Meter Technician

Lea County Electric Cooperative, Inc.; United States; On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Lea County Electric Cooperative, Inc. is seeking an experienced Meter Technician to install, test, repair and maintain meters and metering systems. You will manage meter inventory, calibrate equipment and support field operations with MIS and engineering teams.

Strong communication and safety focus are essential. The role requires at least five years in meter operations, a high school diploma, and certification training.

Qualifications

• High school or equivalent required and certification through a professional group or internal program.
• Minimum five years experience in all areas of meter operations.
• Strong knowledge of electrical metering, AMR and related software.

Responsibilities

• Install, test, repair and maintain meters and metering instruments.
• Manage meter inventory and record keeping; maintain software and hardware.
• Coordinate with engineering and MIS for AMR systems and metering projects.
• Investigate meter discrepancies and customer inquiries; prepare reports.
• Ensure safety standards and proper calibration of meters and substation meters.
• Provide support for field tests and meter data analysis.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Reading schematics

Computer skills

Planning and directing work

Tool / instrument use

Physical stamina

CPR/First aid

Education

High school diploma

Certification program/training

Tools

Word

Access

Excel

Meter programming software

AMR software

Job description

Department: Distribution Engineering/Management Information Systems

Reports to: Manager of Distribution Engineering/Management Information Systems

Supervises: None

FLSA status: Exempt

Last reviewed: January 2022

OBJECTIVE:

To install, test, repair and maintain meters and to be responsible for the metering instruments, material, meter inventory and record keeping.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND AUTHORITIES:

1. 1. Install, test and repair single and poly-phase kilowatt hour meters.
2. 2. Assemble, install, and maintain all primary and secondary sets when required.
3. 3. Maintain periodic meter checking procedures to assure accuracy in consumer billing.
4. 4. Investigate customer meter inquiries and advise Accounting and Member Services departments of results.
5. 5. Provide and install special application meters to meet engineering specifications.
6. 6. Maintain inventory of meters, meter parts, instrument transformers and associated equipment.
7. 7. Conduct surveys and gather information for engineering department.
8. 8. Participate in a continuing program of field-testing meters.
9. 9. Test, calibrate and repair all watt/var hour meters.
10. 10. Test and calibrate all voltmeters and ammeters for service units.
11. 11. Provides oversight for calibration of shop and field standards.
12. 12. Test and calibrate all substation meters.
13. 13. Conduct annual horsepower inventory for all cotton gins.
14. 14. Prepare weekly gin reports for management.
15. 15. Maintain and update meter programming software.
16. 16. Maintain and update all AMR software.
17. 17. Install, maintain, and repair all AMR hardware including meter modules and substation hardware.
18. 18. Conduct investigations as requested in cases of meter tampering and power theft.
19. 19. Coordinate work (installations, repairs) with Line Operations Department.
20. 20. Stay abreast of new developments in metering technology.
21. 21. Provide meter sales information to Accounting Department.
22. 22. Coordinate AMR substation equipment installations with System Planning Department.
23. 23. Work with MIS department on AMR and metering software.
24. 24. Communicate meter investigation information with members to resolve problems and complaints.
25. 25. Exchange information with meter equipment, AMR and metering software vendors for new developments and problem resolution.
26. 26. Exchange information with other utilities concerning new technologies and resolving metering problems.

EDUCATION:

High school or equivalent required. In addition, incumbent must achieve certification through training provided by a professional group or internal testing program administered by department manager

EXPERIENCE:

Minimum of five years of experience in all areas of meter operations.

JOB KNOWLEDGE:

• - Thorough knowledge of R. U. S. construction specifications and approved materials.
• - Thorough knowledge of National Electric Code and National Electric Safety Code.
• - Thorough knowledge of general metering principles and practices and AMR principles and practices
• - LCEC metering standards and of all relevant LCEC policies and procedures, including safety.
• - Basic knowledge of the principles and practices of supervisory management.
• - Basic computers skills including databases, and spreadsheets.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• - Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills, with an emphasis on communicating with irate members.
• - Ability to read, interpret and modify electrical schematics.
• - Computer software skills for programming meters and developing reports (i.e., Word, Access, and Excel). Neat and precise wiring and conduit bending skills.
• - Must be able to plan, schedule and direct work.
• - Ability to use all tools and instruments required by the position.
• - Must be able to perform the physical requirements of the position, including heavy lifting.
• - Must be able to effectively give work direction to apprentice.
• - Must maintain current first aid and CPR card.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Job is performed both indoors (approximately 50%) and outdoors (approximately 50%) in varying extremes of weather. Subject to callout in emergencies. Position involves frequent exposure to high voltages. Incumbent must work on and around energized equipment on a regular basis. Subject to occasional overnight travel. Must be able to drive and possess a valid driver's license. Hand tools must be furnished by employee as prescribed by company policy. We require that the employee lives within 30 minutes of designated assigned location. This position is considered safety sensitive.