Meter Technician I

Job Description

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

Under the general direction of the Senior Meter Technician, the Meter Technician I maintains water meter functions for both residential and commercial customers. Provides support to other departments within Public Works as assigned.  

SUPERVISION

RECEIVES direct supervision from the Senior Meter Technician. 

EXERCISES no supervision.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS 

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills.  This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Meter Installation, Maintenance, and Repair  

• Proper installation, activation, programming of automated meter infrastructure equipment
• Maintain accurate records and assist with documenting all activities, including installations, repairs, inspections, and upgrades.
• Replaces damaged, malfunctioning, obsolete, or inaccurate meters and associated components.
• Identify, report, and replace defective meters, broken meter boxes, damaged lids, leaks, and other infrastructure concerns.
  
• Programming and interrogation of large diameter meters
• Site investigating to determine work needed.
• Building, repairing, moving, and setting of hydrant meters for construction use.
• Experience working with flanged metering services (1.5 in – 2 in)
• Operates a variety of hand tools and equipment in the removal, installation, adjustment, repair, and servicing of meters.
• Utilizing the work order system and services request in the computerized maintenance management system with findings.
• Assist with training as needed.

Meter Reading and Diagnostics

• Reading, inspecting, routing, testing, and replacing of automated meter infrastructure equipment.
• Reading of residential, commercial, and industrial meters, as required during repairs or meter sets to relay additional information for billing purposes.
• Investigates unusual, excessive, or inconsistent water consumption.
• Identifies potential leaks through meter readings, visual inspections, and other field investigation techniques.
• Investigates stopped, broken, inaccessible, tampered-with, or malfunctioning meters.
• Verifies meter locations, meter numbers, service addresses, and account information.
• Assists with water loss and non-revenue water investigations.
• Utilizing the work order system and service requests in the computerized maintenance management system with findings.
• Check water pressures.
  

Customer Service 

• Responds to customer requests and complaints involving water meters, meter readings, leaks, and water consumption.
• Explains meter readings, meter operation, leak indicators, and related utility procedures to customers.
• Provides courteous and professional service while working at customer residences and businesses.
• Investigates customer concerns regarding high water bills and provides factual information regarding meter readings and observed conditions.
• Coordinates with Utility Billing and other departments regarding meter-related customer concerns.
• Maintains professionalism when dealing with difficult or upset customers.
• Protects customer privacy and handles account information appropriately.

Safety 

• Maintain safety regulations including wearing appropriate clothing.
• Inspect, clean, and maintain equipment and tools used to ensure they are in safe operating order.
• Perform routine inspections of assigned areas to detect any necessary repairs or hazardous conditions.
• Utilize proper safety precautions related to all work performed.
• Promote and enforce safety protocols, perform quality assurance checks, and ensure adherence to industry’s best practices.
• Participates in safety meetings and required training.

Other Duties 

• May occasionally be required to work on-call, evenings or weekends.
• Assist in other departmental operations when needed, including public notifications.
• Regular and consistent attendance for the assigned work hours is essential.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
  

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Training and Experience Guidelines:

A High School diploma or equivalent is required. 

Knowledge of:

• General maintenance and repair techniques for common tools and equipment used in meter reading.
• Safe handling techniques of hazardous chemicals and materials.
• Safe working practices pertaining to meter reading equipment needed to perform the job.

Skills and Abilities:

• Plan and organize materials and supplies necessary to complete work orders or daily assignments.
• Work cooperatively with other departments.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Resolve customer complaints and concerns.
• Follow all City policies and procedures.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Be punctual and regular in attendance.

LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

(All licenses and certifications noted below apply to all employees hired after 09/27/17)

• Must be able to obtain a Class D Water license within one (1) year from date of hire or date moved to the position.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Class C Texas driver’s license.
• May be required to obtain certification or licensure specific to area of assignment after date of employment at the City’s expense.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS / ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS AND CONDITIONS

• Work is performed in an office and construction maintenance environments.
• May be subject to walking on uneven or unstable terrain.
• May be subject to repetitive motion such as typing, data entry and vision to monitor.
• May be subject to standing, sitting, bending, kneeling, lifting, carrying, reaching, pulling, and crouching.
• Maybe subject to working extended hours and responding to emergencies on an on-call basis.
• May be subject to exposure to extreme weather conditions, loud noises, hazardous chemicals and fumes, infectious diseases, air and water borne pathogens, and poisonous insects, spiders, and snakes or wild animals common to water utility lines and construction sites.

Normal duty hours are 7:30 am to 4:30 pm. Callback may be required when necessary. Benefits include 100% employer paid employee only medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance premiums.  Paid vacation, holiday, and sick leave available.  Participation in the Texas Municipal Retirement System is required, as well as Social Security deductions.  

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. 

This employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.