Customer Service Agent I
Print (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/minneapolismn/jobs/newprint/5114141)
Apply
?
Customer Service Agent I
Salary
$31.24 - $37.97 Hourly
Location
Minneapolis, MN
Job Type
Full-time
Job Number
2025-00497
Department
311 Service Center
Division
311 Call Center
Opening Date
10/30/2025
Closing Date
11/13/2025 11:59 PM Central
FLSA
Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit
CAF
Description
Benefits
Questions
Position Description
The 311 Contact Center Representative is the primary point of contact for all non-emergency City of Minneapolis information and services. This includes government services, resident services, business services, city information, and filing non-emergency police reports. In addition, the representative is responsible for connecting to interpretation services and reporting accessibility concerns for and from residents, businesses, and visitors in Minneapolis or on the Minneapolis website. Service calls may be received via phone, online request, email, texting, mobile app, TTY/TDD, or interpreter service.
The representative will streamline the reporting process to allow for tracking of requests for service delivery from inception to completion while also simplifying access to City information and services. In addition, the representative will facilitate transparency and accountability and assist departments in delivering services more effectively.
The representative may also be responsible for providing in-person directory customer service at the Public Service Building information desk.
Bilingual language skills in Spanish, Somali or Hmong is highly desired.
The City of Minneapolis does not sponsor applicants for work visas.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
Triage incoming communications through 311's omnichannel format.
Provide accurate and timely information to callers using internal and external resources.
Determine when service requests are needed and create and submit them. Perform activities related to processing customer requests, i.e., searching records for property ownership verification, collecting some payments via check for utility billing, answering and updating calls for service, answering questions from field personnel via telephone and computer terminal, electronic communications, etc.
Handle calls for case follow-up and work with interpreters.
Serve as the first point of contact during significant incidents. G iving out general information, answering questions and gathering facts and pertinent information regarding various City Services, problems and complaints.
Record and report accessibility concerns.
Navigate and utilize internal and external resources to assist callers.
Maintain data accuracy and enter case information in the internal system.
Provide exceptional customer service and handle difficult situations with tact and professionalism.
Contribute to team goals and continuously improve skills through training and development opportunities.
Required Qualifications
Minimum Education:High school diploma or equivalent
Minimum Experience: Two years of experience in high-volume customer service or a call center environment. Two years of experience in clerical work.
Highly Desirable: Bilingual in Spanish, Somali, Oromo, Lao, or Hmong, desirable in some positions. Ability to relate and work effectively with people from diverse cultural, economic and ethnic backgrounds.
Equivalency:An equivalent combination of education and highly related experience in a similar environment may be considered.
Selection Process: The selection process will consist of the following step: a rating of relevant education and experience (100%). It is important that your application show all the relevant education and experience you possess. This information will be used to determine which candidates will proceed in the selection process. A submitted application is also used to verify the answers to any supplemental questions. Only those candidates who attain a passing score (70%) on each step in the selection process will be placed on the eligible list. The City of Minneapolis Human Resources Department reserves the right to limit the number in any phase of the selection process As part of the interview process, a work stimulation exercise, candidate assessment, etc. may also be utilized including a combination of a computer skills assessment (multi-tasking, keyboarding speed and accuracy, numbers, memory, call summarization, and prioritizing etc.).
Interview Selection: The hiring authority reserves the right to determine the maximum number of candidates to interview from the established eligible list. If the hiring authority decides to interview other than by exam score order, they may select additional people to interview based on a candidate's education or experience related to the field, work history, or skills uniquely related to the operational needs of the position.
Background Check: The City has determined that a criminal background check and/or qualifications check may be necessary for certain positions with this job title. Applicants may be required to sign an informed consent form allowing the City to obtain their criminal history and/or verify their qualifications in connection with the position sought. Applicants who do not sign the informed consent form will not be further considered for the position.
Drug and Alcohol Testing: All job applicants must pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol test once a conditional offer of employment has been made. Applicants will be required to sign a notification and consent form prior to undergoing drug and alcohol testing. Applicants who do not consent to undergo drug and alcohol testing will not be required to do so and the City will withdraw the conditional job offer, resulting in the job applicant no longer being considered for the position.
Union Representation: This position is represented by a collective bargaining agreement between the City of Minneapolis and American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees. For more information on the terms and conditions of this agreement please visit: AFSCME (https://www2.minneapolismn.gov/government/departments/hr/labor-agreements/afscme-general-unit/) ,https://www.minneapolismn.gov/government/departments/hr/labor-agreements/
Eligible List: The names of applicants who meet minimum qualification and who pass the screening process shall be placed on the eligible list for employment consideration. This list will be certified to the hiring manager who may use the list to fill a vacancy of the same job title. This eligible list will expire 2 months after it has been established.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of computerized data entry and retrieval and office practices and procedures
Working knowledge of computers and computer applications
Knowledge of the functions and services of all City departments
Proficient at keyboarding (30+ WPM)
Ability to analyze situations and information in the City's Knowledge Base Software
Strong customer service skills and ability to maintain effective working relationships with the general public
Active, comprehensive, critical, and empathetic listening skills
Adaptability and versatility, ability to learn and process new information quickly and efficiently
Ability to solve complex problems and strong reading comprehension skills
Strong oral and written communication skills, ability to maintain composure and de-escalate situations
Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment and work autonomously
Ability to build strong working relationships with internal customers
Proficiency with standard office equipment and multiple systems, programs, and sites.
