Meter Reader-Open Competitive Exam

General Description

This is routine work consisting of reading water meters and accurately recording volume used by residential and commercial consumers. Meter Readers walk or drive a motor vehicle over an established route, frequently work in inclement weather, and are subjected to unpleasant working conditions, such as irate homeowners, vicious dogs, and cluttered or poorly lit basements. Work is performed under general supervision with allowance for use of independent judgment in allocating time and carrying out the details of the assignment. Related work is performed as required.

Typical Work Activities

• Walks or drives a motor vehicle over an established route and takes readings of water meters;
• Reads dials or odometer and manually enters reading into meter reading microprocessor using a touch keypad;
• Inspects meters and connections for defects, damage, and unauthorized connections;
• Checks for cross connection between potable and nonpotable water supply;
• Reports any unmetered premises;
• Checks for seals on meters and open by-pass connections while reading meters;
• Uses pry bar to remove cover and descends ladder to enter below street level vaults to read meters for some commercial accounts;
• May use a portable motorized pump to drain below street level vaults in order to read meter;
• May obtain meter readings from meters not on an established route to verify high or low consumption or final readings for the account;
• May perform minor meter repairs such as register replacement, remote pad installation and wire repairs between the meter and the remote pad;
• May perform shop duties to include stock control, sorting, counting and bagging of meter seals and tags, or inventory of parts and supplies.

Minimum Qualifications

Graduation from high school* or the possession of a high school equivalency diploma*.

NOTE: Where education is lacking work experience in the repair or reading of meters for a utility (e.g. water, gas, electricity) may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Possession of a current Class D Motor Vehicle Operator's license issued by New York State at the time of appointment.

• 
  Candidates who expect to receive this degree or diploma by August 1, 2025, may participate in the examination. If successful on the examination, you will not be certified for appointment until you have submitted proof of completion of the requirements to the City of Rochester Examination Administration Unit. Proof must be submitted no later than 2 (two) months after the completion of your degree or diploma; failure to do so will result in the removal of your name from this list.

Exam Information

Scopes/Subjects of Examination: A test designed to evaluate knowledge, skills, and/or abilities in the following areas.

Ability to Read and Follow Written Instructions: These questions test for the ability to read, understand, and apply written instructions for performing tasks similar to those encountered on the job. All the information needed to answer these questions will be provided in the test booklet.

Arithmetic Computations: These questions test for the ability to perform basic mathematical operations and may include solving problems involving computations in such areas as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals, and percentages.

Meter Reading: These questions test for knowledge of proper meter reading procedures and for the ability to correctly and accurately determine the readings on diagrams of various types of scales, gauges, meters, and dials.

Test Guide:

• The New York State Department of Civil Service has not prepared a test guide for this examination. However, candidates may find information in the publication 'General Guide to Written Tests' helpful in preparing for this test. This publication is available online at: https://www.cs.ny.gov/testing/testguides.cfm.
• The Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County MAY have exam-related material, as well as, other branches. (i.e., CSEA Exam Preparation booklets)

For full-time employees:
The City of Rochester offers a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.

For less-than full-time employees:
The City of Rochester offers numerous growth opportunities to include the potential to transition into full-time, permanent employment.