Description

The Meter Reader provides a variety of administrative and field work for the Department of Financial Services working directly in the Utility Billing Division. Under general supervision with considerable independence, performs field work with public contact; reads, records, and reports readings of water consumption for utility customers; handles customer issues and complaints.

Examples of Duties

Essential Functions: These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position.

Performs monthly drive-by readings with a city vehicle to capture readings from our AMI digital meters in accordance with an assigned schedule and route; identifies sites for meter reading and uses maps to establish a systematic route; ensures accuracy of readings.

Examines meters for signs of tampering and reports inoperative, leaking, malfunctioning, or damaged meters and registers; tags property; reports any potential hazards.

Troubleshoots potential connectivity issues for any AMI digital meters.

Answers general questions regarding billing or other utilities-related subjects; advises the public of rules, codes and procedures; instructs the public on reading meters and calculating consumptions for personal records.

Posts non-payment notices; posts sign-up or shut-down notices; turns water services on and off as required; makes appointments for readings to be re-checked.

Suggests changes to improve routing and meter location information.

Sets-up and maintains accounts on a computerized accounting system.

Prepares and processes utility bill payments and other miscellaneous receipts from other departments, collects payments over the counter, phone and through the mail; processes credit card payments and credits; balances cash drawer and prepare deposits; and processes delinquent accounts.

Assists customers over the counter and via the telephone with respect to utilities billings, opening/closing accounts, problems, etc.; prepares work orders regarding customer deposits, bill, cutoffs and fees; responds to citizen complaints and/or inquiries, referring more complex issues to higher level of authority as appropriate.

Reviews and checks records, forms, and other documents for accuracy, completeness and conformance to rules and regulations.

Performs related duties as established by law/ordinance or assigned.

Follows safe working practices and has a working knowledge of safety practices and procedures in accordance with the City’s Safety and Health Program.

All employees serve an essential role in the City’s disaster preparation and/or disaster recovery efforts, as may be designated by the City’s Emergency Manager.

Additional Duties:
Performs related tasks or other duties as required or assigned.

Typical Qualifications

High School diploma or GED and a minimum of one (1) year of customer service and meter reading; or related experience.

Must maintain a Florida driver’s license with an acceptable driving record. Must have or be able to complete ICS 100 and 700 courses within six (6) months of hire.

Supplemental Information

Special Requirements
Thorough knowledge of the organization and functions of the department and of general administrative policies and practices.

Ability to accurately and efficiently document and record meter reads; ability to perform and organize work independently.

Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.

Ability to be organized, detail-oriented, thorough, accurate and confidential.

Ability to read maps and follow a prescribed route and schedule.

Skill in answering telephones, responding to customer needs, questions, suggestions and complaints;

Experience in receiving and processing payments, entering payments into computer, and balancing receiptsand payments; basic arithmetic skills required.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates and the general public and to conduct oneself courteously and tactfully.

Technical Requirements
Skill in utilizing equipment, including personal computers, hand-held meter reading equipment, word processing, spreadsheets, and data base applications, multi-line telephones.

Knowledge of basic map reading and geography of the area and location of meters.

Working Conditions
20% of the work is performed in an office setting and employees remain in a seated position for
extended periods of time; 80% of the work is performed outdoors while walking or driving.

Ability to work under time pressures such as frequent “rush” jobs, urgent deadlines, etc.;

Ability to work under distractions such as telephone calls and other disturbances;

Ability to deal with unpleasant social situations such as irate or disturbed individuals;

Ability to work in a hectic, busy; and sometimes stressful work environment;

Must be able to perform tasks that involve, standing, kneeling, bending, stooping, lifting objects weighing up to 15-45 pounds frequently, and/or driving.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close distance and peripheral vision to operate a vehicle and read equipment; read computer screens, meters, and printed documents; depth perception and the ability to adjust/focus within the normal visual range with or without correction.

This position is subject to inside and outside environmental conditions, various weather conditions on uneven surfaces, in poor lighting and in dusty and/or noisy conditions.

Work is occasionally performed at heights while working on embankments or inclines, slippery or uneven surfaces and rough terrain;

Frequent exposure to extreme temperatures, humidity, rain;

May work in confined spaces and operate motor vehicles and/or equipment/machinery.

Disclaimer

The City of Longwood is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with The Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourage both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.