Salary: $29.06 Hourly
Location : 961 12th Ave, Longview, WA
Job Type: Full Time
Department: Customer Service and Compliance
Division: Customer Service Union
Opening Date: 06/11/2026
Closing Date: 6/28/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: IBEW
DescriptionHelp Power What MattersAt Cowlitz PUD, your work directly supports the people and businesses in our community. We're looking for a Customer Service Specialist to bring next level customer service to our customers.
This is an entry level, union position with the District that has an opportunity for growth into a Customer Service Representative in the future.
Why Cowlitz PUD?Our Mission: Provide customers with safe, reliable, cost-effective and sustainable electricity.
Our Vision: Connecting customers to energy to power Cowlitz County's future.
We put employees first. We believe our people are the foundation of everything we do and invest in their growth, safety, and success.Our work is guided by:- Employees- supported, trained, and empowered to succeed
- Safety- our top priority in every decision
- Integrity- doing the right thing, always
- Transparency- open, accountable public service
- Community- serving Cowlitz County
- Resiliency- planning for the future
What You Get:- Competitive wage and benefits package
- 4/10 schedule (Mon-Thurs)
- Robust wellness program, including an on-site gym
- Meaningful, community-focused work
- Strong team culture + growth opportunities
Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesWhat You'll Do:- Greet and assess the needs of every person that visits the PUD.
- Assist customers with payments and questions.
- Evaluate needs of a customer and assign them to our service que.
- Process and assist with the incoming and outgoing mail.
- Work on and maintain customer service reports, applications and service orders.
Experience, Working Conditions and Other RequirementsWhat You Bring:- Background in handling multiple customer service items at one time.
- Strong communication and listening skills.
- Passion for helping the public and providing solutions to meet their needs,
Minimum:- High school diploma or equivalent
- 2 years' experience in recent customer service or call center experience.
- 1 year of cash handling experience.
Nice to have (not required):- An Associate degree in business administration, accounting or a related field.
Hiring ProcessDon't Check Every Box? Apply Anyway.If you're excited about this opportunity but don't meet every qualification, we still encourage you to apply. We're looking for someone who aligns with our mission, brings strong foundational skills, and is ready to grow with us.
The steps needed to complete an application:Applications are reviewed after the posting closes. Qualified candidates must submit the following to be considered:
- Completed NEOGOV online application.
- Supplemental questionnaire responses.
- Cover letter describing how your skills and experience align with the stated job responsibilities and qualifications. (optional)
- Current résumé indicating relevant experience and education. (optional)?
Offers of employment are contingent on verification of information provided by the applicant as part of the application process, including potential background check, pre-placement physical exam, and full driver's abstract.
Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
At Cowlitz PUD we believe part of having a rewarding work place is to have a healthy work environment. You will find that we offer a full benefits package that fits all needs the needs of work/life balance.
About our benefits:The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time permanent employees. Actual benefits may vary by position type or be prorated for other than full-time work. Check with Human Resources for specific benefit information.
Insurance Benefits:As an employer, we offer medical, dental and vision to employees and their families. To help cover the costs of medical expenses we offer our staff a VEBA Health Reimbursement Benefit package. This package allows you to reimburse yourself for medical expenses and also save for the cost of medical at retirement.
We also provide a variety of life insurance options that will fit your families needs. For employees we offer group life coverage in the amount of 2x's your annual salary and you have the option of selecting additional life insurance for yourself, your spouse and your dependents.
To help with those times that you may be injured off the job we have short term and long-term disability for employees.
Retirement:Cowlitz PUD employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs, PERS 2 or PERS 3.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Cowlitz PUD also has a 401k retirement plan and employees can select either traditional or Roth through Fidelity and there is an employer match benefit as well. The District matches up to 4% of the gross wages earned by staff employees. The match for union employees s dictated by the match that is negotiated through the collective bargaining agreement, which is currently 3.5% of gross wages earned by union employees.
Paid Time Off:Employees begin accruing vacation starting the first full month of employment. Since we value our employees loyalty, the amount of paid time off you can accrue increases the longer you work with us.
Holidays:Full-time employees are entitled to ten paid holidays:
- New Year's Day (January 1)
- President's Day (third Monday in February)
- Memorial Day (last Monday in May)
- Independence Day (July 4)
- Labor Day (first Monday in September)
- Veteran's Day (November 11)
- Thanksgiving Day (fourth Thursday in November)
- Christmas Day (December 25)
- 2 Floating Holidays
Some of the other benefits that Cowlitz PUD offers include:
- Employee Assistance Program
- Education Assistance Program
- On-Site Gym
- Wellness Program
- Clothing Allowance, twice per year for logo wear
- Calm App Membership
01
Tell us why you are interested in coming to work at Cowlitz PUD in the Customer Service Specialist position?
02
What is your customer service philosophy?
03
Tell us about your clerical, office, and organizational skills relate to the Customer Service Specialist role.
Required Question