Purpose of Position

Under general supervision, reads, records and reports readings of water meters using a hand-held meter reading computer; interacts with customers and addresses questions and resolves complaints; reports abnormal or suspicious meter conditions or usage patterns; makes field repairs to meters; and performs related duties as assigned.

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Reads and records consumer water meters in accordance with an assigned schedule and route; identifies sites for meter reading and uses maps to establish a systematic route; enters meter readings into a hand-held meter reading computer; ensures accuracy of readings
• Examines meters for signs of tampering and reports inoperative, leaking, malfunctioning, or damaged meters and registers; tags property; reports hazards including gas odors and exposed electrical wiring; reports violations of backflow prevention
• Answers general questions regarding billing or other utilities-related subjects; advises the public of rules, codes and procedures; instructs the public on reading meters and calculating consumptions for personal records; relays inquiries to Meter Reader Supervisor when appropriate
• Posts non-payment notices; posts sign-up or shut-down notices; turns water services on and off as required; makes appointments for readings to be re-checked
• Makes field repairs to water meters and performs routine maintenance; pulls meters for calibration; cleans brush, dirt or vines away from meter boxes using appropriate equipment and tools; generates requests to Maintenance and Operations for larger repairs.
• Suggests changes to improve routing and meter location information.
• Locates water meters for work and construction crews.
• Assists in making emergency repairs to water mains.
• Performs related duties as required

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

Knowledge of:

Operation and appropriate usage of various types of water meters

Operational characteristics of general maintenance and construction equipment and tools used in work activities

Operational characteristics of hand held and radio meter reading equipment.

Basic map reading

Geography of the area and location of meters

Principles of customer service.

Basic mathematical principles

Modern office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers

Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations

Principles and practices of record keeping and reporting

Occupational hazards and standard safety practices

Safe driving principles and practices

Ability to:

Operate a hand-held meter reading computer

Safely operate a motor vehicle

Accurately and efficiently take meter readings

Interpret and apply policies, procedures, laws, and regulations pertaining to meter reading programs and functions

Read maps and follow a prescribed route and schedule

Perform mathematical calculations at a level necessary for successful job performance

Respond to requests and inquiries from the public

Work independently in the absence of supervision

Maintains records used in the course of work

Utilize standard office equipment including computers and related software applications

Ensure adherence to safe work practices and procedures

Learn and apply new information or new skills

Follow oral and written instructions

Understand and carry out oral and written directions

Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work

Work cooperatively with others

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions

Environment: Work is performed primarily outdoors while walking or driving, with occasional indoor office work. Frequent exposure to: moving mechanical parts at construction sites and from heavy equipment; excessive noise from traffic and train tracks; dust, gas fumes, or chemicals while walking or driving; and falling objects on site and at construction locations. Frequent exposure to extreme temperatures, humidity, rain; slippery or uneven surfaces and rough terrain; moving mechanical parts; excessive noise and vibration from meter repair equipment, compressors, traffic, trains and while operating a vehicle. Work is occasionally performed at heights while working on embankments or inclines.

Physical: Constant sitting while driving or in meetings; walking meter routes and at construction sites; balancing on hills, embankments and ledges; stooping, squatting; bending at the neck and waist to drive, read and perform low level work; reaching below the shoulder; pushing and pulling of materials/equipment into and out of the truck and of meter lids; fine manipulation, simple grasping and repetitive use of hands to use hand held processor, read meters and operate a computer; lifting and carrying of meter lids, sticks and other equipment weighing up to 50 pounds; driving to and from meter locations. Frequent kneeling, climbing; twisting at the neck and waist; power grasping to shovel, use a meter stick, lifting and opening the vehicle; lifting and carrying of meters and lids weighing up to 75 pounds. Occasional standing, crawling, and climbing to read meters and traverse hills, embankments and ledges; reaching above the shoulder; and lifting and carrying meter boxes and lids weighing up to 100 pounds.

Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to operate a vehicle and equipment; read computer screens, meters, and printed documents.

Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction to listen for signs of danger, operate a radio and communicate with others

Job Content

The Public Works Meter Reader is a full-time, permanent position in the Public Works Department under supervision and specific direction from the Utility Field Supervisor, followed by the Utility Assistant, the Assistant Public Works Director, and the Public Works Director/Operations Director. The person in this position is supervised daily and works regularly scheduled hours throughout the year.  This position is almost 100% outdoors, but with occasional indoor office work.  There is an occasional risk of exposure to chemicals and/or hazardous materials on a daily basis.  The person in this position must hold a valid driver’s license and a high school diploma or GED. 

FLSA:                         Non Exempt

REPORTS TO:         Operations Director Public Works, Assistant Public Works Director, Utility Assistant, Utility Field Supervisor

                  

SUPERVISES:          N/A

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.   Characteristics described in this job description are representative of those an employee encounters while performing this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform them.

 

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Signature Acknowledging Job Description                                                                Date

* Adopted  01/18/2024