Meter Technician

Town of Smithfield; Smithfield (NC); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

The Town of Smithfield in North Carolina seeks a Meter Reader to perform intermediate field clerical and technical tasks, including recording meter readings and documenting meters needing repairs. You will also assist with disconnects, troubleshooting, and customer inquiries about readings.

The role requires lifting up to 50 pounds, a valid NC driver's license, and the ability to work outdoors in varying weather, with occasional public contact and a focus on accurate data entry and service

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required with 2–5 years public-contact data experience.
• Knowledge of street layouts and meter locations on assigned routes.
• Familiarity with meter operations and utility service policies.
• Ability to communicate politely with the public and work independently on a routine schedule.

Responsibilities

• Operate AMI NexGrid software to support electric and water meters.
• Connect and disconnect water and electric service for customers and delinquent accounts.
• Record and re-read meters; investigate high usage or leaks; address meter tampering.
• Schedule customer appointments for troubleshooting and problem resolution.
• Install, replace, and repair meters; program/re-program meters; handle temporary meters for contractors.
• Drive and operate a truck safely; maintain vehicles and report servicing needs.
• Explain readings to customers and respond to general questions.

Skills

Street layout knowledge

Meter locations knowledge

Meter operations knowledge

Public interaction

Independent work

Meter readings accuracy

Hand-held meter device

Truck operation

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

NexGrid AMI software

Hand-held meter reader

Job description

GENERAL DEFINITION AND CONDITIONING OF WORK

Performs intermediate field clerical and technical work in collecting and recording meter readings.

• Work involves documenting meters needing repairs/replacement, investigatingleaks and high usage issues; activating load management; installing, replacing, troubleshooting, and repairing meters as needed; connecting and disconnecting service for residents and those delinquent in payments,
• Occasional public contact is required in answering citizens questions about meter readings.
• Employees are subject to inside and outside environmental conditions, and hazards of bothersome animals and work must be performed in various kinds of weather, extreme temperatures, and with exposure to oils, fumes, and other atmospheric conditions.
• Work is performed under supervision of the Billing Supervisor and is evaluated on the basis of complaint activity, effectiveness of the metering program, and accuracy of readings taken and records made.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/TYPICAL TASKS

The employee may perform a combination of some or all of the following duties and other duties which may be assigned by the Town of Smithfield.

• Operating AMI Network NexGrid, software which supports the Town’s electric and water meters.
• Connects and disconnects water and electric service in response to moving customers and/or delinquent utility payments
• Performs and records meter re-reads; investigates leaking meters or other possible reasons for high water usage; investigates meter tampering.
• Scheduling appointments with customers to troubleshoot and resolve problems or address issues.
• Installs, replaces and repairs meters; troubleshoots problems such as visual reads and repairs meters; programs and re-programs meters.
• Installs new meters and changes out meters for technology; may install temporary meters for contractors.
• Receives and performs tasks according to work orders
• Responding to contractor calls to resolve delays in providing service.
• Relaying information for repairs or additional services, as required.
• Records meter readings into hand-held computer.
• Cleans meter boxes and reports broken and malfunctioning meters to the proper authority.
• Conducts rechecks of meters when complaints are received.
• Operates a truck in a safe and efficient manner.
• Inspects and maintains vehicles and submits requests for servicing of the vehicles.
• Explains meter readings to citizens and answers questions of a general nature on meter readings.
• Performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Considerable knowledge of street layout and meter locations on assigned routes.
• Some knowledge of the functional operations of meters.
• Some knowledge of utility service policies.
• Ability to deal courteously and effectively with the public.
• Ability to work independently within a routine schedule and to walk to cover an assigned route.
• Ability to read and record meter readings accurately and report related conditions.
• Ability to operate hand-held meter reading device, drive truck in a safe manner, and operate a radio.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Graduation from high school or GED equivalent and 2 to 5 years of experience including public contact and working with data and figures; or
• Equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Position requires physical stamina to perform the work.

Possession of a valid North Carolina driver’s license

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational support functions of balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, lifting, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions.
• Must be able to perform medium work exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
• Must possess the visual acuity to operate a hand-held computer, read data and figures, and operate a truck safely.