Meter Maintenance Technician

Responsible for performing semi-skilled manual work locating, repairing, replacing and troubleshooting municipal water meters.  An employee in this class performs work focused on the diagnoses, repair or replacement of water meters or other equipment to resolve service issues and the installation of meters for new service connections.  This position also assists customer service and meter services supervisors responding to work orders to assist customers with issues, problems, or questions regarding their municipal water service.  Work is performed under the general supervision of the Meter Services Supervisor and is evaluated based on completing work orders, accuracy of work, and customer service. 

Essential Job Functions

• Responds to work orders (service requests) to detect leaks and/or equipment malfunctions; activates and deactivates customer service as needed; uncovers meter boxes that have been buried, raises meter boxes when they are too low; locates meters for customers and/or plumbers; and responds to customer issues. 

• Installs and maintains meters, MXU’s, and related equipment, for residential, commercial, industrial, and wholesale accounts. 

• Utilizes computerized systems, like Cityworks or Muni-link, to obtain, review and complete work orders and enters information for new meters to be incorporated in the Utility Billing, Asset Management and GIS system. 

• Drives City provided vehicle daily to customer appointments and to examine meters with reported or suspected issues. 

• Troubleshoots issues of meters not communicating with towers or meters that have triggered alarms due to tampering, reverse-flow, continual usage, etc. 

• Communicates frequently with supervisors and co-workers at the Operations Center and Customer Service Office to determine priorities, troubleshoot issues and respond to requests. 

• Disconnects meters of delinquent accounts; and restores meter services once the account has been brought current by customer. 

• Operates handheld devices to obtain GPS coordinates and to program, activate and deactivate meters for new accounts and to identify meter events. 

• Performs other related job duties as assigned.  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:  

• Knowledge of tools, materials, techniques and practices needed to maintain meters. 

• Knowledge of effective communication techniques to interact with various individuals. 

• Knowledge of workplace safety practices required when performing work in the field and on private property. 

• Knowledge of the methods and procedures involved in the computerized reading of meters and recording consumption. 

• Ability to perform work with hands in small spaces and awkward and uncomfortable positions. 

• Ability to understand and follow instructions. 

• Ability to use automated reading devices and hand tools. 

• Ability to communicate with the general public, both orally and in writing if required; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public and coworkers. 

• Ability to operate a motor vehicle, work independently, and complete defined routes for service, if required. 

• Ability to report unusual or safety conditions related to the maintenance and repair of meters. 

Physical Demands

Work in this classification is defined as medium work requiring the physical exertion of up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or a moderate amount of force frequently to move objects.  Physical requirements are climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling and repetitive motions.  Employees are required to have close visual acuity to prepare and analyze data and figures, take and record readings of water meters, perform visual inspection of small defects and parts, and user measurement devices. Physical requirements include walking, bending, stooping, leaning, and other bodily movements required to gain access to and read water meters.

Work Environment

Work is primarily performed in outside working conditions. Employees are subject to noise which may cause the employee to shout in order to be heard above the ambient noise level. Employees are subject to atmospheric conditions such as fumes, odors, dust, mists, gases and work is subject to varying weather conditions including hot and cold temperatures. Employees are required to work in narrow passageways and on private property to locate and maintain meters. Employees are subject to contact with unchained animals and potentially hostile property owners or renters.