Water Meter Mechanic

Salary : $111,259.20 - $130,228.80 Annually

Location : Hayward, CA

Job Type : Full-Time

Job Number : M810-2024-12

Department : Public Works & Utilities

Opening Date : 12 / 20 / 2024

Closing Date : Continuous

Description

DEADLINE TO APPLY : This opportunity will be open until filled. THE POSITION :

The City of Hayward is seeking a Water Meter Mechanic for the Public Works & Utilities Department. Under general supervision of the Senior Utility Customer Service Leader and the Utilities Field Services Supervisor, performs a range of duties relating to the troubleshooting and repair of various aspects of the City of Hayward's Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) and overall water distribution system. Provides water customer support by investigating concerns relating to utility billing, recognizing unusual water consumption, answering questions, explaining regulations, and terminating / initiating water services. Performs other related duties as required.

You are :

The ideal candidate possesses physical capability and adaptability, along with a strong work ethic. They should be comfortable performing a range of tasks, able to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team. Basic mechanical skills, effective problem-solving abilities, and strong communication skills are essential. Additionally, the candidate must be prepared to work in various weather conditions and handle emergency situations as they arise.

Essential Duties

What you will do :

Duties may include but are not limited to the following :

Field and bench tests, removes and installs, replaces and repairs small and large water meters.

Facilitates the start-up and termination of customer accounts by connecting / disconnecting water services onsite.

Coordinates field installations, inspections, tests, shutoffs, and repairs with customers.

May conduct initial and ongoing site inspections for Recycled Water customers.

May also conduct periodic interviews with Recycled Water Site Supervisors to ensure compliance with regulations.

Investigates customer concerns and remedies issues onsite, dispatches repair crews, or advises property owner of their responsibility to resolve issue, as warranted. Examples of customer concerns include complaints of poor pressure, noises in pipes and fixtures, dirty water, water seepage, strange taste, and bad odor.

Manually reads water meters and recognizes water meter leak movement.

Answers customer questions and positively engages with the public.

Determines causes of unusual consumption by contacting property owners, visually checking premises for outside leaks, and inspecting and testing meter registers, among other methods. Takes necessary remedial actions and prepares official reports of findings as needed.

Helps resolve Utility Billing concerns by investigating water distribution issues in-field.

Performs meter repairs onsite as necessary.

May assist the Revenue Division regarding how to handle billing issues.

Installs and electronically programs AMI meter components in-field, including Meter Transmission Units (MTUs) and meter registers.

Troubleshoots and reprograms devices as needed.

Locates, inspects, and tests various water distribution technologies, including water meters and backflow construction meters.

Repairs and installs these devices as needed.

Checks meter boxes for unauthorized connections or broken locks. Removes dirt, water, and debris from boxes as necessary.

Operates stationary testing equipment in the water meter repair shop and documents results.

Collects water samples for analysis and tests them as necessary.

Prepares well written field reports as needed.

Places orders for repair parts.

Drives motor vehicles as needed.

May perform the duties of the Senior Utility Customer Service Leader in the case of their absence.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Link to full job description :

CORE COMPETENCIES

Knowledge of :

Best practices related to meter reading, meter mechanics, and customer service.

Mechanics of a water distribution system, as well as domestic and commercial plumbing systems and fixtures.

Occupational hazards and standard safety procedures.

Ability to : Conduct detailed and accurate field investigations and determinations.

Recognize different types of water meters and understand their operating characteristics.

Operate hand and power tools, including sandblasters and oxygen-acetylene torches.

Effectively troubleshoot and remedy issues.

Exercise good judgement and engages in a professional manner with customers and other members of the public when answering questions, responding to complaints, and providing other customer services.

Read, record, and calculate numbers accurately.

Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

JOB RELATED AND ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Qualifications

You have :

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be :

Experience : Two (2) years of experience in the repair and installation of meters or flow gauges, as well as the use of related tools and testing equipment needed for the performance of this work in both shop and field locations. Or, two (2) years of full-time experience at a water agency, performing various phases of field and distribution operations, which may include : water sample collection and field analysis, water service inspection and repair, meter readings, investigation of customer complaints, investigation of customer accounts, and / or investigation and enforcement of efficiency codes and standards.

Education : High school diploma or equivalent.

License : Possession and maintenance of a valid Class C California driver's license.

Possession of a valid California State Water Distribution Operator Grade D1 Certificate. Possession of a valid D2 Certificate no later than twelve (12) months of hire.

Possession of a valid American Water Works Association (AWWA) Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester Certificate no later than twelve (12) months of hire.

Possession of a valid AWWA Cross Connection Specialist Certificate is highly desirable.

