Temporary Customer Service Specialist I

Salary : $65,852.80 - $103,272.00 Annually
Location : 15600 Sand Canyon, Irvine, CA
Job Type: Full-Time Temporary
Job Number: 01078
Department: Customer Service
Opening Date: 10/27/2026
Closing Date: Continuous

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Irvine Ranch Water District is currently accepting applications for Two (2) Temporary Customer Service Specialist I positions in the Customer Service Department. This position is limited to a duration of six (6) months, but of no more than (12) months.

Apply now! * This recruitment is set to close once we receive 100 qualified applications. *
The Position:
Under direct supervision, perform administrative duties for the Customer Service department including responding to customer questions and concerns with regards to billing, adjustment of accounts, or water and sewer service- related situations.
The ideal candidate will show interest in and understand the needs, expectations, and circumstances of Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD) customers. They will show a high level of care and thoroughness when taking requests regarding water and sewer services, answering and resolving billing questions, and accepting payments from customers. The ideal candidate will maintain focus and quality under distracting working conditions or high workloads. They will be able to complete their assigned duties thoroughly, efficiently, and adjust quickly to changes in assignments and priorities. Lastly, the ideal candidate will follow through on assignments and meet deadlines while adhering to policies and procedures.
For the full job description and responsibilities, please click here.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Takes telephone, written and in-person requests regarding water and sewer service, and processes utilizing the computer system.
Answers and resolves billing questions by telephone, written correspondence, emails, and in-person. Submits requests for adjustments to bills, if appropriate.
Accepts payments from customers, prepares receipts, makes changes and creates Customer Contacts on the computer system.
Educates customers regarding the District's variance program. Assists with completion of applications, verifies information and inputs into the computer system.
Receives, verifies and records Temporary Construction Meter applications at the Customer Service front counter
Creates and becomes advocate/responder for Customer Contacts and/or To Do's on the computer system for all external/internal transactions.
Performs administrative job duties, including ordering supplies, distributing departmental mail, processing Customer Service Satisfaction Survey's and completing expense reports.
Assists and provides back-up to the Customer Service Department as requested.
Complies with District safety work-related practices and attend relevant safety training.
Disaster Service Worker: In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, Irvine Ranch Water District employees, in the event of a disaster, are considered disaster service workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education:

• High school graduation or equivalent is required. For degrees obtained outside of the U.S., an official equivalency evaluation is required.

Experience:

• Two (2) years of general office experience with heavy customer contact is required.

License/Certifications:

• A valid Class "C" California Driver's License is required.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Regularly required to sit, walk, bend, stoop and stand. Occasionally required to lift up to 35 lbs. Must be able to sit for extended periods of time while performing tasks at a desk or workstation. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard, typewriter keyboard, or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. This may involve repetitive hand movements for extended periods. Ability to reach for documents, supplies, or equipment at varying heights (within a standard office environment) and grasp them, including the use of filing cabinets or shelves. This is primarily a sedentary office classification, although standing and walking between work areas may be required. Occasional standing is required, such as when presenting. Some bending or stooping may be necessary to retrieve files or materials from lower shelves or desks. Good vision is necessary for reading documents, working with computer screens, and performing tasks that require fine detail. Ability to hear in a standard office environment for communication, phone calls, and meetings. Frequent verbal communication with team members, clients, and other stakeholders, including both in-person and virtual meetings, requiring clear speech and hearing. Occasional travel may be required to other worksites or conferences for meetings, training, or other work-related activities. The job may require sustained concentration, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Ability to walk long distances over uneven terrain. The employee should be able to manage work-related stress in a fast-paced environment. These physical demands may vary depending on the specific duties and expectations of the position.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
Noise level is generally equivalent to a typical office environment. The office is maintained at a comfortable room temperature. The office is equipped with air conditioning and ventilation systems designed to maintain comfortable indoor air quality. The work area is equipped with adequate artificial lighting, supplemented by natural daylight from windows where available. The employee will work primarily at a desk, using a computer and other office equipment. The office complies with standard safety regulations, including the use of fire exits, first aid kits, and emergency procedures. Employees are expected to adhere to safety guidelines. The office environment is free from significant environmental hazards such as chemicals, heavy machinery, or extreme weather conditions.
IMPORTANT APPLICATION INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS

