Meter Reader/Service Technician

JOB TITLE: METER READER/SERVICE TECHNICIAN

DEPARTMENT: PUBLIC SERVICES

GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB

Under general supervision, navigates through commercial and residential areas to acquire multiple water meter readings for water and wastewater billing purposes. Disconnects and reconnects customer’s services due to delinquent or non-payments. Conducts customer leak checks, meter replacements, new meter sets, meter accuracy tests, meter box maintenance, service valve replacements and handles customer complaints. Performs GPS water meter locations. Conducts daily work orders. Reports to the Meter Reader/Service Foreman.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Assists customers with complaints.

Completes work orders.

Performs water meter reading acquisitions.

Restores and disconnects delinquent accounts.

Replaces meters and installs new meter sets.

Tests water meters for accuracy.

Receives and/or reviews information such as water meter readings, customer disconnect lists and work orders.

Prepares and/or generates documents to include water meter readings, comment reports, master change out log, water leak check log, and pressure checks.

Refers to water distribution manuals, standard operating procedure manual, safety manual, wastewater collection manuals and equipment operating manuals.

Utilizes a variety of computer software programs such as Radix Meter software and Orion ORS.

Interacts and communicates with various groups and individuals to include customers, coworkers and the Finance Department.

Operates a variety of machinery and equipment such as a department vehicle, utility cart, backhoe, vacuum excavator and a skid steer.

Utilizes various tools and/or sets of tools such as copper crimping tools, service valve keys, wrenches, screwdrivers and hand pumps.

ADDITIONAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Performs meter box maintenance and replacements.

Performs service valve replacements.

Installs new water taps.

Performs related duties as required.

ESSENTIAL SAFETY FUNCTIONS

It is the responsibility of each employee to comply with established policies, procedures and safe work practices. Each employee must follow safety training and instructions provided by their supervisor. Each employee must also properly wear and maintain all personal protective equipment required for their job. Finally, each employee must immediately report any unsafe work practices or unsafe conditions as well as any on-the-job injury or illnesses.

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

Requires a high school diploma or GED equivalent supplemented by one to two years of experience in water/sewer system maintenance and operations, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Must possess valid state driver’s license.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR STANDARDS REQUIRED

TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Physical Requirements: Tasks involve the regular and at times sustained performance of moderately physically demanding work, typically involving some combination of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching and crawling, and the lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of moderately heavy objects and materials (up to 20 pounds).

Data Conception: Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable functional, structural or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people or things.

Interpersonal Communications: Requires the ability of speaking and/or signaling people to convey or exchange information. Includes giving assignments and/or directions to subordinates and receiving assignments and/or direction from supervisor.

Language Ability: Requires ability to read a variety of policy and procedure manuals, technical manuals, technical drawings, maps, etc. Requires the ability to prepare records, forms, etc., with proper format. Requires the ability to speak with and before others with poise, voice control and confidence.

Intelligence: Requires the ability to apply rational systems to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists; to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagrammatic or schedule form. Requires the ability to apply influence systems in supervising a crew; to learn and understand principles and techniques; to make independent judgments in absence of supervision; to acquire knowledge of topics related to primary occupation. Must have the ability to comprehend and interpret received information.

Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, to follow and give verbal and written instructions; to counsel and teach employees. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in a variety of technical languages including mechanical maintenance, plumbing, etc.

Numerical Aptitude: Requires the ability to add and subtract totals, to multiply and divide, to utilize mathematical formulas, to determine percentages and decimals and to determine time. Must be able to use practical applications of fractions, percentages, ratio and proportion.

Form/Spatial Aptitude: Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width and shape, and visually read various information.

Motor Coordination: Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes using specialized machinery; to operate motor vehicles.

Manual Dexterity: Requires the ability to handle a variety of items, control knobs, buttons, switches, catches, tools, etc. Must have moderate levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.

Color Discrimination and Visual Acuity: Requires the ability to differentiate colors and shades of color.

Interpersonal Temperament: Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under stress when confronted with emergency situation or tight deadline. The worker may be subject to danger or risk to a moderate degree.

Physical Communications: Requires the ability to talk and hear: (talking: expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words; hearing: perceiving nature of sounds by ear).

