Water Meter Reader

Description

Under general supervision, performs duties necessary to obtain water meter readings to insure accurate billing statements. Position is responsible to read routes, meet deadlines when the reads are due and syncing reads with billing systems. The position interacts with the public by respecting private property, provides information and assistance as it relates to department's policies and or services.

Examples of Duties

The Meter Reader is responsible to read and record water meter readings along an assigned route that initiate billing for utility customers.

Operate, upload and download files on a hand-held portable computer.

Enter meter readings, access information, trouble codes, and other data into hand-held computer devices designed specifically for meter reading tasks.

Take final readings for water consumption customers moving and perform rereads as requested.

Report hazardous circumstances (e.g., dangerous meter locations, vicious or dangerous animals, meter tampering, and open or broken seals etc.) to Supervisor so that condition can be remedied.

Assists with termination and restoration of water services.

Answer customers' questions regarding billing or other utility-related subjects to the best of his or her ability, refers customers to proper department to obtain answers when questions require information beyond scope of the Meter Reader's knowledge. Relays such questions to Supervisor when appropriate. Maintain, at all times, a high level of politeness and professionalism in dealing with customers.

Performs various tasks to ensure the completeness and accuracy of meter readings and investigates abnormal readings and circumstances.

Records serial numbers of newly installed or replaced meters; notes location of meters on meter book cards.

Verify readings which appear to be abnormal consumption; record possible reasons for fluctuations and report readings which appear questionable; check meters that should be off; report any illegal use of water.

Maintain City right-of-way to meters; clears mud, vegetation, debris and other matter from meter cases.

Geographically locate water meters using a City map.

Performs other duties as assigned within the scope of the job.

Typical Qualifications

Requires possession of a valid Class "D" Illinois Vehicle Operator's License or an equivalent license issued by the employee's state of residence.

Requires knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to completion of four (4) years high school or GED, with some experience as a Meter Reader; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to perform the essential job functions.

Requires ability to perform work assignments involving constant standing and walking in a variety of weather conditions.

Requires ability to make basic arithmetic calculations.

Ability to read and understand basic workplace data such as forms, tables, graphs and schedules.

Ability to think creatively for the purpose of increasing efficiency and effectiveness.

Ability to interpret policy and procedural guidelines and apply this understanding to tasks.

Ability to communicate effectively in verbal and written form.

Ability to operate a computer, tablet, and related electronic devices with appropriate training.

Ability to maintain effective working relationships with employees, contractors, vendors, and the general public.

Ability to work various shifts including nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime as assigned. Must also be available to respond to emergency situations 24 hours a day if necessary.

Ability to work independently with limited supervision.

Requires knowledge of the geographical area in the City of Rock Island.

Assists in the general maintenance and housekeeping of City owned property and buildings.

Requires ability to operate vehicles skillfully and safely; observes safe driving practices.

Requires ability perform work in a variety of weather conditions.

Comply with established safety standards and rules including the use of safety equipment, personal protective equipment and other devices and procedures necessary for protection.

Supplemental Information

The physical demands described here 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 functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear; frequently required to sit; and occasionally required to stand, walk and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and requires ability to tolerate extremes of weather. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. The employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals and risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Environmental Conditions: The work is performed inside and/or outside and includes being exposed to extreme cold, extreme heat, noise, vibration, mechanical hazards, electrical hazards, chemical hazards, atmospheric conditions that affect the respiratory system or skin and oils, may work in confined spaces, darkness or poor lighting conditions, trenches, and/or isolation.