Customer Service Representative I - Planning & Development

Salary: See Position Description

Location : Clearwater, FL

Job Type: Full-time

Job Number: 2025-00227

Department: Planning & Development

Division: CODE COMPLIANCE

Opening Date: 08/26/2025

Closing Date: Continuous

THE CITY OF CLEARWATER IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Position Description

ENTRY STARTING SALARY: $39,258.41

POSITION OPEN UNTIL FILLED

Under general direction, the Customer Service Representative I for the Planning & Development Department is responsible for the initial point of contact for all customers, both in person and over the phone. This role is crucial in creating a positive and efficient experience for the public. The Customer Service Representative will greet customers, determine their needs, direct them to the appropriate divisions within the department, and support department staff. This position requires a professional, friendly, and patient demeanor with a basic understanding of the functions of the department's various divisions.

This current recruitment is for the Planning & Development Department.

Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Functions: -- Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Answers telephone calls, receives the general public, and provides information or referrals regarding departmental and City services and operations.

Explains, communicates, and relays departmental and City policies, procedures, and applicable rules and regulations to the public via personal contact, telephone conversation, or written correspondence.

Receive, processes, and reviews applications for utility service, building permits, occupational licenses, or employment; interprets codes, regulations, and procedures to applicants and customers.

Communicates and explains rates or fees, enters requests for service, and maintains accurate records and service files; creates and resolves a variety of service orders and repair issues for customers.

Resolve billing problems, receives payments, and tenders receipts in office and field environments.

Handles payments, credit card payments, and other cashiering tasks; verifies monies and maintains accurate cash drawer.

Prepares receipts for deposit and connection fees; prepares and processes work orders and transfer forms; posts, checks or verifies data and corrects inaccuracies.

Communicates with Utility customers to collect payments on delinquent accounts or makes necessary arrangements for repayment by telephone, written correspondence and/or in person.

Examines, evaluates, and reviews accounts receivable and various computer data bases to determine if delinquent payments have been made; performs general collection work, delivers written delinquent notices, and discontinues services for nonpayment.

Performs routine service connects and disconnects for water customers and gas customers; utilizes computer terminals to enter and receive data; maintains, coordinates, and organizes departmental records and files; enters parts for installation jobs and ensures all permits are attached and prepared.

Compiles, drafts, and types bills and correspondence; audits, reviews, and monitors account records in response to customer requests or to track payment of accounts receivable.

Screens, evaluates, and recommends applicants for employment, answers questions regarding position openings, and explains entrance examination procedures.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Licenses, Certifications, and Equipment:

A valid State driver's license is required.

Education and Experience:

High School Diploma, High School Equivalency Diploma or G.E.D. Certificate, some college preferred PLUS one (1) year of clerical office and/or customer service experience; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience maybe considered.

Supplemental Information

Knowledge of -

Modern office procedures, practices, and equipment

Word processing, spreadsheet applications, and related automated office equipment

Business English, arithmetic, and fundamentals of bookkeeping

Office practices, procedures, and equipment

Record keeping, filing methods, and records

General office policies and procedures; computers and general office equipment

Skill in -

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Communicating and engaging with the public; deescalating customer service situations

Establishing and maintaining strong office relationships

Operating a computer and related software

Comfortable with Microsoft Office (Word, Outlook) and a willingness to learn new software, specifically Accela

FULL TIME EMPLOYEES ONLY RECEIVE:

Health and Wellness initiatives • 100% employee health care coverage • Option for dependent health care • Life Insurance • Optional Dental, Vision, AFLAC • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) • Retirement -General Employee Pension Plan • Voluntary Tax-deferred 457 Plan • Paid holiday, vacation, sick leave plans • Competitive Salaries • Tuition assistance • Training and development opportunities • Travel compensation • Military leave • Bereavement leave • Discount coupons • Service and employee recognition awards

PART TIME EMPLOYEES ONLY RECEIVE:

Paid holiday, vacation, sick leave plans • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) • Competitive hourly rates • Flexible schedules • Training and development opportunities • Discount coupons • Service and employee recognition awards

SEASONAL, VARIABLE, TEMPORARY, EMERGENCY EMPLOYEES RECEIVE NO BENEFITS.

01

What level of Driver's License do you currently possess?

CDL A

CDL B

Regular (E)

ID Only

Out of State

None of the above

02

What is your highest level of education?

Masters Degree or higher

Bachelors Degree

Associates Degree

High School Diploma or GED Certificate

Completion of 10th grade

Less than 10th grade education

03

How many years of experience do you have in clerical office duties OR customer service?

No experience

Less than 1 year of experience

1-2 years' experience

2-3 years' experience

3-4 years' experience

4-5 years' experience

5 + years' experience

04

Are you legally authorized to work in the United States?

Yes

No

05

Please explain your answer to the following question: Are you legally authorized to work in the United States?

Required Question