Water Meter Reader

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, performs fieldwork in reading water meters and recording amounts consumed for billing purposes; performs a variety of tasks in the installation, repair, and maintenance of the City’s water meter boxes and related equipment; makes field service calls to customers to perform a variety of service and collection tasks; turns water service on and off per customer request or City policy; and performs related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from the assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision of staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This journey level classification is responsible for independently performing technical duties in support of customer service and meter reading. Positions at this level exercise judgment and initiative in their assigned tasks, receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Utilizes a hand-held meter-reading computer to retrieve data from water meters in accordance with an assigned schedule and route including taking transfer and final readings; notes any unusual computer messages and takes appropriate actions to remedy issues.
• Performs a variety of semi-skilled work to inspect, maintain, and repair valves, meters, water distribution pipelines; shuts down mains and valves to isolate water lines under inspection or repair.
• Performs customer service duties such as turn-ons and shut-offs, checking for leaks or dead meters; reports water use violations; assists customers in resolving water volume and pressure problems.
• Observes condition of meter or other unusual conditions relative to need for repair; maintains meters, boxes, lids, and landscape around meter boxes; installs water meters and customer valves.
• Provides customers with specialized information about their water service (e.g., when consumption is unusually high, when an obstruction prevents reading of meter, and/or when service shut-offs may be required for maintenance purposes).
• Reads and interprets maps and diagrams in the performance of the work.
• Answers customer inquiries and refer customers to the proper City personnel if additional information is requested.
• Observes and complies with City and mandated safety rules, regulations and protocols.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
  
  

Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Meter reading devices and sizes and types of water meters.
• Methods and procedures for installing, testing, maintaining, and repairing water meters.
• Utility billing procedures.
• Operation and minor maintenance of a variety of hand and power tools and vehicles.
• Basic principles, practices, tools, and materials for maintaining and repairing water meters and other related equipment.
• Basic traffic control procedures and traffic sign regulations.
• Shop arithmetic.
• City and mandated safety rules, regulations and protocols.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.
  
  

Ability To

• Install, read, and repair a variety of types of water meters.
• Post data accurately on forms and prepare simple records.
• Read and interpret street maps.
• Perform maintenance and repair work on water meters and related equipment.
• Troubleshoot maintenance problems and determine materials and supplies required for repair.
• Make accurate arithmetic calculations.
• Perform routine equipment maintenance.
• Maintain accurate logs, records, and basic written records of work performed.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
  
  

Education and Experience:

Education

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth (12th) grade.

Experience

Two (2) years of experience in the maintenance and repair of underground utilities and/or water meters or a related mechanical maintenance field.

Licenses And Certifications

• Possession of a valid California Driver’s License to be maintained throughout employment.
• Possession of a Grade I Water Distribution Operator Certificate within 12 months of being hired, to be maintained throughout employment.
• Possession of a Grade I Water Treatment Operator certification within 12 months being hired, to be maintained throughout employment.
• Possession of a Grade II Water Distribution Operator Certificate within 24 months of being hired, to be maintained throughout employment.
• Possession of a Grade II Water Treatment Operator certification within 24 months of being hired, to be maintained throughout employment.
  
  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess mobility to work in the field; strength, stamina, and mobility to perform medium to heavy physical work; to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; frequently reach, twist, turn, kneel, bend, stoop, squat, crouch, grasp and make repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties; to operate varied hand and power tools and construction equipment, and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various City sites; and vision to inspect and operate equipment. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards. Finger dexterity is needed to operate and repair tools and equipment. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects averaging a weight of 50 pounds or heavier weights, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Employees work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, hazardous physical substances and fumes, dust and air contaminants. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

E-Verify: The City of El Monte is an E-Verify employer. E-Verify is an Internet based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA) that allows participating employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of newly hired employees in the United States.