Student Intern - Customer Service

The purpose of this internship is to provide on the job training and exposure to Customer Service of a public utility while supporting departmental projects that enhance service reliability, efficiency, and customer experience. The intern will gain practical skills, contribute to meaningful work, and develop a foundational understanding of how the utility serves the community and facilitates accomplishment of the District's mission and goals.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS :

Customer Service Department

• Answer and route incoming calls at switchboard.
• Serve as the first line of customer contact, which includes handling confidential information and documentation.
• Perform cashiering duties.
• Sort and distribute customer correspondence.
• Process inter-office and outgoing mail.
• Assist with responding to customer inquiries via phone, email, and in-person regarding utility services, billing, and account information.
• Provide support for various District programs outreach, including distributing materials, attending and preparing for community events.
• Review reports to ensure accurate utility account billing.
• Shadow customer service personnel to gain insight into utility operations and customer engagement.
• Assist with special projects, such as updating procedure/training manuals or creating customer education materials and FAQs.
• Support the evaluation of online forms to ensure clarity, functionality, and user experience

Clerical Support

• Provide data entry services, using word processing, database, spreadsheet, or other personal computer software programs.
• Perform routine clerical duties such as typing, sorting, and filing assorted records, reports, correspondence, and other documents.
• Answer phones for various personnel in their absence.
• Scan, file, and organize digital and paper documents for District departments.
• Provide assistance and backup, as necessary, to the administrative department.

Miscellaneous Duties

• Provide clerical back-up during absences.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

JOB STANDARDS :

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities :

• Must be able to receive and carry out work instructions.
• Ability to understand written and/or verbal instructions.
• Ability to perform repetitive work.
• High level of cooperation within the work group and with other departments required.
• Must have math, reading and writing skills as related to job functions.
• Must become knowledgeable of District record-keeping methods and procedures such as time sheets, etc.
• Must have the ability to work without close supervision and to make decisions compatible with prior instructions.
• Must develop a working knowledge of safe work practices, accident prevention procedures, tools and equipment as related to job functions.
• Must have the ability to remain calm under pressure and to be courteous at all times.
• Demonstrate a positive attitude, good work ethic, promptness in work arrival and in accomplishing all tasks.

Education, Experience and Training :

• Recent high school graduate or equivalent.
• Enrolled in a trade or post-secondary education program and plan to attend school following the work period.
• Experience in the operation of District (or similar) vehicles and equipment preferred.

Other Requirements :

• Must pass a District physical examination and be able to perform essential job functions.
• Must wear and utilize personal protective equipment as required.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• A valid drivers license and safe driving record.

WORKING CONDITIONS :

• Indoor work may consist of extended periods of sitting or extended periods of standing on a concrete floor.
• Work is generally performed in an office setting with extended periods of sitting.
• The job functions require working with persons who exhibit many types of personalities and behaviors.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS :

• Individual may lift and carry objects weighing as much as 30 pounds.
• The work requires the ability to operate equipment and vehicles.
• The work requires the ability to answer questions and communicate with coworkers, customers, and others in person on cellular phones and via email.