CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE (METER READER)

San Benito PD; Reader (WV); On-site; USD 18,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

San Benito PD is seeking a Customer Service Representative (Meter Reader) to read water meters and support billing and customer service operations. You will read meters on assigned routes, record consumption, and log data using handheld devices.

The role requires high school diploma, ability to walk in various weather, bilingual English/Spanish, and good customer service. The job includes after-hours work and operating a city vehicle.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED
• Current Texas Driver’s license; CDL preferred
• Ability to walk long distances in varying weather conditions
• Basic math and reading skills; use handheld meter-reading devices or tablets
• Good customer service and communication skills
• Must be able to speak English and Spanish

Responsibilities

• Read residential and commercial meters on assigned routes.
• Log readings with handheld devices or mobile software.
• Provide field customer service on new service, disconnects, and complaints.
• Prepare records, logs, and work orders.
• Inspect meters and connections for damage.
• Follow safety guidelines; operate city vehicle.
• Perform after-hours duties as required.

Skills

Geography knowledge

Map reading

Computer literacy

Customer service

Bilingual English/Spanish

Education

High School diploma or GED

Tools

Handheld meter-reading device

Tablet

Mobile software

Job description

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE (METER READER)

Positions Available: One (1)

$15.50 per hour

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES - The Meter Reader is responsible for reading utility meters on assigned routes and recording consumption water, or steam for residential, commercial customers. The position ensures accurate and timely meter readings, reports irregularities or damages, and provides support for billing and customer service operations

• Maintain regular and prompt attendance; physically present to work.
• Performs after work hours as required (nights and weekends).
• Conducts field readings of residential and commercial meters. Logs utilizing established guidelines.
• Reads utility meters on established routes according to schedule.
• Records readings using handheld devices or mobile software systems.
• Provides field customer service activities related to new service, service suspensions, service cancellations, high bill complaints, flow checks, and/or other related issues.
• Prepares and maintains a variety of records, logs, work orders, and/or other related documentation.
• Inspects and reports meters and connections for defects, damage, and unauthorized connections.
• Verifies readings to locate abnormal consumption and records reasons for fluctuations.
• Assist with service disconnects or reconnects when authorized.
• Follows safety guidelines and procedures while performing field duties.
• Operates a city vehicle and maintains assigned tools and equipment.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Knowledge of City geography
• Skilled in reading maps
• Skilled in operating a computer and related software applications
• Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
• Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; Responds promptly to customer needs; Solicits customer feedback to improve service; Responds to requests for service and assistance.
• Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.
• Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.
• Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.
• Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions.
• Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions.
• Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality.
• Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly.
• Adapts to changes in the work environment; Manages competing demands; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.
• Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions.

• High School diploma or GED equivalent.
• Current Texas Driver’s license, CDL preferred.
• Ability to walk long distances in varying weather conditions.
• Basic math and reading skills; ability to use handheld meter-reading devices or tablets.
• Good customer service and communication skills.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Must be able to speak the English and Spanish Language.

• Physical strength and ability sufficient to perform heavy manual labor for extended periods under dirty and uncomfortable conditions and in all kinds of weather.
• May lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to maintain continuous physical effort throughout the shift, including frequent bending, walking, stooping, digging, manipulating and heavy lifting.
• Primarily field work in residential, commercial and industrial areas.
• Exposure to pets, insects, rough terrain and traffic.

• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to communicate and write clearly and legibly in entries.
• Flexibility to work regular, shift hours, weekends, evening hours, and to respond to emergency calls for service. Work hours will change from time to time to accommodate for customer service and the needs and requirements for the City of San Benito.
• Must be able to effectively use a combination of experience, training and ability to quickly assess situations and arrive at decisions (appropriate with employees training and experience) to ensure efficient and effective continuation of work and customer service delivery that avoids service interruptions or creates hazardous conditions.
• Must be able to use required tools and equipment effectively and efficiently to perform required tasks in a crew environment or independently. Must be able to use various water system monitoring components and other system indicators to assess proper operations and diagnose problems.

The statements contained in this job description reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility. It should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise to balance the workload.

The physical demands described here 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 functions.

This position of employment requires satisfactory job performance of six-month probation from starting date of hire.

The above noted job description is not intended to describe, in detail, the multitude of tasks that may be assigned but rather to give the associate a general sense of the responsibilities and expectations of his/her position. As the City’s demands change so will the essential functions of this position.