Accounts/Properties Collector

An employee in this class is responsible for disconnecting, collecting and accounting for past due utility accounts.  Work is of average difficulty and involves the collection of delinquent utility accounts.  Under general supervision, employee is required to exercise some initiative and independent judgment as well as tact and courtesy in performing work assignments, which include considerable contact with the public.  Work is reviewed while in progress and upon completion through observation and results obtained.

Contacts consumers in person to collect delinquent payments for utility and garbage services; investigates to clear up incorrect addresses and bad checks; attempts to trace delinquent patrons. Prepares periodic reports and recommends discontinuance of services or accounts where collection is unsuccessful. Balances cash/check receipts, types of transactions, and related payment amounts to ensure accountability of transactions; makes reports and deposits monies collected; maintains records of all transactions. Reads various meters and notifies companies of malfunctions and necessary repairs; inspects meters for damage and tests for accuracy in order to make repairs as necessary. Completes necessary forms to generate work orders. Answers questions on phone and in person in order to inform the public about utility availability, billing data, problems, licensing, connection fee charge, municipal ordinances, inspections, parking, and other matters. Utilizes a radio or cellular phone to communicate with other city employees. Operates calculator to perform or verify arithmetic calculations; makes corrections within limits of authority. Completes daily vehicle inspections and reports to determine maintenance requirements for immediate attention at the beginning and end of each shift. Inspects, investigates and/or verifies new water meter set locations to ascertain correct charges and services to be rendered. Locates proper service address for collection or discontinuance of service; cuts off and locks meters when requested by supervisor. Performs related work as required.

Working knowledge of: water meter reading or servicing; methods and techniques used in conducting investigations; collection techniques and the layout of the city; ordinances and rules affecting public utility. 

Ability to:  observe objectively and make sound judgments and recommendations; deal tactfully and firmly with the public; perform simple computations, keep records and prepare reports; establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; communicate in a clear and concise manner.

Graduation from an accredited high school and three (3) years of experience in water meter reading and/or servicing; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Possession of a valid Florida driver’s license.

Evaluation of education and experience. Drug testing is included in all pre-employment processing.

Employees may be required to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays and overtime as needed. During periods when the Mayor issues an emergency declaration for the City of Tampa, all employees may be required to work in preparation, response or recovery activities related to the stated emergency.

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