Meter Reader / Service Technician

Johnston County; Smithfield (NC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Johnston County Public Utilities Department is hiring a full-time Meter Reader Service Technician. The role involves reading and maintaining water meters, performing installations and repairs, and handling customer inquiries with professionalism.

Occasional after-hours work and on-call duties are required. Qualified candidates will have a high school diploma, a valid NC driver's license, and the ability to obtain a Grade C Distribution or Grade 1 Collection certification within 18 months of

Qualifications

• High school graduate with mechanical, plumbing, utility maintenance experience or related education/experience.
• Valid North Carolina drivers license is required.
• Ability to Earn Grade C Distribution or Grade 1 Collection certification within 18 months of hire.
• Knowledge of meter repair/installation tools and safety practices.
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing, and interact respectfully with customers and co-workers.

Responsibilities

• Read water meters on a monthly basis.
• Install, repair, maintain and replace water meters and service sets.
• Turn water on/off for customers as directed and investigate service inquiries.
• Answer customer questions and document readings and service orders.
• Maintain assigned vehicle(s) and comply with safety policies and on-call duties.

Skills

Meter reading

Customer service

Communication

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma

Tools

GIS knowledge

Data entry software

Electronic recording devices

Job description

The mission of the Public Utilities Department is to provide citizens of Johnston County efficient, affordable, and friendly services of Water Supply, Wastewater Collection and Treatment, Reclaimed Water, and Stormwater Management.

The Public Utilities Department is seeking a full-time Meter Reader Service Technician.

Employee performs technical duties in the retail water division, installation, maintenance and repair of water meters and clerical duties including reading meters for water usage and responding to written or dispatched requests for Customer Service related field activities. This position reports to the Retail Water/Sewer Service Manager. Mechanical aptitude to perform plumbing repairs to service lines and valve connections in the field. This position is regularly scheduled for after hours, holiday and weekend work hours requiring 24-hour response to a mobile business phone provided by the county. Work is performed under regular supervision and is evaluated through observation and inspection for adherence to instructions and standard trade and safety practices.

• Reads water meters on a monthly basis.
• Installs, repairs, maintains and replaces water meters.
• Installs water service meter sets.
• Repairs water leaks in and about meters, lines and couplings.
• Removes and repairs large meters as needed.
• Turns water on/off for customers as directed.
• Investigates water service inquiries, including possible leaks, high or low consumption.
• Answers customer questions and complaints with respect and diplomacy.
• Returns service orders daily with proper notation/readings recorded.
• Keeps supervisor informed as to status of meter and parts inventory.
• Prepares old meters for return to company for exchange.
• Maintains assigned vehicle(s).
• Maintains a safe driving record.
• Adheres to safe work practices and follows safety regulations, policies and rules.
• Treats customers, co-workers and management with respect.
• Knowledge of laptop computers and data entry skills are required.

• Knowledge of street locations and meter locations on assigned routes.
• Knowledge of County GIS system and web site.
• Knowledge of Public Utilities Water and Sewer Policies, and Water District Policies.
• Knowledge of the tools, materials, methods, practices and equipment used in meter repair and installation.
• Knowledge of the operation of and maintenance required for water meters.
• Knowledge of the use of common hand and power tools.
• Knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions related to assigned duties.
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, co-workers and the public.
• Ability to read water meters.
• Ability to install and repair water meters.
• Ability to work with electronic equipment including computers and electronic recording devices.

Additional Duties

• Performs related duties as required and/or directed.
• Serves in on-call or emergency call-back duty.

Physical Requirements

• Specific visual acuity for this job includes close vision, peripheral vision and the ability to adjust focus.
• Ability to work in varying weather conditions.
• Must be able to perform the basic life functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions.
• Must be able to perform heavy work exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently; and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to lift objects.

• Graduation from high school and related experience in mechanical, plumbing, utility construction and/or maintenance, and equipment operation experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• A valid North Carolina driver's license is required.
• Possession of or the ability to earn a Grade C Distribution or Grade 1 Collection certification within 18 months of hire is required.