Meter Reader/Service Technician

The mission of the Public Utilities Department is to provide citizens of Johnston County efficient, affordable, and friendly services of Water Supply, Wastewater Collection and Treatment, Reclaimed Water, and Stormwater Management.

The Public Utilities Department is seeking a full-time Meter Reader Service Technician. 

Employee performs technical duties in the retail water division, installation, maintenance and repair of water meters and clerical duties including reading meters for water usage and responding to written or dispatched requests for Customer Service related field activities. This position reports to the Retail Water/Sewer Service Manager. Mechanical aptitude to perform plumbing repairs to service lines and valve connections in the field. This position is regularly scheduled for after hours, holiday and weekend work hours requiring 24-hour response to a mobile business phone provided by the county. Work is performed under regular supervision and is evaluated through observation and inspection for adherence to instructions and standard trade and safety practices.

Possession of or the ability to earn a Grade C Distribution or Grade 1 Collection certification within 18 months of hire is required. 

Pay is dependent upon experience and increases with certification.
Starting salary without certifications is $20.39/hr  

• Reads water meters on a monthly basis. 
• Installs, repairs, maintains and replaces water meters. 
• Installs water service meter sets. 
• Repairs water leaks in and about meters, lines and couplings. 
• Removes and repairs large meters as needed. 
• Turns water on/off for customers as directed. 
• Investigates water service inquiries, including possible leaks, high or low consumption.
• Answers customer questions and complaints with respect and diplomacy. 
• Returns service orders daily with proper notation/readings recorded. 
• Keeps supervisor informed as to status of meter and parts inventory. 
• Prepares old meters for return to company for exchange. 
• Maintains assigned vehicle(s). 
• Maintains a safe driving record. 
• Adheres to safe work practices and follows safety regulations, policies and rules. 
• Treats customers, co-workers and management with respect. 
• Knowledge of laptop computers and data entry skills are required. 

• Knowledge of street locations and meter locations on assigned routes.
• Knowledge of County GIS system and web site.
• Knowledge of Public Utilities Water and Sewer Policies, and Water District Policies.
• Knowledge of the tools, materials, methods, practices and equipment used in meter repair and installation.
• Knowledge of the operation of and maintenance required for water meters.
• Knowledge of the use of common hand and power tools.
• Knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions related to assigned duties.
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, co-workers and the public.
• Ability to read water meters.
• Ability to install and repair water meters. 
• Ability to work with electronic equipment including computers and electronic recording devices.

Graduation from high school and related experience in mechanical, plumbing, utility construction and / or maintenance, and equipment operation experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Salary : $39,317 - $66,839