validate field test results and related documentation when needed to support metering investigations and consumption or billing discrepancy resolution.
Serve as a subject matter resource and mentor to meter technicians and senior meter technicians; assist with complex field troubleshooting and timely completion of work.
Participate in developing, planning, and implementing metering operations initiatives and special projects, including process improvements related to investigations, data quality, and field practices.
Ensure adherence to SAWS security and safety guidelines.
Coordinate as needed with the San Antonio Police Department, Bexar County Sheriff’s Office, and other municipalities within the service area; document investigative findings, supporting evidence, recommendations, and corrective action.
Perform advanced troubleshooting, configuration verification, and repair of automated meters and related devices, including communication endpoints, to resolve complex investigations or recurring exceptions.
Provide field support for specialized programs, such as Flat Rate, which may include annual inspections and verification of account information in the field.
Perform other duties as assigned.