Diversity of backgrounds, ideas, thoughts, and experiences is vital to our culture and the way we do business. Creating an environment where differences are embraced and where every person feels engaged and included makes us safer, stronger, and more successful.
With a history dating back to 1886, American Water is the largest and most geographically diverse U.S. publicly traded water and wastewater utility company. The company employs more than 7,000 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and market-based drinking water, wastewater and other related services to 15 million people in 46 states. American Water provides safe, clean, affordable and reliable water services to our customers to help make sure we keep their lives flowing. For more information, visit amwater.com and follow American Water on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
Primary Role
The Operations Specialist provides a combination of administrative, analytical and/or technical support pertaining to routine day-to-day operations for a department or functional area. This role may include assisting with field work including pick-up and delivery tasks, assessing repairs made by contractors, completing related paperwork and/or handling Public Utility inquiries.
Key Accountabilities
Uses and maintains relational databases and other reporting tools to compile, calculate, track, report and clean-up data pertaining to various reoccurring processes which may include, but are not limited to, capital programs, field projects, work orders, regulatory compliance.
Create, and close out construction projects for DISC and Developer Projects, prepare and/or modify survey sketches and street opening permits.
Primary contact for customers and builders applying for new water and sewer services. Reviewing and approving applications, applying for permits, setting up assets in electric work management system and scheduling the installation of new services.
Uses and maintains relational databases and other reporting tools to compile, calculate, track, report and clean-up data pertaining to various reoccurring processes which may include, but are not limited to, capital programs, field projects, work orders (20%)
Analyzes and evaluates reports and/or prepare variances related to specific department work processes which may include but are not limited to business systems, regulatory requirements, budgets, capital expenditures, work orders, departmental and/or organizational performance, etc.
Performs activities to monitor and maintain inventory control; evaluates inventory levels and reorders as necessary. May perform receiving, stocking, distributing, and packing in addition to inventory control.
Respond to customer inquiries, which may include, but are not limited to, gathering information from operations leadership, speaking with customers and explaining company processes
Provide general administrative support for day-to-day managerial and departmental needs and special projects, which may include but are not limited to, composing correspondence, obtaining permits, preparing and distributing meeting minutes, processing
Key Accountabilities, Cont.
May work with vendors to resolve routine supply and distribution discrepancies
Maintains inventory records and prepares reports. May work with vendors to resolve routine supply and distribution discrepancies. (10%)
Provides general administrative and clerical support for day-to-day managerial and departmental needs and special projects which may include but are not limited to composing routine letters, obtaining permits, preparing and distributing meeting minutes, serves as a first level resource for various departmental or functional issues which may be related to customer service, customer billing, water supply, regulatory issues, etc. Answers routine questions and assists in recognizing and troubleshooting larger problems.
Knowledge/Skills
Thorough knowledge of standard business practices and principles, including basic accounting and budgeting
In-depth knowledge of Microsoft office suite applications including MSWord, Excel, Access and PowerPoint and email management systems (MS Outlook)
Knowledge of specific payroll systems, i.e. MyTime, preferred
Knowledge of water or utility industry preferred
Knowledge of AutoCAD, SAP, Mapcall a plus
Skills:
Demonstrated organization and administrative skills
Demonstrated communication skills, both verbal and written
Demonstrated ability to manage and prioritize tasks
Demonstrated interpersonal skills
Experience/Education
High school diploma with post high school coursework in secretarial science, business, finance or accounting required; associates level degree in business, finance, accounting or engineering preferred
5 years overall work experience
Travel Requirements/Work Enviroment
Local and occasional regional travel may be needed.
Standard office environment and field work as required
Other
The percentage of time spent performing the key accountabilities of the job may vary based on the manager, departmental or functional unit needs.
Competencies (from the Water Division Competency Dictionary):
Analysis and Problem Solving - Analyzes and resolves business issues through the application of critical reasoning skills and general business experience.
Sharing Knowledge & Expertise - Drives business performance by developing and contributing specific technical or professional knowledge, skills and experience.
Demonstrates a professional attitude.
Teamworking - Is committed to working collaboratively to achieve business goals, building cohesiveness and identity with a work group, and valuing individual perspectives and contributions.
Competencies
Champions safety
Collaborates
Cultivates innovation
Customer obsessed
Drives Results
Nimble learning
Join American Water...We Keep Life Flowing™
American Water is firmly committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and prohibits employment discrimination for employees and applicants based on his or her age, race, color, pregnancy, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, marital status, citizenship, or because he or she is an individual with a disability, protected veteran or other status protected by federal, state, and local laws.
