Lead Meter Technician 25-071

Charleston Water System Careers; Charleston (SC); On-site; USD 48,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading public water and wastewater utility in Charleston seeks a Meter Operations Supervisor to oversee meter sections and ensure high-quality customer service. The role includes supervising technicians, maintaining records, and conducting inspections while adhering to safety protocols. Candidates should possess a high school diploma and three years of relevant experience, along with strong customer service and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Three years' experience in utility or construction environment.
• Proficiency in setting and removing meters.
• Ability to assist with major projects and maintain records.

Responsibilities

• Assist with supervision of meter operations and technician assignments.
• Maintain customer service quality and resolve complaints.
• Ensure compliance with safety procedures and conduct inspections.

Skills

Customer Service

Communication

Problem Solving

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

We're a public water and wastewater utility serving the greater Charleston area. Our water and wastewater services protect public health and the environment, provide fire protection, and support our economy.We’re always looking to add talented, enthusiastic people to our team!

Applications Accepted Sunday, July 6, 2025.

Salary Range: $48,110.40 ($23.13/hr.) – $72,155.20 ($34.69/hr.)

Grade: 107

Hours: 7:00am – 3:30pm

Position Summary:

Under limited supervision, assist with supervision and direction of the operation of the meter section. Make sure that all CWS customers receive courteous and quality service in a timely manner, and assisting turn ons, shut offs, reading schedules, setting, testing, repairing and removing meters.

Essential Functions:

• Assist with assigning work to the meter technicians daily.
• Answer customers’ complaints and provide the services the customers have requested with high quality and in a satisfactory manner. May Review customer problems and develop solutions. Provide assistance in coordinating activities of meter personnel in the installation and/or repair of water meters, meter boxes, field testing of meters.
• Maintain proper and appropriate records.
• Provides assistance in putting in proper sequence and routes those accounts that are out of line.
• May conduct meetings with the meter technicians.
• Locate services to get account numbers and consumption.
• Verify customer accounts.
• Setting, removing, turning on, and shutting off water meters.
• Make minor repairs to meter and meter boxes.
• Check meters for leaks and poor pressure.
• May read water consumption meters and records volume used by residential and commercial consumers.
• Reports to Supervisor, Manager and/or Operations Manage any irregularities with meters, meter boxes, mains, valves, valve boxes, hydrants, or any problem on CWS equipment or apparatus.
• Returns work orders and computer to business office for billing purposes.
• Provides assistance for the safeguarding and maintenance of issued CWS vehicles and equipment.
• Complies with all safety procedures according to CWS and OSHA standards at all job sites and while traveling to and from job sites.
• Provides assistance in obtaining data for organizing, processing, and updating maps, valve cards, project files, extensions, etc., from available sources, i.e. RMC records, field and office investigation, Highway Department, other utility companies, etc.
• Performs flow tests on water lines to establish flow capabilities and to locate flow deficiencies.
• Performs residential and commercial service inspections.
• May provide assistance with accident reports are filled out correctly and turned in on time.
• Route work in the proper sequence in order to complete assigned work.
• Provides assistance with logs of all equipment and responsible associates.
• Provides input and feedback of performance of responsible associates.
• May be required to work during emergency conditions.
• Regular attendance is required.
• Job performance must conform to all CWS policies and procedures.
• Specific knowledge of CWS Environmental Management System Policy and Procedures.
• May provide training for new and existing meter technicians.

Additional Duties

• Assist the Supervisor, Senior Supervisor or Manager when needed.
• May be required to complete work tickets, accident reports and other appropriate documents.
• Responsible to perform department vehicle inspections monthly

Physical Requirements, Activities, and Working Conditions

• Constantly works in internal / external environmental conditions. Subject to atmospheric conditions, one or more of the following conditions that affect the respiratory system or the skin: fumes, odors, dusts, gasses or poor ventilation. Personnel Protective Equipment Required.
• Considerable movement and traversing in excess of six (6) hours per day occasionally involved at work sites on unpaved streets, uneven ground and cluttered work areas to perform inspections and job duties.
• Occasionally positions self to maneuver objects weighing up to 50 lbs. Objects greater than 50 lbs requires a two-person operation.
• Frequently positions self to move, traverse in the field as necessary to perform required work.
• Frequent gripping or grasping of tools or objects.
• Ability to perform routine tasks with tools: shovel, screwdriver, hand pump, probe, box key and water key.
• Routinely and safely operate computers to include desktop, rugged laptops and smart phones in the field.
• Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication and to make fine discriminations in sound, such as when making adjustments on equipment.
• Must be able to make visual observations in daylight and night.
• Subject to noise to cause the worker to shout in order to be heard above the ambient noise level. Hearing Protection is required.
• Occasionally positions self to use up to 50 lbs. of force, and/or 20 lbs of force frequently, and/or 10 lbs of force constantly to move objects.
• Ability to work independently of others.
• Ability to operate a hand held computer, cell phone and meter box locating equipment.
• Must not be afraid of dogs, cats, snakes, rodents, spiders, and roaches.
• Ability to receive and give detailed information through oral communication and to express or exchange ideas verbally or in writing.
• Must be able to wear Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE) as defined in the Job Safety Analysis (JSA) to perform the required essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

• Three (3) years’ experience as a pipefitter, in construction, manufacturing, or utility environment. High school diploma or GED required.
• Ability to assist with major projects (i.e. AMI) and maintain records of materials used and to follow oral and written instructions.
• Thorough knowledge of pipe-fitting practices and procedures.
• Working knowledge of setting and removing meters and retros desirable.
• Computer Knowledge to include Microsoft Office programs.
• Must have a strong familiarity with our service area.
• Good communication and customer service skills.
• A working knowledge of the service areas, in order to properly distribute work assignments, is also beneficial.
• Prior work record indicating dependability and conscientiousness.

Licenses, Certifications, Registrations

• Must have a valid South Carolina Driver’s License.
• Must pass the “C” Water Distribution Operator’s License exam within 24 months of hire.

Training Needs:

• OSHA and Departmental safety training as required.
• Skills Based Training.
• ISO 14001 standards for department and company.
• See Department Competency and Training Matrix for this position.

ELIGIBILITY FOR PROMOTION TO VARIOUS POSITIONS THROUGHOUT THE COMMISSION DEPENDS UPON INDIVIDUAL QUALIFICATIONS, AND NOTED JOB PROGRESSIONS ARE NO GUARANTEE OF CAREER PATH TO THESE OR ANY OTHER JOB(S) AT THE COMMISSION.

Our Mission Support public health and protect the environment.

Our Vision Achieve excellence and exceed customer expectations.

Our Core Values

• Continuous pursuit of excellence
• Customer Service
• Open and honest communication
• Accountability
• Teamwork
• Ethical behavior and integrity

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Our Mission Support public health and protect the environment.

Our Vision Achieve excellence and exceed customer expectations.

Our Core Values

• Continuous pursuit of excellence
• Customer Service
• Open and honest communication
• Accountability
• Teamwork
• Innovation
• Ethical behavior and integrity

Charleston Water System is an at-will, drug-free, equal opportunity employer.

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