METER TECHNICIAN

Job Summary

Employees' primary position is to ensure the accurate and efficient operation of the City's water metering systems through the installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of meters and related equipment. This role supports utility billing accuracy and enhances customer service by resolving issues in the field.

Essential Job Functions

• Maintain regular and prompt attendance; physically present to work.
• Install, program, test, maintain, and repair water meters, including AMI/AMR devices and associated hardware.
• Diagnose and resolve issues related to meter malfunctions, communication errors, or inaccurate readings.
• Perform field investigations of high/low consumption complaints, leaks, and service irregularities.
• Collect, verify, and input meter readings into meter reading systems and utility billing software.
• Maintain accurate records of work performed, service orders, and meter replacements.
• Respond to customer service requests in the field, including turn-ons, shut offs, and meter inspections.
• Use handheld and mobile devices to retrieve data, update configurations, and troubleshoot endpoints.
• Assist in maintaining inventory of meters, tools, parts, report needs for supplies or equipment.
• Follow safety procedures and city policies during all work activities.
• Assist with utility locates and mark-outs as needed for construction or repair projects.
• Support Water distribution crews during service line repairs or main breaks.
• Participate in meter inventory audits and routine inspections for compliance.
• Plans, prioritizes, and carries out the regular work in accordance with standard practices and previous training.

• Interprets instructions and/or adapts methods to resolve particular problems.
• Follows instructions for new assignments usually consist of statements of desired objectives, deadlines, and priorities.
• Technical and policy problems or changes in procedures are discussed with supervisor.
• Work is generally reviewed only for technical adequacy, appropriateness of actions or decisions, and conformance with policy, or other requirements.
• Leads other workers in accomplishing assigned work.

• Responsible to his/her supervisor for assuring that the work assignments of the workers are carried out.
• Distributes and balances workload among employees, in accordance with established workflow.
• Perform after-hour work as required (nights & weekends) and assist with emergency response as needed by City Hall and local EOC.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications & Requirements

• Must have High School diploma, or equivalent (GED)
• One (1) to Three (3) years of related work experience to perform such a job.
• Applicant must pass pre-employment criminal background check and drug screen at City's expense.
• Applicant must have current Texas Driver's License Class "C" and be insurable.
• Must successfully complete Emergency Management and Incident Command Training within the first three months of hire date.
• Bilingual English/Spanish Preferred.

Knowledge, Abilities and Skill

• Knowledge of water meter systems.
• Basic plumbing and electrical principles.
• Knowledge of Advanced Metering Infrastructure and Automatic Meter Reading technology to automatically collect and manage meter readings.
• Requires strong problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently in the field.
• Proficiency with handheld and meter reading software.
• Effective communication skills for interacting with customers and staff.
• Accountability for consequences of errors, missed deadlines, poor judgement that could result in excessive costs, delay of service delivery, and or legal repercussions.
• Judgement in numerous standardized practices, procedures, or general instructions that govern the work and, in some cases, may require additional interpretation. Needed to locate, select, and apply the most pertinent practice, procedure, regulation, or guideline.
• Work consists of a variety of duties that generally follow standardized practices, procedures, regulations, or guidelines. The sequence of work and/or the procedures followed vary according to the nature of the transaction and/or the information involved, or sought, in a particular situation.
• Ability to, with tact and ordinary courtesy, maintain effective working relationships with management and coworkers, and on an occasional basis the public.
• Duties may involve assignments requiring application of hand and eye coordination with finger dexterity and motor coordination (operating a motor vehicle, a personal computer, and/or climbing up and/or down a ladder).

Working Conditions/Physical Demands

• Work is continually performed outdoors, regardless of weather conditions.
• The nature of duties may involve continuous presence of environmental factors, exposure of unpleasant or irritating elements, such as considerable noise, odors, chemicals, fumes, dust, mist, vibration, heights, dampness, gases, smoke, oil, dirt, or grease.
• Generally, contains one or more constant elements of stress such as being on call for 24 hours or being under prolonged pressure during emergency situations.
• Mental stress is usually present in the form of being required to weigh completing and concurrent demands under deadline pressures.
• Work requires moderate intermittent physical strength and effort daily.
• Perform physically demanding tasks, including lifting, digging and walking long distances.
• Considerable walking, standing, bending, stooping, and stretching for 6-8 hours. Sitting in a stationary position for 4-6 hours throughout the day.
• Involves grasping, lifting, moving, positioning, loading, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of moderately heavy objects and materials (up to 60 lbs.) frequently and (up to 100 lbs.) occasionally, remain stationary or move about for the full workday.
• Repetitive movement involving hands and feet.
• Exposure to loud noise, vibrations, and other outdoor conditions such as uneven terrain, insects, and wildlife.
• Working and possible driving in adverse weather conditions.
• Duties generally do not present occupational risk with only occasional exposure to risk or stress.
• Minor injury could occur, however, through employee failure to properly follow safety precautions or procedures.
• Examples of injury include minor bruises from falls, minor cuts or burns, or minor muscular strains from lifting or moving/transporting heavy equipment or materials.
• This is a safety sensitive position subject to drug and alcohol testing.

Disclaimer

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so assigned to this position. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change as the needs and requirements of the job change.

Any applicant selected for employment with the City of Weslaco must receive satisfactory results from pre-employment drug testing, references, background checks, and credential verification.