AMI Meter Technician

NCSL International; Peabody (MA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Peabody Municipal Light Plant is seeking an AMI Meter Technician (II) to install, inspect, test, program, read, and repair electric meters and related instruments. The role supports the AMI network, responds to customer issues, and collaborates with line crews on high voltage metering.

Ideal candidates will have five years of meter experience, AMI familiarity, and a strong safety ethic. The position involves working with live conductors and requires a Massachusetts driver's license.

Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of metering and meter-related work practices, tools, and equipment.
• AMI knowledge preferred to resolve communication issues.
• Ability to read diagrams, schematics and interpret electrical systems.
• Ability to learn related computer applications.
• Able to use meter test equipment.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a team; prioritize and stay safe.

Responsibilities

• Install, inspect, test, program, read, and repair electric meters and related instruments.
• Operate AMI meter software and equipment; update firmware and program meters for billing.
• Coordinate with contractors on metering installations and resealing work.
• Maintain accurate meter records and respond to customer issues and high bill investigations.
• Assist in emergencies and support substation switching and safety procedures.

Skills

Metering knowledge

AMI knowledge

Electrical theory

Diagrams & schematics

Computer skills

Meter test equipment

Communication

Safety

Team player

Education

High School diploma

Math & science coursework

Tools

Meter test equipment

Job description

OBJECTIVES:

Under the general supervision of the Assistant Manager of Customer Solutions & Metering and the Manager of Customer Solutions & Metering, the AMI Meter Technician (II) installs, inspects, tests, programs, reads, and repairs electric meters and associated instruments and assists in maintaining the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Network. The duties involve working on live conductors in confined spaces ranging from 120 to 23,000 volts and energized electrical equipment connected to high voltages between 2,400 and 23,000 volts.

DUTIES:

• Supervises assigned duties and evaluates the performance of AMI Meter Technician I.
• Sets up and performs work in accordance with engineering standards, plant policies, and customer requirements, keeping supervisors advised of unusual problems or situations encountered and providing direction/training to AMI Meter Technician I; maintains records of work performed and customers serviced.
• Tests meters, instrument transformers, and other associated equipment for accuracy, tampering, and integrated devices functionality; operates and maintains test equipment and overhauls and repairs meters; installs and removes instrument transformers and interconnecting wiring for all types of metering.
• Operates AMI meter software and equipment to ensure reading accuracy and communication reliability; makes necessary repairs or corrections in the field and AMI database and troubleshoots AMI system issues; utilizes computer systems to execute daily duties; updates meters firmware; and programs different meter types for revenue billing.
• Informs contractors on plant policy regarding metering installation; assigns meter locations; performs meter replacement and resealing work; makes up primary metering units and works with line crews on installing high voltage metering.
• Updates and maintains all meter records and implements programs as necessary.
• Installs and removes voltage recorders and power monitoring equipment; investigates and resolves customer complaints regarding noise interference, voltage irregularities, high bills, mixed meters, and meter reading errors.
• Investigates customers’ premises and electrical equipment to determine and document damage for insurance claims or estimated usage for electrical diversion cases.
• Performs distribution system and substation switching operations as required; assists with substation voltage reduction tests.Performs all meter-related hazardous duties using the required personal protective equipment.
• Reads and interprets electrical drawings and maps.
• Responsible for projecting a positive image for the Peabody Municipal Light Plant.
• Assists in emergencies to investigate downed wires, standby downed wires as required, and aid contractors during an emergency restoration process.
• Performs all duties of AMI Meter Technician I as required.
• Must be available for emergency calls during non-working hours.
• Interfaces with the Finance Division to disconnect and reconnect electric service for nonpayment of bills; picks up and delivers bill payment receipts, mail, and other materials to agents and banks.
• Performs related duties as required, including, but not limited to, participation in training sessions and other related educational curricula.
• It is understood that adopting newer technologies does not constitute a change to job duties. This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. The employee will also perform other duties as assigned by the Manager of Customer Solutions & Metering as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Must have thorough technical knowledge of metering and meter-related work practices, tools, and equipment.
• Knowledge of Automated Metering Infrastructure (AMI) is preferred to resolve communication issues effectively.
• Ability to apply the principles of electricity, mathematics, wiring, and connections; read and interpret diagrams and schematics and adapt to rapidly changing technology and job conditions.
• Must have the ability to learn related computer applications.
• Must be familiar with and able to use meter test equipment.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to utilize common sense to deal with problems involving several known variables of a routine nature.
• Ability to set priorities and work safely.
• Works independently and as a team member with diverse staff throughout the company.
• Demonstrates a positive attitude and good work ethic; always courteous and can remain calm under pressure.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum of five years’ experience performing installation, repair, calibration, programming, and maintenance of electric meters; thorough knowledge of single-phase and three-phase metering installations.
• Successful coursework in mathematics and science.
• Minimum one year of AMI experience.
• High School graduate.
• Valid Massachusetts Driver’s License.