Supplemental Information

BENEFITS AND REWARDS :

Depending on employee group, some of these benefits may include :

• Vacation - 80 hours minimum
• 15.5 Paid Holidays
• Generous employer contribution for Health, Dental and Vision coverage
• CalPERS Defined Benefit Retirement Plan (2.5% at 55 for Classic CalPERS members | 2.0% at 62 for New CalPERS members | 3.0% at 50 for Classic Safety members | 2.7% at 57 for New Safety Members) - No Social Security participation.
• Life and Disability Insurance and Paid Leave
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Health and Wellness Reimbursement
• Professional Development Reimbursement
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan (employee paid)

SELECTION PROCEDURE

Apply - submit a completed City of Hayward job application, license, and responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire, which fully describe the nature of their professional experience and qualifications.

Application Review -

A. Minimum qualifications

B. Completion of the supplemental questionnaire

The rating of the supplemental questions may determine application status and / or rank on the eligible list. Applications submitted without all required materials will not be considered.

Supplemental Questionnaire Review - January 9th, 2025

The examination process will result in a ranked eligible register of candidates for hiring consideration by the department derived from any of the exam processes mentioned above.

Department Interviews - Actual hire depends on success in the departmental selection process. Include specific or approximate dates here.

Candidates under final consideration for employment with the City should expect to undergo an employment background / reference check that may include, but is not limited to : employment history verification, medical evaluation, confirmation of educational credentials and degrees, licenses including driver's license, registrations, certificates, and other credentials as part of the appointment process. Some positions, depending on the nature of the work, also require a credit check and a review of Summary Criminal History obtained from the State Department of Justice through Live Scan Fingerprinting.

Applicants will be notified electronically via Government Jobs as to their status in the selection process. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure they can receive email notice from Neogov / Government Jobs and the City of Hayward.

The City of Hayward reserves the right to modify the selection process as necessary to conform to administrative or business necessity.

APPLICATIONS

Candidates are encouraged to apply online at under the Current Vacancies tab or at Paper applications can be obtained by visiting the Human Resources Department at Hayward City Hall located at 777 B Street, Hayward, CA 94541. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Apply prior to the closing time of the job announcement and allow at least one (1) hour to submit your application if you are a new user to the system. Our on-line application system is provided by Government Jobs. If you have problems while applying online, please contact the Government Jobs Help Desk at (855) 524-5627.

The City of Hayward is an Equal Opportunity Employer

A Certified Age Friendly Employer

Learn more about the mission of the Age Friendly Institute

Benefits Overview

This summary provides a brief overview of the benefits available to regular full-time City employees. As indicated in the 2020 Benefit Summary, some employee groups have different benefits based upon negotiated agreements. Depending on employee group, some of these benefits may include :

To view a summary of the benefits the City offers, please click

Please be sure to answer the supplemental questions thoroughly and accurately. Applicants are responsible for clearly, completely, and accurately identifying their qualifications. Your responses to the questions must be supported by both the work experience listed on your application as well as your resume. The rating of the supplemental questions may determine your application status and / or rank on the eligible list. I have read and understand the statement above concerning submission of supplemental questionnaire responses.

Do you possess at least a high school diploma, G.E.D, or equivalent?

Do you possess a valid Class C California Driver License?

Please indicate if you possess a valid California State Water Distribution Operator Certificate.

If you possess a certificate, please ensure you attach a copy to your application.

Do you possess a valid American Water Works Association (AWWA) Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester Certificate.

Do you possess a valid AWWA Cross Connection Specialist Certificate?

How many years of experience do you possess working in the repair and installation of meters or flow gauges, as well as the use of related tools and testing equipment needed for the performance of this work in both shop and field locations?

How many years of experience so you possess working at a water agency, performing various phases of field and distribution operations, which may include : water sample collection and field analysis, water service inspection and repair, meter readings, investigation of customer complaints, investigation of customer accounts, and / or investigation and enforcement of efficiency codes and standards?

Please provide, in detail, your experience with AMI, including, but not limited to : A) The AMI system (s) that you are familiar with, the manufacturer (s) or the water meters that were used with the AMI system (s) that you are familiar with B Typical troubleshooting problems that you encounter and how you resolve them with both the transmitter unit in the meter box and the receiver unit that gathers all of the data that the meters send the customer portal (s) that you are familiar with C) Any additional information that conveys to us your comprehensive theoretical and practical knowledge of how AMI systems function, their advantages, their shortcomings, and how the data gathered from them can be used to better serve the customer?

Please describe your background and experience in each of the following areas : A) Water sample collection and field analysis B) Water meter testing and repair

Describe in detail how you have handled and resolved customer complaints (e.g., a high water bill, poor pressure, noises in pipes and fixtures, dirty water, water seepage, strange taste, and bad odor)

Please describe your experience in handling customer accounts that involve utility billing concerns. Include examples of how you identified the issue / problem and the steps you took to resolve the situation.

Required Question

Salary : $111,259 - $130,229