Meter Reader

GENERAL PURPOSE

Under general supervision, read water meters and record consumption for commercial and residential customers for billing and collection of revenues. Identify water meter equipment problems, and perform minor water meter maintenance; repair, replacement, and installation of water meters. Position requires adherence to strict schedules and deadlines.

SUPERVISION

General supervision is provided by the Meter Services Supervisor.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

The following is a summary of essential functions and duties required for the position of Meter Reader I. Reasonable accommodations may be made to assist a qualified individual with a disability to perform the essential functions of this position in accordance with the District’s accommodations policy set forth in the Employee Handbook, Section 103. The District reserves the right to modify the essential functions and duties for this position in accordance with its business needs.

• · Receive assignments daily, reading water meters on assigned routes within allotted timeframe.
• · Respond to customer inquiries.
• · Locates and reads unread meters and investigate reason for unusually high-low consumption water meters.
• · Advise customer on what to do when leaks are found on their property.
• · Repair leaks that occur at the inlet and outlet pipes and the on/off valve or as requested by the Department Manager.
• · Find and uncover meters and clean out meter boxes and replace meter covers.
• · Obtain routine maintenance services on assigned vehicle include regularly washing and clean out vehicle.
• · Input readings and other data into hand held or laptop computer.
• · Training new meter readers.
• · Read water meters over established route within the LVWD boundaries using computerized meter reading equipment.
• · Determine consistency of meter readings; ensure that meters are registering properly, report to dispatch supervisor or manager on meter conditions, defects or suspicious conditions.
• · Assist with a variety of clerical work including routing for efficiency.
• · Verifies readings to locate abnormal consumption and records reasons for fluctuations.
• · Indicates irregularities on forms for necessary action by customer service and operations department.
• · Performs turns on and cut off services for customer service work orders.
• · Installs and changes out meters.
• · Must be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees, officials, and the public.
• · Performs any other duties as required. Perform duties of immediate supervisor or coworkers as necessary to ensure continuity of operations during absences.
• · Maintains safe work practices according to District’s rules and policies.
• Must be available for stand-by (on-call).
• Performs any other duties as assigned by the Customer Service Manager.

QUALIFICATIONS

The following generally describes the knowledge and qualifications required to perform the essential functions and duties of the position of Meter Reader I.

Education and Experience Guidelines – Below is a summary of the minimum educational qualification requirements for the position of Meter Reader I.

Education/Training: High School Diploma or GED. Bilingual preferred (English and Spanish)

Experience: One (1) year of experience in construction preferred meter reading. Keyboard and Personal Computer knowledge preferred.

License or Certificate:

· Texas Class “C” Driver’s License and must have an acceptable driving record.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Must have good knowledge of area geography to locate and read water meters.
• Must have good knowledge of utilizing hand held and personal computers to input and update information into automated databases.
• Must have good knowledge of customer service practices and techniques to respond to customer inquiries and complaints.
• Must have good knowledge of safe utilization of hand and small power tools to maintain and repair water meters.
• Clear, concise oral and written communication to assist in preparing and presenting educational and promotional reports to management, regulatory agencies and the general public.
• Ability to calculate basic mathematical calculations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division).
• Ability to have good interpersonal and communication
• Ability to comprehend and express oneself orally, clearly and concisely, using proper diction, in English, and in Spanish.
• Ability to respond courteously to customers.
• Ability to adapt to field environment; exposure to dust, weather conditions, and exposure to domestic animals and insects.
• Ability to present good communication skills
• Ability to be courteous and enjoy meeting customers.
• Ability to work without supervision.
• Ability to understand and carry out verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to define problems and deal with a variety of situations.
• Ability to think quickly, maintains self-control, and adapt to stressful situations.
• Ability to use good judgment and effectively solve problems.
• Ability to plan work, and establish priorities.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Environment: This position functions in both indoor and outdoor environments due to the nature of the District’s business and various work locations. Travel from site to site will be required. May be exposed to noise, dust, and inclement weather conditions. Occasional exposure to irate individuals. Frequent exposure to traffic, hazardous chemicals, fumes, insects and vermin common to the reading, maintenance and repair of water meters. Frequent exposure to the potential of dog attacks and insect bites. Frequent exposure to uneven terrain, while inspecting, reading, maintaining or repairing water meters. Required to work extended hours, nights, weekends and holidays as assigned. Required to meet stringent standards in the timely reading of water meters.

Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in a professional office and field environment; to stand, stoop, reach, bend, kneel, squat, climb ladders, and walk on uneven terrain, loose soil, and sloped surfaces; to lift and/or carry light weights up to 50lbs; to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard; ability to operate a vehicle to travel to various locations; and to verbally communicate to exchange information. Required to walk 5 to 7 hours per day.

Vision: Must be able to see in the normal visual range, with or without corrective devices. Must be able to read.

Hearing: Must be able to hear in the normal audio range, with or without corrective devices.

Travel: Travel is primarily local during the business day, although some out-of-area and overnight travel may be required.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $14.60 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:

• construction/plumbing: 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Class " C" Texas Driver's License (Required)

Work Location: In person