Field Services Technician

SMUD•Rancho Cordova, CA

1d•$43 - $52•Onsite

About The Position

Serves as a field representative in performing investigations and audits related to the safety and condition of the customer’s electric service, verifies the authenticity of the customer (as needed), and verifies accuracy of the rate; performs duties related to the manual disconnections and connections of electric service, replaces single phase electric meters as needed, and maintains account information related to electric service access and locations. Responds to customer complaints and problems that stem from electrical disturbances. The corrective action of said problems can consist of a broad spectrum of fixes such as advising customers what they should do, making minor repairs, disconnecting the service in hazardous situations, recommending emergency work orders for replacing equipment, and enforcing SMUD’s electric service requirements.

Requirements

High School diploma or equivalent
Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license
General metering fundamentals; basic codes for gaining access; general field safety practices; policies related to customer billing, credit, and collection of delinquent accounts; electrical fundamentals; building wiring systems; code requirements including NEC, NESC, and G.O.s 95 and 18; distribution electrical equipment, transformers, meters and switchgear; and customer electrical equipment.
Communicate effectively orally and in writing to internal and external customers; tactfully handle irate and potentially hostile customers; operate a variety of electrical and mechanical tools; identify hazardous conditions; recognize power theft situations and techniques; interpret and apply SMUD’s service and line construction and safety guidelines; route and prioritize daily work to maximize daily output; operate two-way radio communication equipment; accurately read meters and mathematically calculate usage; frequently enter areas with vicious dogs and other animals; be aware of surroundings and possible risks to health and safety; read, interpret, and understand rules, rates, and regulations.

Nice To Haves

Hands-on experience working with electrical meters and service panels
Working knowledge of electrical theory and principles, including AC/DC systems, single-phase and three-phase power, and safe troubleshooting practices.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook)
Working knowledge of SAP
Experience using volt meters and/or multi-meters for testing and diagnostics
Minimum of 3 years of progressively responsible customer service experience, demonstrating strong communication and problem-solving skills

Responsibilities

Delivers manual disconnection notices for returned payments and MED Rate accounts and performs manual disconnections/connections related to non-payment.
Performs work (connects, disconnects, inspections, etc.) on three-phase services rated less than 277 volts and all single-phase accounts rated less than 277 volts.
Verifies proper voltage at meter panel using voltage tester; installs single-phase electric meters and checks for proper operation.
Works with energized electrical equipment in all types of weather conditions and occasionally works in awkward or confined spaces.
Inspects damaged electrical panels for repairs, contacts customers regarding findings, and advises customers of necessary corrections related to SMUD service requirements.
Responds to emergency and hazardous conditions reported by others (internal and external customers) and makes minor repairs on electrical lines as well as on customer equipment.
Performs investigations related to rates, crossed meters, service addresses, and other miscellaneous requests and makes corrections as appropriate.
Reduces SMUD costs and safety risks by effectively resolving access issues to customer premises; contacts owners, landlords, property managers, corporate offices, and realtors which may require out-of-state communications.
Utilizes an assortment of equipment such as personal computers for customer and account inquiries and data entry, bolt cutters and grinders to access problem accounts, FCS handheld devices to obtain meter reads and special customer notices for follow-up work.
Works cooperatively with SMUD maintenance crews to ensure the repairs are effective in clearing up SMUD-caused interference problems.
Follows SMUD-related safety policies as well as SMUD’s injury illness and prevention program.
Manages customer keys for SMUD.
Enters data in SAP to research, document actions and conditions (meter readings, device notes, contact logs, codes, etc.) related to service notification requests.
Utilizes other technology and applications such as Provisions, UIQ, FCS, Routing app, Click, etc.
Performs system measurements installing various monitoring equipment to evaluate problems existing over a period of time as well as providing real-time measurements for problems requiring immediate attention.
Initiates or directs the preparation of notifications for modifications to the SMUD’s facilities to remedy problems such as bad connections, overloaded transformers, and improper secondary bussing.