Meter Technician/Dispatcher Utilities

City of Phenix City; Phenix City (AL); On-site; USD 38,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Phenix City Utilities Department seeks a meter reader and field technician to perform daily route duties, read meters, inspect for defects, and update data records. The role requires safety and accuracy while working outdoors on a municipal water system.

You will relay readings, respond to after-hours calls in rotation, operate a laptop and specialized software, and coordinate with the Public Works team to maintain service reliability.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required or equivalent.
• Ability to read and interpret basic measurements and data.
• Ability to operate a computer and input data accurately.
• Experience with basic math and record-keeping.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Read meters along assigned route and record readings accurately.
• Inspect meters for defects, damage, or unauthorized connections.
• Prepare and process work orders for meter changes, reconnects, and repairs.
• Operate and maintain vehicle; fuel and keep cab clean.
• Respond to after-hours service calls in rotation.
• Update computer system with readings and dispatch information.

Skills

Math skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Computer skills

Attention to detail

Independent work

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Laptop & data software

Job description

JOB SUMMARY

Under general supervision, receives briefing detailing daily activities, reviews route and makes provisions including special instructions, uploads computer and verifies data accuracy; drives designated route and takes meter readings, inspects meters for defects, damage and unauthorized connections; completes work orders pertaining to meters and meter box repairs; installs and removes meters; verifies abnormal consumption readings and performs additional tasks in support of the department as needed or upon request. Relieves dispatch operator during lunch and scheduled absences. Required on call rotation in order to respond to after hour calls.

Essential Job Duties & Responsibilities

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statement of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this position. Other duties may be required, assigned and expected aside from those set forth below to address operational needs and changing operational practices.

• Reviews daily route to make provisions to carry out rechecks, reconnects, disconnects, new meter sets, and other special instructions by supervisor.
• Uploads route on lap-top computer; verifies that data is correct.
• Drives pick-up truck along designated route while computer reads meters by radio signal.
• Inspects meters for defects, damage and unauthorized connections.
• Verifies reading which indicate abnormal consumptions.
• Makes notes on irregularities regarding condition of meter, connections and consumption.
• Communicates by radio with supervisor if problems are encountered.
• Returns to office and uploads readings.
• Inspects and fuels truck and ensure scheduled maintenance is performed.
• Cleans cab and washes truck as necessary.
• Completes work orders for meter reading rechecks, meter reconnects, meter disconnects, new meter sets, meter change outs, and meter box repairs.
• Installs locks on disconnects and removal of locks for reconnects.
• Answers service calls pertaining to muddy water which involve flushing of lines leading to customer’s water line.
• Checks and repairs minor leaks.
• May be required to physically read meters for completion of work orders.
• Completes work orders in a timely manner according to departmental procedures.
• Responsible for after hour calls which consist of calls after regular business hours to reconnect water services which were left off during normal business hours.
• Required to be on call on a rotating basis.
• Answers two-way radio calls on two frequencies from truck drivers, supervisors and other city employees.
• Answers telephone calls on eight lines from citizens.
• Determines nature of call to determine if call should be handled or referred to other department.
• If call concerns problems with limbs and debris, traffic signals and signs, potholes or similar problems, dispatches appropriate crew from Public Works Department.
• If call concerns leaks/overflows/broken popes and similar problems with water and sewer lines dispatches appropriate crew from Wastewater or Water Department.
• Makes note of all calls and enters into computer to generate service order; also enters dispatch log. Refers service order to appropriate department (Public Works) or completes (Water/Wastewater).
• When service has been performed, enters into computer.

Qualifications

Education & Experience Guidelines

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities required for this position would be:

Education/Training

High school education, GED or equivalent training and experience.

Experience

N/A

Licenses or Certifications Required

Valid Driver’s License

The following generally describes the knowledge and abilities required in order to successfully perform the assigned duties of the position:

Knowledge of:

• City streets, infrastructure of the water system and location of residential, business and industrial water customer.
• Municipal water systems, meters and hand tools.

Ability to:

• Write legibly in order to prepare forms, records and work orders.
• Utilize math skills to add columns of figures, subtract, multiply and divide.
• Verbally communicate to speak on a telephone, a two way radio and with customers.
• Use a computer including keyboarding and use of specialized programs used to process water data and generate reports.
• Work independently and follow procedures while having the ability to work as a team member.
• Read and understand the operating procedures, service orders and other non-complex documents of the Utilities Department; and of City of Phenix City.
• Work in a constant state of alertness and in a safe manner.

Physical Demands & Working Environment

Environment:

Mostly outdoor work.

Physical Demands:

See accompanying page for details

Key Working Relationship:

Supervisor, other Utility employees and customers.