Address
Form of workReporting to the Utility Billing Supervisor, under general supervision, this position collects accurate and timely readings of the City's water meters by reading, recording and inputting meter read data from residential and commercial meters into system to determine water consumption. This position also performs duties that includes customer service duties in the field, locating leaks in water systems and meters, and assists department with overall maintenance of meter systems.
Please note:
The salary listed does not reflect the 1% increase effective December 1, 2023 or the 4.5% increase effective January 1, 2024 for cost of living (COLA).
Interviews are tentatively scheduled for February 16, 2024.These duties include but are not limited to the following:
- Reads and records meter reads for billing process and service order requests. Turn water service on/off for new and existing customers.
- Installs, exchanges, programs, repairs and maintains meters.
- Installs, exchanges and programs Meter Transmission Units (MTUs) and Data Collection Units (DCUs)
- Records meter locations via GPS and enters data into the City's GIS system for further processing.
- Troubleshoots the automated reading system; which includes checking MTU and DCU batteries, wiring, and meter registers. Reprograms or updates meters and MTUs, recommends reading intervals to resolve transmission problems or determine cause of abnormal consumption.
- Conducts re-reads of questionable meter readings identified through the system or customer.
- Runs error/tamper reports to identify electrical/mechanical failure or detect abnormal consumption. Investigates possible causes and notifies Customer Services Supervisor of findings and if a billing adjustment needs to be made. Updates computer system after corrections have been made to the meter in question.
- Checks for water leaks when meter-reading system or customer indicates high consumption and notifies customer if a leak is discovered. Troubleshoots service leaks, pressure problems, and refers problems to the appropriate water crew. Repairs leaks discovered at the meter.
- Delivers and hangs shut-off notices/tags for delinquent accounts. Performs shut-offs and meter locks for delinquent accounts.
- Responds to customer questions, requests, and complaints in an open and helpful manner.
- Processes, enters, and uploads data into the Automated Meter system, the City's service order system and the City's GIS.
- Updates system after maintenance or repairs are complete. Reviews data for accuracy and makes appropriate correction.
- Reads and records the read on water meters at businesses and residences that are not read by the automated system. Maintains a record of any "unique" circumstances of a specific reading.
- Maintains the area immediately surrounding meter, so that meters remain visible and accessible.
- Maintains weekly inventory of meter and meter-related supplies and provide the utility supervisor with purchasing requests.
- Maintaining overgrowth at meters so they can be easily located.
Other duties as assigned- Performs similar and incidental duties as assigned.
A H.S. Diploma or equivalent AND any combination of training and/or experience, including customer service experience, that provides the level of knowledge, skill and ability required to perform the essential functions of the job.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Experience in reading, troubleshooting and/or maintain utility meters.
- Experience working outdoors for extended periods of time.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS OR LICENSE(S):
- Must pass a background investigation and a pre-employment physical, including drug testing, to determine the ability to perform the essential functions of the position.
- Must maintain a level of physical and mental fitness necessary to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without a reasonable accommodation.
- Must be attentive to job safety considerations and follows all required safety policies, procedures and techniques.
- Must possess a valid Washington State driver's license at time of hire OR must obtain within 30 days from date of hire, and must have a driving record acceptable to the City and the City's insurance carrier.
- Verification of identity and United States work authorization must be complete as required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act.
- Must have or have the ability to obtain a valid industrial first aid card within 6 months of hire.
- Customer service principles.
- Applicable mechanical systems.
- Computers
Skill in:
- Use of hand tools and other pieces of equipment required to make repairs.
- Data collection.
Ability to:
- Install water meters as well as operate, maintain, and or repair water meters, MTUs, and DCUs.
- Learn appropriate software necessary to complete the essential tasks of the position.
- Accurately perform necessary mathematical calculations.
- Work with limited supervision.
- Understand and follow oral and/or written instructions, polices, and procedures.
- Prepare and present accurate and reliable reports containing findings and recommendations.
- Prioritize work orders and ensure that customers are served in a timely matter.
- Respond to customer questions, requests, and complaints in an open and helpful manner.
- Greet the public with the conveyed message of a willingness to help and explains all water service policies readily and thoroughly and takes the time to ensure the message is easily understood.
- Look for opportunities to build trust, follows up on questions, researches more data if needed.
- Negotiate schedule to accommodate operational needs.
- Demonstrates strong verbal and non-verbal behavior to show an open and accepting attitude in interactions with all City employees and the public.
- Portray an image of knowledge, confidence, professionalism, fairness, and caring.
- Dresses in appropriate, clean, and well-maintained work attire to ensure City and water service professions are portrayed in a positive, service-related manner.