All applicants are required to complete and submit a District application form online and answer the supplemental questionnaire. Stating "See Resume" is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application. Resumes or faxed copies will not be accepted in lieu of the District online application. To apply, click on the "Apply" link located at the top of this page.
New users must create an account first. Click on this link for instructions on how to set up your account and apply for the first time:
Applications will be reviewed by the Human Resources Department and the subject matter expert. Those applicants possessing the most pertinent qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process, which will include:
Oral Interview Examination (tentatively scheduled for November 17, 2026): will assess candidates' experiences, qualifications, and abilities that are crucial for success in this role. During this examination, candidates will have the opportunity to discuss their background, including education, training, and relevant professional experiences. This in-person interview will allow evaluators to assess the candidate's interpersonal communication skills and evaluate their overall qualification for the position.
Communication regarding your application and/or status will be sent to the email address listed on your application. Please check your email regularly throughout the recruitment process as you will not receive communications by any other method.

IRWD offers a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. These benefits include the following: retirement benefits; medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; and a variety of other benefits. Benefits may vary based on employment status. This benefits overview is intended to be a summary, is not intended to be all-inclusive, and may not be applicable to all employees.

Retirement
Employees hired on or after January 1, 2013:
The District, in compliance with the California Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2012 (PEPRA), implemented a third tier for new employees hired on or after January 1, 2013. New employees hired on or after January 1, 2013 who have not been in PERS membership or in membership with a reciprocal retirement system within 6 months of hire date will receive benefits under the California Public Employees Retirement System at a 2 percent at age 62 formula. This formula gradually increases to a maximum benefits of 2.5 percent at age 67. Final compensation calculations will be based on the highest three-year average of regular recurring pay. The District pays the employer's share of these costs. The employee share of the pension cost of 7.50% is paid in full by the employees hired under this formula.

Employees hired on or after September 29, 2012 or "Classic" PERS members hired on or after January 1, 2013:
On September 24, 2012, the IRWD Board of Directors approved the addition of a second tier to the CalPERS retirement benefits. New employees hired on or after September 29th through December 31, 2012, and employees hired on or after January 1, 2013 who have been in PERS membership or in membership with a reciprocal retirement system, will receive benefits under the California Public Employees Retirement System at 2 percent at age 60 formula. This formula gradually increases to a maximum benefit of 2.418% at age 63. The District pays the employer share of these costs and the employee share of the pension cost of 7% is paid in full by the employees hired under this formula. Final retirement compensation calculations are based on the highest three-year average of regular, recurring pay.

IRWD does not participate or pay into Social Security except for the Medicare portion.

Medical Insurance
IRWD contracts with CalPERS for medical insurance coverage. Employees may elect coverage from a variety of PPO and HMO plans. The employee and District contribution for health insurance varies by plan. Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire.

Dental Insurance
IRWD contracts with Delta Dental for dental coverage. IRWD pays 100% of the premium for dental coverage for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire.

Vision Insurance
IRWD contracts with the EyeMed for vision coverage. IRWD pays 100% of the premium for vision coverage for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire.

Life Insurance
Eligible employees are provided with life insurance coverage equal to three or four times their annual salary, depending on their level of compensation. Eligible dependents are also covered for a flat benefit amount. Coverage is effective the first day of the month following the date of hire.

Deferred Compensation
Participation in a deferred compensation plan is available through Empower Retirement. Enrollment is voluntary and contributions are employee-paid and subject to IRS limits. The District matches employee contributions up to 3% of base pay after 1 year of employment.

Paid Vacation
Eligible employees begin accruing vacation benefits at the rate of 80 hours per year for the first 5 years of employment. Employees accrue 120 hours per year after 5 years of employment and 160 hours per year after 10 years of employment.

Paid Holidays
The District offers 10 scheduled paid holidays plus two (2) personal holiday per year.

Sick Leave
Eligible employees accrue 96 hours of sick leave annually.