What are the responsibilities and job description for the Kenosha Water Utility Meter Reader position at City of Kenosha?
General Overview of Position
GENERAL OVERVIEW OF KENOSHA WATER UTILITY METER READER
Under general supervision of the Meter Services Supervisor, this full-time position performs a variety of technical duties in support of the water meter reading program for the Kenosha Water Utility. THE INCUMBENT HAS THE FLEXIBILITY TO SET THEIR WEEKLY WORK SCHEDULE DURING DAYLIGHT HOURS AS LONG AS THE ASSIGNED ROUTE READINGS ARE COMPLETED BY THE DEADLINE. (Routes are based on 40-hours/week.) The primary duties of a Water Meter Reader involve traveling to and walking the assigned route on a daily basis to read residential, commercial and industrial water meters throughout the Kenosha service area during all 12 months of the year (regardless of weather). This includes the electronic or manual recording of meter readings, and the use of computers to enter all readings and codes. If not scheduled for meter reading, the employee performs meter maintenance during regularly scheduled meter shop hours. Work performance is evaluated through observation, monitoring of the quantity and accuracy of meter readings, the assessment of the incumbent's ability to work independently, and completion of the scheduled work/route in a timely manner. Performance is reviewed for adherence to department procedures and policies, including work and safety rules. THE PERSON SELECTED FOR THIS POSITION MUST BE ABLE TO PROVIDE OWN VEHICLE WITH ACCEPTABLE INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR USE ON THE JOB (monthly vehicle allowance provided).
The Kenosha Water Utility is a municipally-owned, fiscally independent public utility organized under authority of §66.0805 of the Wisconsin State Statutes and Chapter XXXII of the City of Kenosha General Ordinances. The Kenosha Water Utility provides water and wastewater services to more than 100,000 people in the Kenosha area, including the City of Kenosha, the Villages of Bristol, Pleasant Prairie, and Somers. Kenosha is ideally located off Interstate 94 on the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan between Milwaukee and Chicago. More information may be obtained at www.kenosha.org. Surface water from Lake Michigan has been our community’s source for drinking water since 1894. The O. Fred Nelson Water Production Plant has two separate processes to provide safe drinking water: a rapid sand filtration plant and a continuous membrane filtration plant. The plant can treat over 40 million gallons of drinking water per day, which is delivered through a 374 mile distribution system consisting of cast/ductile iron, PVC, copper and concrete pipes, 5 booster stations, along with 5 active elevated water towers and 3 ground storage reservoirs.
KWU also maintains the sanitary sewer system consisting of 332 miles of pipe and 13 lift stations, which is separate from the storm sewer system. During heavy rain events, the flow to the KWU wastewater treatment plant increases as much as five times the average flow. The KWU wastewater treatment plant treats an average of 21 million gallons of sewage a day and is regulated by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. KWU uses a 2-step process: primary treatment to separate the solid and liquid portions of wastewater for further treatment, and secondary treatment which uses biological and anaerobic digestion processes to remove pollutants from the liquid portion and breakdown the solids portion before discharging the final effluent into Lake Michigan. In the event flow exceeds plant capacity, there is a 30 million gallon equalization basin for additional storage for later treatment.
Any questions regarding this recruitment should be forwarded to the KWU Director of Personnel & Administration at aaho@kenosha.org. The Kenosha Water Utility offers a full benefits package which includes employer pension contribution (Wisconsin Retirement System), paid vacation/sick/holiday leave, health/dental/life insurance, tuition reimbursement, and other benefits.
Example of Duties & Responsibilities
- Locates and reads industrial, commercial and residential water meters on an assigned route.
- Drives personal vehicle to assigned route area.
- Operates Kenosha Water Utility smart phone.
- Enters readings in electronic data recorder.
- Maneuvers around and reaches through shrubbery or other obstacles on properties to access meters or remote devices.
- Troubleshoots minor problems in the field.
- Reports damaged touch pads, vacant residences, questionable readings, or dangerous conditions.
- Answers inquiries and communicates with residents/public.
- May install or remove meters or outside registers as needed.
- May to Meter Shop to perform meter maintenance or for training as scheduled.
- May be required to assist in winter activities, including thawing of frozen water services or snow/ice removal.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
Requirements
- High school diploma, GED or equivalent.
- Minimum of two (2) years of full-time work experience. Preferably such experience would include working independently outside year round, extensive walking, following a route, and having some contact with residents and businesses.
- Experience showing proficiency in using computers and software.
- Or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
- Knowledge of geography, streets and business locations in the Kenosha service area.
- Knowledge of occupational hazards and standard safety practices related to this occupation.
- Ability to accurately read and record numbers from water meters.
- Ability to maintain accurate and complete work records.
- Ability to proficiently use computerized handheld machine, office computer, and related software.
- Ability to schedule and complete work on an efficient basis within the assigned time frame.
- Ability to work independently without supervision.
- Ability to learn basic installation and repair techniques.
- Ability to perform simple arithmetic calculations.
- Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
- Ability to communicate and work effectively with the general public and other employees.
- Ability to exercise good judgment if unusual, difficult or dangerous situation arises.
- Ability to handle reasonable stress associated with this occupation.
- Must be able to walk 7-10 miles daily to complete route.
- Tasks require regular, extensive and prolonged walking, often over rough and uneven surfaces as well as getting in and out of vehicle multiple times throughout the work day.
- Tasks require regular and prolonged bending, stooping, squatting and kneeling.
- Tasks may require working in confined spaces.
- Tasks require lifting and carrying equipment weighing up to 3 pounds daily, moderately heavy items (10-20 pounds) occasionally, and heavy items (20-50 pounds) infrequently.
- Tasks require eye-hand coordination, strength and manipulative abilities in the operation of hand tools, computerized handheld machine and office computer.
- Work is performed outdoors year round, which requires exposure to adverse environmental conditions, including all types of weather, traffic, animals/pets, etc.
- Task requires color perception and discrimination.
- Task requires sound perception and discrimination.
- Task requires depth perception and discrimination.
- Task requires visual perception and discrimination.
- Task requires oral communications ability.
- Possession of a valid driver's license and a good driving record.
- Must furnish personal vehicle for use on the job with acceptable insurance coverage.
Method of Selection
Individuals who wish to be considered for this recruitment must complete an online application through GovernmentJobs.com. To begin the application process, please visit the City of Kenosha website at www.kenosha.org and click on the “Jobs Available” link. All elements of the application, including supplemental questions must be completed and submitted in order for the application to be considered complete. It is important that your application reflects all of your relevant education and experience.
Please note that including your resume does not take the place of completing the “Work Experience” section of the application. Applications may be rejected if no work experience is listed, or if other required application fields are missing or incomplete.
Applicants are encouraged to attach a cover letter, certifications, or other documentation to their online application before submitting which further illustrates their qualifications and interest in this employment opportunity.
Appointment and rate of pay will be made in accordance with the Kenosha Water Utility Employee Handbook and the City of Kenosha Civil Service Ordinance & Rules/Regulations. The Kenosha Water Utility reserves the right to further evaluate only those applicants who best meet the needs of the Utility.