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

Knowledge of Job: Has knowledge of the methods, procedures and policies of the Public Utilities Department as they pertain to the performance of duties of the Meter Reader/Service Technician. Has knowledge of the organization of the Department and of related departments and agencies. Is knowledgeable in the laws, ordinances, standards and regulations pertaining to the specific duties and responsibilities of the position. Is able to help ensure department compliance with all applicable standards, codes, regulations, policies and procedures. Has knowledge of municipal water / sewer utilities services and related methods of operation and maintenance. Has knowledge of and skill in mechanical and plumbing maintenance and repair work. Has knowledge of the machinery, materials and supplies required for daily maintenance and operations. Is able to operate heavy equipment with safety. Is able to troubleshoot and analyze water meter performance and take necessary steps to ensure accurate water consumption readings. Is able to read required number of meters daily and complete work orders in a timely manner. Is able to make routine repairs to water meters and service lines. Has knowledge of applicable occupational hazards and safety precautions. Is able to work outside in all weather conditions. Knows how to react calmly and quickly in emergency situations. Has the ability to plan, organize and prioritize daily assignments and work activities. Has the ability to learn and utilize new skills and information to improve job performance and efficiency. Is able to read and interpret technical materials pertaining to the responsibilities of the job. Is able to prepare required records with accuracy and in a timely manner. Has knowledge of the terminology used within the department. Knows how to maintain effective relationships with personnel of other departments, professionals and members of the public through contact and cooperation. Is able to maintain positive customer-focused relationships with co-workers, supervisors, agencies, the general public, and all other internal and external customers. Has knowledge of basic mathematics.

Quality of Work: Maintains high standards of accuracy in exercising duties and responsibilities. Exercises immediate remedial action to correct any quality deficiencies that occur in areas of responsibility. Maintains high quality communication and interaction with internal and external entities with whom the position interacts.

Quantity of Work: Performs described Essential Functions and related assignments efficiently and effectively in order to produce quantity of work which consistently meets established standards and expectations.

Dependability: Assumes responsibility for completing assigned work. Completes assigned work within deadlines in accordance with directives, policy, standards and prescribed procedures. Maintains accountability for assigned responsibilities in the technical, human and conceptual areas.

Attendance: Attends and remains at work regularly and adheres to policies and procedures regarding absenteeism and tardiness. Provides adequate notice to higher management with respect to vacation time and leave requests.

Initiative and Enthusiasm: Maintains an enthusiastic, self-reliant and self-starting approach to meet job responsibilities and accountabilities. Strives to anticipate work to be accomplished, and initiates proper and acceptable action for the completion of work with a minimum of supervision and instruction.

Judgment: Exercises analytical judgment in areas of responsibility. Identifies issues or situations as they occur and specifies decision objectives. Identifies or assists in identifying alternative solutions to issues or situations. Implements decisions in accordance with prescribed and effective policies and procedures and with a minimum of errors. Seeks expert or experienced advice where appropriate and researches issues, situations and alternatives before exercising judgment.

Cooperation: Accepts supervisory instruction and direction and strives to meet the goals and objectives of same. Questions such instruction and direction when clarification of results or consequences are justified, i.e., poor communications, variance with established policies or procedures, etc. Offers suggestions and recommendations to encourage and improve cooperation intra- and inter-departmentally.

Relationships with Others: Shares knowledge with managers, supervisors and co-workers for mutual benefit. Contributes to maintaining high morale among all employees. Develops and maintains cooperative and courteous relationships inter- and intra-departmentally, and with external entities with whom the position interacts. Tactfully and effectively handles requests, suggestions and complaints in order to establish and maintain good will. Emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive image.

Coordination of Work: Plans and organizes daily work routine. Establishes priorities for the completion of work in accordance with sound time-management methodology. Avoids duplication of effort. Estimates expected time of completion of work elements and establishes a personal schedule accordingly. Attends required meetings, planning sessions and discussions on time. Implements work activity in accordance with priorities and estimated schedules.

Safety and Housekeeping: Adheres to all established safety and housekeeping standards. Ensures such standards are not violated.

Applications will be accepted at the City of North Augusta's Operation Facility, 61 Clay Pit Road, North Augusta, SC 29841.

DISCLAIMER: This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.