Meter Reader

General Statement of Duties
The Meter Reader is responsible for work of average difficulty in a variety of semi-skilled and unskilled tasks of reading residential and commercial water meters and record consumption, to identify water meter equipment problems; and to perform minor water meter maintenance. The Meter Reader is under the general supervision of the Meter Reader Supervisor.

Essential Functions
The Meter Reader reads, records, and report readings of residential and commercial 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; and performs related duties as assigned. The duties include but are not limited to:

1. Reading and recording consumer water meters in accordance with an assigned schedule and route.
2. Entering meter readings into a hand-held meter reading computer and ensuring the accuracy of the readings,
3. Examining meters for signs of tampering and reports of inoperative, leaking, malfunctioning, or damaged meters and registers.
4. Turning water services on and off as required; making appointments for readings to be re-checked.
5. Performing routine maintenance and forwarding requests for larger repairs to the Distribution division.
6. Adheres to work schedule as assigned by supervisor.
7. Provide water utility customer services including re-reading meters; install and discontinue water service; replace meter boxes, cleaning route.
8. Operates a variety of tools and equipment including trucks, hand-held computers and hand tools.
9. Has daily contact with the public; assists the serviceman and,
10. Performs other job-related duties as assigned.
11. Must be customer friendly.

Minimum Qualifications and Requirements
Must have a high school diploma, possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma, or vocational school training certificate. Must have one (1) year experience as a meter reader or a related field. A comparable amount of training may be substituted for the minimum experience qualification.

Must possess a valid, Texas (Class C) driver's license and an acceptable driving record.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
This is a full-time, non-exempt position, with a 40-hour work week. Incumbent must have the ability to work flexible hours including holidays, evenings, and weekends, if needed. Participation in City sponsored special events, trainings, or meetings may be required.

Supervisory Responsibility
This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

​Knowledge
• Knowledge of the operation and appropriate usage of various types of water meters.
• Knowledge of the operational characteristics of hand-held and radio meter reading equipment.
• Knowledge of geography of the area and location of meters.
• Knowledge of basic mathematics.
• Knowledge of safe driving principles and practices.

Skills
• Dealing with the public in a courteous manner.
• Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
• Reading and transferring digits accurately.

Abilities
• The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented verbally or in written format.
• The ability to communicate effectively in oral and written form.
• The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• The ability to operate a hand-held meter reading computer.
• The ability to work under climatic weather, noise and vibration.
• The ability to perform mathematical calculations at a level necessary for successful job performance.
• The ability to maintain an effective working relationship with co-workers, other department city employees and the general public.
• The ability to maintain records used in the course of work.

AAP/EEO Statement
The City of Pharr is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendment Act (ADAAA) the City of Pharr will provide reasonable accommodations, upon reasonable request, to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

The city focuses on identifying candidates who are customer oriented and committed to public service to create a culture that is committed to diversity.

Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Must pass a thorough criminal background check due to the sensitivity of the information handled by this position.