Meter Reader- Water Distribution

City-of-Savannah; Savannah (GA); On-site; USD 38,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Savannah is hiring for a Meter Reader to participate in reading and servicing water meters. The role involves locating and reading meters, recording data with handheld devices, and reporting issues affecting meters and water lines.

Requires a high school diploma or GED and minimal customer service experience. The job includes field duties such as meter box work, water shutoffs, and vehicle operation, with safety as a priority.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Less than one year of customer service experience preferred.
• Public works utility experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Read residential and commercial water meters and record readings.
• Enter readings into handheld computer and/or laptop.
• Report leaks or malfunctions to meters, boxes, and lines.
• Enter work codes into handheld computer and prepare work orders.
• Pump water, dig dirt, and remove mud from meter boxes as needed.
• Lift meter boxes and, when required, manhole covers.
• Turn water on and off as directed.
• Re-check meter readings for accuracy and reliability.
• Operate and maintain assigned vehicle; perform related duties.

Skills

Knowledge of city streets

Knowledge of meter operation

Vehicle operation skills

Public and interpersonal relations

Oral and written communication

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Handheld computer

Laptop computer

Job description

This position participates in the reading and servicing of water meters.

• Locates and reads residential and commercial water meters; records readings and enters information into hand held computer.
• Reports leaks or malfunctions requiring repairs to meters, meter boxes, and water lines.
• Reports unusual circumstances at water meters; enters work codes into handheld computer.
• Pumps water, digs dirt, and removes mud from meter boxes.
• Lifts meter boxes and manhole covers when necessary.
• Turns water on and off.
• Writes work order requests and daily production reports.
• Uses a laptop computer to read automated meters as required.
• Re-checks meter readings to ensure accuracy and reliability.
• Operates and maintains an assigned vehicle.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requires a High School Diploma or GED equivalent with less than one year of customer service experience, preferably in meter reading in a public works area such as electricity, gas, cable, phone, or water service utility; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Must possess and maintain a valid state driver's license with an acceptable driving history.

• Knowledge of city streets and geography.
• Knowledge of job-related computer software and hardware.
• Knowledge of water meter operation.
• Skill in the operation of job-related vehicle and equipment.
• Skill in public and interpersonal relations.
• Skill in oral and written communication.

Minimum Standards

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS: Work is performed under the close supervision of the Water & Sewer Supervisor.

The supervisor spot-checks completed work for compliance with instructions and established procedures, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of the final results.

GUIDELINES: Guidelines include city rules and regulations, safety guidelines, vehicle operating procedures, and computer operating procedures. These guidelines are generally clear and specific, but may require some interpretation in application.

COMPLEXITY: The work consists of related meter reading duties. Regular and repetitive tasks, processes, or operations requiring the selection and execution of actions based on defined procedures. Inclement weather conditions and field hazards contribute to the complexity of the position.

SCOPE AND EFFECT: The purpose of this position is to participate in the reading of water meters. Supportive, informational, recording, or other services to assist others in producing correct and effective results; minor consequences. Success in this position contributes to accurate utility billing.

PERSONAL CONTACTS: Regular contact within the department, periodic contact with other departments, outside agencies, and the general public. Contacts are typically with co-workers, customers, and members of the general public.

PURPOSE OF CONTACTS: Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, provide services, and resolve problems.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table or while intermittently sitting, standing, walking, bending, crouching, or stooping. The employee frequently lifts light and heavy objects, climbs ladders, and uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity. This is light work requiring the exertion of up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work is typically performed in an office and outdoors, where the employee may be exposed to noise, dust, dirt, grease, machinery with moving parts, and occasional cold or inclement weather. Involves regular exposure to one or more disagreeable elements (heat, fumes, cold, vibration, or wetness); frequent exposure to hazards where lost-time accidents are definitely possible.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY: None.