Senior Water Meter Repair Technician

The Position

The purpose of this classification is to perform advanced, specialized technical work associated with the installation, repair, rebuilding, testing, calibration, and maintenance of residential, commercial, and specialty water meters and Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI). This position serves as the senior technical authority within the meter repair function and provides field leadership, quality control, and technical guidance to Meter Repair Technicians. The Senior Meter Repair Technician ensures meter accuracy, revenue protection, data integrity, and compliance with applicable standards and safety requirements, while not exercising direct supervisory or disciplinary authority.

Duties

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned. Performs advanced installation, removal, repair, rebuilding, and calibration of residential, commercial, and specialty water meters. Conducts precision meter accuracy testing utilizing certified meter testing benches; evaluates results and determines repair versus replacement in accordance with AWWA standards and City policy. Diagnoses complex meter performance issues, including intermittent readings, reverse flow, stopped counts, chronic failures, and abnormal consumption patterns. Installs, programs, tests, and troubleshoots AMI endpoints, registers, and communication modules; verifies correct meter-to-endpoint association and data transmission. Reviews and analyzes AMI exception data, including no-read conditions, continuous flow alerts, leak indicators, and tamper flags; supports resolution of escalated billing and usage complaints. Performs water flow and pressure testing and assists with hydrant flow testing; demonstrates understanding of unidirectional flushing principles. Investigates suspected meter tampering, unauthorized connections, and irregular system usage, documents findings in accordance with City procedures. Operates equipment and tools associated with meter repair and testing, including meter testing benches, programming devices, hand and power tools, and related shop equipment. Assists with large or complex meter installations, vault inspections, and specialty meter applications as assigned. Ensures accurate documentation of meter testing, repairs, installations, and AMI programming within billing, AMI, and asset management systems. Performs pre-trip and post-trip inspections on vehicles and equipment; maintains tools and testing equipment in safe operating condition. Participates in on-call rotation and responds to after-hours emergencies as required. SENIOR-LEVEL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES The following duties distinguish the Senior Meter Repair Technician from the Water Meter Repair Technician classification and are performed in addition to all standard Operator duties: Serves as the technical subject-matter expert for meter repair, testing, and AMI troubleshooting. Provides on-the-job training and technical mentoring to Meter Repair Technicians and apprentices. Conducts hands-on field and shop competency evaluations in support of the Career Progression Plan. Performs quality control reviews of meter testing results, repairs, and installations to reduce repeat service calls and billing errors. Provides technical guidance and field decision-making authority when supervisory staff is not present. Identifies trends in meter failures, accuracy degradation, or installation issues and communicates findings to supervisory staff. Assists with development, review, and enforcement of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) related to meter repair, testing, and AMI processes. Supports asset lifecycle planning by providing technical input on meter performance, replacement timing, and failure patterns. Additional Functions: Performs other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

High School Diploma or GED required; supplemented by a minimum of three (3) years of progressive experience as a Meter Repair Technician or equivalent experience in water metering, testing, or distribution systems; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. Must possess and maintain the following: State of Georgia Water Distribution Operator License Valid State of Georgia Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Georgia Soil and Water Erosion Control Certification DOT Approved Flagging / Traffic Control Certification State of Georgia Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester Certification Must also possess or obtain and maintain: Confined Space Entrant and Attendant Training Excavation Competent Person Certification Required Continuing Education (CE) points as outlined in the Career Progression Plan Physical Agility & Competency Requirements Must successfully pass a job-related Physical Agility and Technical Competency Evaluation prior to appointment and/or promotion. The evaluation may include, but is not limited to, demonstrations of the ability to safely perform essential job functions such as: Lifting, carrying, and positioning water meters, meter boxes, and related materials Performing excavation and meter-setting tasks Operating hand tools, power tools, and meter testing equipment Entering and exiting meter vaults and confined spaces Performing hydrant flow testing activities Installing, programming, and troubleshooting AMI equipment Demonstrating proper use of PPE and adherence to safety procedures Evaluations shall be conducted in accordance with City policy and applicable safety standards. Failure to successfully complete the evaluation may result in disqualification from the position. The scope and components of the evaluation may be modified as operational needs and equipment change. Specific Licenses or Certifications Required: Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver's license.

Core Competencies & ADA Compliance

Water Meter Installation, Maintenance & Repair Demonstrates advanced knowledge and skill in installing, inspecting, testing, troubleshooting, repairing, and replacing water meters and related components to ensure accurate operation and service. Technical Troubleshooting & Problem Solving Identifies meter malfunctions, leaks, service issues, and equipment failures; determines appropriate corrective actions and completes repairs efficiently while minimizing service interruptions. Safety, Compliance & Quality Standards Performs work in accordance with established safety procedures, utility standards, and applicable regulations. Properly uses tools, equipment, and personal protective equipment while maintaining a safe work environment. Leadership & Work Coordination Provides technical guidance and assistance to less-experienced technicians, coordinates daily field assignments when needed, and ensures work is completed accurately, efficiently, and according to departmental standards. ADA Compliance: Physical Ability: The physical demands described here are representative of those required by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, and sit. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Sensory Requirements: Specific vision abilities required by this job include physical vision, close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception. Environmental Factors: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions. The employee is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; moving mechanical parts; extreme cold; extreme heat; and risk of electrical shock. The employee is occasionally exposed to high, precarious places, fumes or airborne particles, and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The City of Albany, GA, is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Benefits

Employer Paid: Vacation Pay, Sick Pay, Holiday Pay, Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance, Life Insurance, Defined Benefit Retirement Plan Optional: Vision Insurance, Short Term Disability Insurance, Long Term Disability Insurance, 457(b) Plan Whole Life Insurance, Critical illness Insurance, Discounted YMCA Membership