Meter Reader I

This is field work reading water meters in residential, commercial, and remote areas, and accurately recording consumption. Meter Readers typically walk between 6-8 miles per day. Some skilled work in inspecting and repairing meters is performed. Work normally is accomplished in a 40‑hour workweek, but some overtime may be necessary. Work normally is performed in a field setting in varying types of weather conditions, and requires independent judgement and considerable initiative in completing route assignments and determining condition of water meter installations. Supervision is provided by the Office Manager.

An employee in this classification accurately reads and records water consumption by interpreting all types of water metering devices on assigned routes. Work includes walking up to 8 miles per day, inspecting meter installations for leaks, hazards, damage, general condition and need for repair or corrective action; preparing work orders needed to begin repairs to meters on assigned routes; and promoting effective relationships with customers. Work requires extensive walking and the use of hand tools in clearing debris and other matter from meters. Tact, courtesy and firmness are required in dealing with the public.

EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED

1. Locates/accurately reads water meters on assigned routes (75%)

· Checks meter location and finds water meter.

· Clears mud, debris, and other material from meter box to access meter.

· Read meters of various types and sizes for both residential and commercial accounts according to established procedures.

· Accurately records water consumption.

· Compares current and previous readings to determine high or low consumption.

· Verifies meter readings.

· Checks to see if meters are functioning properly and reports defects to supervisor.

· Makes special readings when required.

· Returns meter reading equipment to office and completes meter-reading tasks associated with billing.

2. Maintains meter route in reading condition. (15%)

· Inspects water meter installations for obvious defects, damage, deterioration, hazards, and the like.

· Cleans flooded and/or buried meter locations.

· Detects and reports defective meters and leaks around meters.

· Eliminates meter safety hazards found on routes.

· Reports unusual conditions such as unauthorized connections and abnormal readings.

· Reports vacancies, new construction, multiple services from a single meter and any other unusual conditions.

· Prepares work orders to initiate repairs that are beyond the normal scope of work.

· Performs minor meter maintenance functions.

· Assists in organizing routes for increased efficiency and safety.

3. Maintains positive customer relations. (6%)

· Explains how meters work, readings, consumption, and other customer service policies.

· Answers citizen questions or complaints tactfully and courteously.

4. Operates Authority vehicles and equipment. (2%)

· Inspects assigned vehicle each day to assure it is in good operating condition.

· Schedules routine vehicle maintenance with mechanic personnel.

· Reports all malfunctions of vehicles or tools immediately.

· Operates vehicle in a safe and legal manner in accordance with established laws and Authority procedures.

· Reports all accidents immediately.

5. Performs related work as directed. (2%)

It is understood that, as a utility, HWEA provides water and wastewater treatment and distribution/collection services to its customers. Any duty necessary to perform these functions may be required of any employee, even if not listed in this position description.

DESIRABLE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

·Ability to walk 6-8 miles daily, wearing steel-toe boots.

Thorough knowledge of City geography and street locations.

· Some knowledge of meter locations and routes in Authority service area.

· Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of water utility customer service.

· Skill in accurately reading the various water consumption-recording devices used by the Authority and in completing assigned routes in accordance with established work schedules.

· Skill in performing minor maintenance tasks using simple hand tools and/or specialized meter equipment.

· Ability to learn locations of meters along assigned routes.

· Ability to learn methods for reading meters and recording readings according to established procedures.

· Ability to write legibly and to perform basic arithmetic calculations rapidly and accurately.

· Ability to identify water meter defects and initiate appropriate corrective actions.

· Ability to effectively respond to consumer requests for information or complaints.

· Ability to work safely alone or as part of a work group, to follow established safety procedures, and to recognize hazards that could cause workplace accidents.

· Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, management and the public.

DESIRABLE EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Sufficient education to perform basic arithmetic calculations accurately and to write information in a complete and legible manner on designated forms. On‑the‑job training is provided in this position. Special classes related to job performance which are provided by the Authority may be required, and Meter Readers will be cross‑trained to fill other field customer service position requirements. A combination of experience and training which provides the desired knowledge, skills and abilities will be considered.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Must maintain a valid Operator's License with a safe driving record; be able to drive a standard or automatic transmission vehicle; be able to work overtime when needed, and attend safety and first‑aid classes when required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must be able to:

Stand 2/3 and more of the work day

Walk 2/3 and more of the work day (6-8 miles, outdoors)

Sit Up to 1/3 of the work day

Stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl 2/3 and more of the work day

Use hands to handle or feel 2/3 and more of the work day

Reach with hands and arms 2/3 and more of the work day

Talk or hear 1/3 to 2/3 of the work day.

Exert or Lift:

Up to 10 lbs. 2/3 and more of the work day

Up to 50 pounds Up to 2/3 of the work day

Vision:

Must have natural or corrected vision to be able to see clearly at 20 inches or less; 20 feet or more; color vision; peripheral vision; depth perception; and ability to adjust focus.

Environmental Conditions include:

Work near moving mechanical parts Up to 1/3 of work day

Fumes or airborne particles 2/3 and more of work day

Outdoor weather conditions 2/3 and more of work day

Typical noise level is: Moderate (heavy to light traffic noises)'
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Work Remotely

• No

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $18.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Application Question(s):

• Do you have experience with/ are you capable of walking outdoors 6-8 miles per day (outdoors) while wearing steel-toe boots?
• Are you comfortable working independently for large portions of the day?

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Preferred)

Experience:

• outdoor work/ physical labor: 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Hopkinsville, KY: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $18