Water Meter Field Technician

General Purpose

This position is responsible for executing all meter management functions to ensure accurate billing of residential and commercial accounts. This position acts a direct liaison between Water Resources and Burlington residents regarding water metering systems. In addition, may be required to support Distribution Field Crew as assigned.

Union Affiliation: American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME)
Pay Grade 15: $28.65 - $31.92 Hourly
Remote Tier 1: Zero (0) days remote/month

Essential Job Functions

• Receive daily work schedule from Water Meter Working Foreman directing job activities and specific instructions; load required equipment, parts, supplies etc. and safely complete tasks according to schedule.
• Perform all scheduled site visits related to meter repairs, replacements, removals, installations, valve and gasket replacements and customer requested troubleshooting in a timely manner.
• Read all water meters according to schedule. This includes utilizing a vehicle mounted mobile data collector and/or handheld reading device, analyzing routes to achieve optimization for data collection and completing file transfers in the meter software.
• Review meter reading exception reports, determine the root cause of transmission failure and make repairs or requests the scheduling of appointments by Customer Care Associates to gain access to complete needed repair.
• Responsible for performing meter reading verifications related to exception reporting or property sales as requested by Customer Care Associates.
• Responsible for the installation, testing and repairs of all water meters and meter interface units (endpoints) according to the standards set forth by the American Water Works Association and departmental procedures.
• Respond to Dig-Safe notifications as assigned and identify all water supply lines according to departmental protocol.
• Document any changes to meter assets on appropriate paper or web based forms and remits to Water Meter Working Foreman for review.
• Deliver service termination notices and perform disconnections and restorations as requested by Customer Care Associates in accordance with Burlington City Ordinance.
• Notify Water Meter Working Foreman and Customer Care Associates of any buried or nonfunctioning curb/gate boxes encountered during service terminations.
• Respond to customer inquiries at their home or business during site visits regarding meter leaks, meter functionality, water pressure or consumption issues.
• Respond to emergency call outs for suspected water leaks, main breaks, fire calls, indoor water repairs or service restoration (non-payment) as directed by on call schedule. As necessary, access and clean out curb boxes and gate valve boxes for system isolation.

• Review and coordinate collection of asset information for the various categories of infrastructure through the use of applicable technology.

• Maintain assigned vehicle and equipment in proper working order, keeps required equipment, tools, materials & supplies on vehicle as needed.
• Maintain a high level of professionalism and work to establish a positive rapport with each customer when communicating by phone, email or in person.
• Comply with all departmental safety policies, protocols and procedures and OSHA regulations, including but not limited to ensuring a safe work area, wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment, and stopping work if there is any question of safety.
• Attend safety and professional development trainings as required.

• Represent Water Resources at community events to promote departmental initiatives and programs.

• Plow City streets and sidewalks with the street division in accordance with the provisions of the Union contract.
• Provide on-call coverage as assigned including nights, weekends and holidays.
• May be required to assist the Distribution Field Crew with routine distribution work as necessary as assigned by the Water Meter Working Foreman.

• Performs other duties as required.

Qualifications/Basic Job Requirements

• Ability to actively support City diversity, equity, and cultural competency efforts within stated job responsibilities and work effectively across diverse cultures and constituencies.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion as evidenced by ongoing trainings and professional development.
• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• One (1) year previous experience in metering, plumbing, underground water or other underground construction preferred.
• Ability to learn and understand technical/engineering concepts related to meter technology and installation, water supply and subsurface water resources utilities including American Water Works Association standards. Demonstrated knowledge about plumbing, meters and meter reading preferred.
• Ability to use computers, smart phones, iPads, email and the internet effectively.
• Possession of a Commercial Driver’s License Class B at time of application, but must obtain and maintain a Commercial Driver’s License Class A within the probationary period of the position required.
• Valid driver’s license required. A valid driver’s license shall be defined as a current state of residence-issued license to operate a motor vehicle on public roadways. Position also requires the ability to be covered under the City’s vehicle insurance policy prior to operation of any City vehicles or non-City vehicles for City business.
• Knowledge about and ability to operate power and hand tools related to metering and water distribution required.
• Ability to read and understand blue prints to identify and locate water shut-offs, and water lines.
• Training in construction equipment and tool use and their related safety practices required.
• Ability to determine and demonstrate appropriate methods, procedures and techniques for tasks assigned.
• Ability to learn City water distribution system and connectors, including but not limited to: locating underground service lines such as gas and power supply, principles of water pressure and hydraulic engineering, good safety practices, etc.
• Ability to lift up to 60 pounds chest high, frequency 2-3 times daily on average.
• Ability to complete work projects in a timely manner to avoid extensive interruption of service for water users.
• Ability to safely operate vacuum unit, blow wand, dump truck, front end loader, sidewalk plows, jackhammer, backhoe, pick, shovel and other related equipment
• Ability to climb ladders in and out of trench excavations.
• Ability to work in confined spaces and in moving traffic areas required.
• Ability to work in all weather conditions required.
• Ability to work after-hours, nights, weekends and on call as required.
• Ability to operate wheeled and tracked snow plow equipment on City streets and sidewalks to plow, remove snow and ice, salt and sand.
• Flexible team player that takes direction well, is safety conscious, customer-oriented, and willing and able to learn to operate all equipment and perform all tasks as assigned required
• Ability to create and maintain an environment that appropriately embraces the 6 operating principles; Customer Service, Fiscal Responsibility, Good Labor Relations, Employee Empowerment, Cooperation and Constant Improvement.
• Ability to work effectively and in a professional manner with crew members and leaders, other divisions and the general public.
• Ability to learn and maintain VOSHA safety rules and regulations as they pertain to the Department of Public Works.
• Regular and timely attendance is necessary and is essential to meeting the expectations of the job functions.
• Ability to understand and comply with City standards, safety rules and personnel policies and Chapter 31 of the City ordinance.

Additional Information

Promoting a culture that reveres diversity and equity.

The City of Burlington is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and we are strongly committed to creating a dynamic and equitable work-force that mirrors the population and world that we serve. We do not discriminate on the basis of political or religious affiliation, race, color, national origin, place of birth, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, crime victim status, veteran status, disability, HIV positive status, or genetic information in employment or the provision of services.

In addition to being an equal opportunity employer we actively encourage applicants who can contribute to our growing diversity to apply.

Applications for our employment opportunities are only accepted online through our Government Jobs website.

For accessibility information or alternative formats, please contact Human Resources Department at 802-540-2505 or careers@burlingtonvt.gov.