Industrial Meter Repair Technician

Industrial Meter Repair Technician (Lead Technician)

The Industrial Meter Repair Technician (Lead Technician), under the general supervision of the Industrial Meter Repair Crew Chief, is responsible for overseeing a meter service truck, assisting team members, and carrying out assigned field work. This hands-on role involves a variety of skilled mechanical and field service tasks such as testing, repairing, rebuilding, installing, and changing out water meters ranging from 1" to 12" in size. The Lead Technician locates and repairs leaks, services fire lines, valves, registers, endpoints, and other related components, frequently working in confined spaces and inside meter vaults up to 15 feet deep. The work often requires the use of specialized tools, power equipment, and manual labor in outdoor environments and challenging conditions. In addition to fieldwork, the technician responds to customer service requests, investigates service-related issues, and thoroughly documents all work performed. This is a physically demanding role that requires stamina, precision, technical skill, and sound decision-making along with a strong commitment to safety, teamwork, and excellent customer service, particularly in high pressure or emergency situations.

Essential Job Functions:

• Leads a two to three person work crew, including responsibility for the assigned vehicle and tools, while completing daily assignments.
• Receives, reviews and performs work while serving as a competent person on the job site.
• Disassembles, repairs, reassembles, tests, installs, and changes out multi-family, commercial, and industrial water meters in accordance with AWWA and City Utility Department standards.
• Performs physically demanding tasks using machines or tools to cut pipes or other materials inside meter vaults.
• Works in confined spaces, often under high water pressure conditions.
• Inspects water meter connections for leaks; replaces pipes and other materials as needed.
• Assists with correcting meter vault deficiencies and repairing service lines.
• Reports on fire hydrant leaks, water main leaks and other distribution issues in a timely manner.
• Interrogates endpoints/transmitters to ensure readings match the register; follows SOPs for quality assurance.
• Maintains accurate records of all work performed, including findings, actions taken, and customer interactions.
• Conducts field inspections of metering equipment for maintenance or replacement needs.
• Investigates customer complaints related to meter readings, pressure, noise, water quality, or leaks. Evaluates billing history and educates customers on meter operation, usage, and transmitter functions. Escalates complex issues as needed.
• Assists the Crew Chief in ensuring proper maintenance of vehicles and equipment.
• Educates customers on Charlotte Water's meter reading and billing processes, service responsibilities, and repair limitations on private property.
• Sets up and removes warning signs and traffic control devices as needed.
• Performs preventative maintenance and daily inspections of vehicles and equipment, reporting any deficiencies.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements to Perform Work:

• High School diploma or GED from an accredited institution.
• Two (2) years of related work experience, preferably in customer service and water utility operations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Three (3) years of related work experience, preferably in customer service and water utility operations.
• Experience in plumbing, water meter installation, or water system maintenance.
• Knowledge of and experience performing various semi-skilled maintenance and manual labor tasks.

Licenses, Certifications or Registrations:

• Requires a valid driver's license.
• Must obtain and maintain a City Driver's Permit.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Proficiency with hand and power tools (e.g., cut-off saws, grinders, torches, jackhammers, chainsaws).
• Physical ability to work in confined spaces and extreme outdoor conditions.
• Willingness to perform heavy manual labor.
• Ability to follow directives and instructions.
• Knowledge of service order management systems, as well as the operations, services, and activities of a water distribution system
• Ability to assess hazards and implement traffic control.
• Ability to stay calm and effective under pressure or in emergencies.
• Knowledge of meter operations, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
• Familiarity with utility field customer service operations and meter billing processes.
• Proficiency in using business computing software (e.g., MS Office Suite).
• Ability to read and interpret AWWA industry standards.
• Strong interpersonal, leadership, and team-building skills.
• Ability to work independently as well as with others.
• Strong time management, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Ability to apply quality best practices.

Physical Demands:

Daily driving; frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching, and lifting (060 lbs.). Must be able to apply 20 lbs. of force constantly, 30 lbs. frequently, and up to 100 lbs. occasionally. Requires climbing, entering confined spaces, balance, manual dexterity, auditory and visual acuity, and physical endurance on uneven terrain and in various weather conditions.

Work Environment:

Work is performed in a dynamic environment that may periodically involve unexpected requirements or demands. The role requires flexibility, sensitivity to change, and the ability to adapt to shifting goals, priorities, and needs. Most work is conducted outdoors in all weather conditions, with exposure to natural elements such as heat, rain, sleet, and snow. Work is frequently performed in confined spaces and in field settings where hazardous tools are used and team members operate in close proximity, requiring constant awareness and coordination. The position may also require working overtime and various shifts, responding to emergencies, and being on-call. Frequent exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and potential hazards should be expected. Employees must be able to tolerate working around foliage, seasonal pollen, dirt, dust, mud, and water, with consistent exposure to risk in outdoor environments.

Conditions of Employment:

The City's Background Check Policy requires background checks to be conducted on final internal or external candidate(s) applying for any position with the City of Charlotte. The type of information that will be collected as part of a background check includes, but is not limited to: reference checks, social security verification, education verification, criminal conviction record check, and, if applicable, a credit history check, sex offender registry and motor vehicle records check.

Background checks must be in compliance with all federal and state statutes, such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). The checks must be consistent with the guidelines set forth by these laws requiring organizations to obtain a candidate's written authorization before obtaining a criminal background report, motor vehicle records check or credit report; and to properly store and dispose of information derived from such reports.

Final candidates must pass a pre-employment drug-screening test and physical examination. During the selection process, candidates may be asked to take a skills test, and/or participate in other assessments.

The City of Charlotte is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation or on the basis of actual or perceived gender as expressed through dress, appearance, or behavior.