As the largest and most vibrant city in the state, Minneapolis depends on purposeful, dedicated and innovative employees. Minneapolis has a large variety of careers for people of all experiences and backgrounds who come together for a singular purpose-serving the residents, businesses and visitors of Minneapolis.
The City of Minneapolis is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer.
Benefits Summary
Our employees enjoy competitive salaries and generous benefits. We pride ourselves on a comprehensive benefits program that supports employees' health and financial well-being. Programs, resources, and benefit eligibility varies based on position, average hours worked, location and length of service. For detailed benefits information, please visit the benefits page (http://www.minneapolismn.gov/hr/benefits/WCMS1Q-066289) .
Insurance
Health insurance
Eligibility for benefits begins the first of the month following employment date. The City of Minneapolis offers eligible employees one plan design (http://cityofminneapolis.welcometomedica.com/page/61) with a choice of six provider networks, allowing you to select the best option for you. Available plans include Medica Choice Passport, Medica Elect, VantagePlus with Medica, Park Nicollet and HealthPartners Medical Group First with Medica, Ridgeview Community Network powered by Medica, and Clear Value with Medica.
Dental insurance
The City of Minneapolis offers dental insurance through Delta Dental of Minnesota and pays 100% of the monthly premium for eligible employees.
Life insurance
The city provides basic life insurance of one times your annual salary up to $50,000. You can elect to purchase optional life insurance.
Paid time off
Our generous leave package includes vacation, holidays and paid sick leave, which gives employees the opportunity to enhance their quality of life outside work. Amounts and accrual rates are based on years of experience and collective bargaining agreements (http://www.minneapolismn.gov/hr/laboragreements/index.htm) .
Paid parental leave
City employees are eligible for up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in the event of a birth or placement for adoption of a child.
Retirement
City employees earn a pension and may choose to participate in additional retirement savings programs.
Pension: The City of Minneapolis participates in the Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA). Employees and the City both contribute a percentage of your pay to fund future benefits.
Deferred compensation: Employees may choose to participate in pre-tax or after-tax savings plans through the Minnesota State Retirement System (MSRS).
Transportation
Eligible City employees may choose to participate in the following transportation programs:
Metropass: TheMetropass (http://www.minneapolismn.gov/hr/benefits/trans/benefits_pre-tax-transit) program allows eligible employees to enroll in a pass for unlimited bus or light rail rides at a discounted price.
Parking or Van Pool:The City of MinneapolisTransportation Benefits Plan (http://www.minneapolismn.gov/hr/benefits/trans/WCMS1P-113620) gives you options to pay certain commuting costs, such as qualified parking and van pool expenses, with pre-tax dollars.
Learning and development
To engage and develop employees, the City of Minneapolis offers classes in leadership, cultural agility, change management and more. Additionally, educational discounts at Augsburg University, Hamline University, St. Catherine's, and St. Mary's University of Minnesota are available to City employees.
Other perks
Employees can also take advantage of flexible spending accounts, theEmotional Wellbeing Solutions (https://www.minneapolismn.gov/government/departments/hr/benefits-wellness/) , health club discounts and more.
01
How did you find out about this position? (Select all that apply)
Recruiter
City of Minneapolis website
City of Minneapolis employee
City of Minneapolis job interest card
City of Minneapolis Career Opportunities Bulletin
Friend or family member
League of Minnesota Cities website
Diversityjobs.com website
Governmentjobs.com website
Indeed.com website
Minnesotajobs.com website
Minnesota Council of Nonprofits Website
Other website
LinkedIn
Twitter
Facebook
Other social media site
Newspaper
Other media
College or University
Community organization
Job Fair
Professional association
Site Visit
02
Please specify where you heard about the position (e.g., website name, City of Minneapolis employee name, job fair, professional association).
03
Are you able to fluently speak, write, and understand any of the following languages? (Check all that apply)
Spanish
Somali
Hmong
Laotian
Amharic
Oromo
Vietnamese
American Sign Language (ASL)
None of the above
04
Please indicate below the highest level of education that you have completed.
None
High School Diploma or GED
Some College
Associate Degree
Bachelor's Degree
Master's Degree
Doctorate
05
How many years of experience do you have in a high-volume customer service or a call center environment including clerical work?
No experience
Less than 1 year
1 year but less than 2 years
2 years but less than 3 years
3 years but less than 4 years
4 years but less than 5 years
5 or more years
Required Question
Employer
City of Minneapolis
Address
350 South 5th Street
Room 1
Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55415
Phone
(612) 673-2282
Website
http://www.minneapolismn.gov/jobs
Apply
Please verify your email addressVerify Email
