Water Meter Technician

Job Title

Performs technical field work for the County Water Department associated with maintenance, repair and replacement of Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) water meters.

Job Description

Work involves locating meters, maintaining and repairing meters, replacing meter boxes, recording meter readings and performing meter connections and disconnections as directed. Employee must exercise initiative and independent judgement while performing the essential job function. Employee must exercise tact and courtesy while dealing with the public. Employee must ensure all safety policies and procedures are followed. Work is performed independently under the general supervision of Administrative Officer I.

Essential Functions

• Maintains, tests and repairs AMI water meters.
• Operates AMI drive-by system using transceiver to obtain water meter readings on assigned route. Downloads daily meter readings to computer.
• Assures AMI water meters are registering properly and verifies irregular meter readings. Investigates and troubleshoots non-transmitting AMI water meters.
• Performs minor repairs within scope of authority and training including repairing broken meter boxes, replacing faulty meters; which often requires hand-digging.
• Programs smart points (transmitters). Performs preventative maintenance, runs audits, and checks wires and smart points.
• Operates and maintains AMI system handheld device.
• Generates stale meter reports and completes manual reading of the meters listed. Acquires manual readings of meters as directed or requested by customers to ensure accuracy.
• Verifies vacant meters are not used for unauthorized consumption. Reports water meter tampering.
• Connects and disconnects water meters as directed for nonpayment and payment.
• Identifies and reports water service line leaks.
• Maintains area around meter boxes to ensure adequate access.
• Operates and maintains vehicles and equipment in accordance with all safety regulations and procedures; identifies and reports mechanical problems requiring additional repair.

Additional Job Functions:

• May be required to serve during times of disaster.
• May be required to assist field technicians and plant operators.
• Performs other related work as required.

Minimum Education and Experience

Graduation from high school or equivalent (GED) and some experience in meter reading or mechanical repair work; or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Special Requirements Possession of a valid North Carolina driver's license with a clean driving record.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Working knowledge of the methods and procedures involved in water meter installation and repair.
• Working knowledge of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) safety guidelines.
• General knowledge of the principles of plumbing and mechanical maintenance as applicable to water distribution systems.
• General knowledge of modern office procedures and equipment.
• Skill in operation of equipment and tools necessary for locating and unearthing water meter boxes.
• Skill in AMI water meter maintenance, repair and operation as well as AMI hardware and software.
• Ability to safely use and properly care for tools, equipment, and materials used in the installation, maintenance, and repair of water meters.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to compute mathematical calculations accurately.
• Ability to exercise tact and courtesy when dealing with customers and the general public.
• Ability to effectively plan, organize and/or prioritize daily assignments and work activities.
• Ability to use technology to complete and accurately document work assignments.
• Ability to perform manual labor for extended periods of time, in extreme temperatures and inclement weather.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments.

Benefits

Craven County offers regular full-time employees a wide variety of employee benefits including:

• Health Insurance is provided by ACS Benefits Services and covers a wide variety of healthcare services. Craven County pays 100% of Employee Only premium cost. Employees have the option to add child and spouse dependent coverage at their own cost.
• Dental Insurance is provided through the Delta Dental PPO and Delta Dental Premier network administered by ACS Benefits Services. It covers a percentage of basic to major dental procedures, including orthodontia for children. Craven County pays 100% of Employee Only premium cost. Employees have the option to add child and spouse dependent coverage at their own expense.
• Craven County provides eligible employees with $10,000 life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment coverage through OneAmerica AUL. Employees have the option to purchase additional coverage and/or dependent coverage at their own expense.
• Craven County provides eligible employees with $50.00 per week in disability insurance through OneAmerica AUL. Employees have the option to purchase additional disability insurance at their own cost.
• Eligible employees are automatically enrolled in the retirement system and must contribute 6% of their gross salary each pay period. Once eligibility requirements are met, employees will be able to receive monthly payments for life based on their salary, age, and years of service credit.
• Craven County contributes 2% of eligible employees' gross salary into the 401(k) account regardless of the employee's deferral amount. In addition, the County matches employee deferrals up to an additional 3%.
• Regular full-time employees earn annual leave based upon years of service. Eligible employees begin to accrue annual leave as soon as they start but must complete a six month probationary period before they are eligible to use annual leave.
• Regular full-time employees earn 3.69 hours of sick leave per pay period. Craven County accepts eligible sick leave from the State of North Carolina, any of its political subdivisions, any local government entity or authority, or municipality in North Carolina.
• County employees receive 11-14 paid holidays annually. The Board of County Commissioners may adjust the holiday schedule as deemed necessary.
• Eligible employees earn $200 in longevity after five years of service by October 31 of the qualifying year. Longevity benefits increase $25 per year up to a maximum of $1,000.
• Craven County offers a merit program. Up to 56% of eligible employees may receive a performance-based merit increase each year.
• County employees are also offered a variety of supplemental benefits to select at their own expense such as Life Insurance, Vision Insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Critical Care policies, Cancer policies, Long-term Care policies, Hospitalization policies, 457b Deferred Compensation Plan and Aflac. Employee benefits are subject to change or may be contingent upon funding availability.