Meter Technician I

City-of-Gardner,-Kansas; Gardner (KS); On-site; USD 28,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Gardner is seeking a Meter Technician I to join the Utilities Department. You will perform maintenance, installation, test readings, leak detection and water pressure testing of water meters for residential and commercial customers.

This role requires physical labor, hand tools, and basic computer use, with overtime eligibility. Under supervision, you will handle service orders, meter testing, and customer interactions, including disconnects/reconnects and emergency responses.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Valid driver’s license with good driving record.
• Basic math and reading ability for meter readings and calculations.
• Ability to use simple computer software for data entry.

Responsibilities

• Establish, disconnect or reconnect water/electric service for customers.
• Read meters and enter readings into the system.
• Field residential complaints and provide customer service.
• Monitor smart meter system and respond to alerts.
• Compare current vs. previous usage and report variances.
• Perform water meter pressure tests as requested.
• Shut off non-paying meters via smart meter system and reconnect.
• Inspect services for unauthorized connections or damage.
• Raise/lower water meter cans, lids and valves as needed.
• Assist with other utility billing tasks and customer requests.
• Respond to emergency calls and perform related duties.

Skills

Mathematics

Meter maintenance

Basic computing

Customer service

Education

High school diploma or GED

Valid driver’s license

Tools

Word

Outlook

Excel

Job description

• Location 120 E MAIN ST,GARDNER, KS, 66030-1310,United States
• Base Pay $20.00 - $25.15 / Hour
• Job Category Non-Exempt
• Employee Type Full Time

Contact information

• Name Human Resources
• Phone [phone]

Description

METER TECHNICIAN I

Department: Utilities

Reports To: Utilities Manager

Salary Range: 2

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt (eligible for overtime pay)

Last Update: October 15, 2026

Job Summary:

Under the supervision of the Utilities Manager, the Meter Technician will perform semi-skilled manual and semi-skilled manual and semi-technical work involving maintenance, installation, test reading, leak detection and water pressure testing of water meters used by residential and commercial customers. This requires physical labor and the use of hand tools and small power tools, and equipment. Perform utility work orders and utility disconnects/ reconnects, and other customer service duties as assigned.

Job Scope:

The Meter Technician is responsible for all meters and communicators, maintenance, testing, disconnecting, reconnecting, troubleshooting meters, reading meters, smart meter tracking, reporting, leak detection, and water pressure testing and assisting with customer requests and complaints. Depending on the nature of the assignment, this employee may work as part of a group or work independently after being given assigned work orders and monitoring the smart meter system alerts and reports.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Establish/disconnect or reconnect water and electric service to customers.
• Reads water and electric meters and enters readings on the associated work order or into the computer system.
• Field residential complaints from customers and provide good customer service.
• Monitor the smart meter system for electric and water alerts, evaluate and determine course of action.
• Compares current usage with previous usage and report any unusual variation to the consumer and supervisors in a timely manner.
• Perform customer requested water meter pressure test.
• Shut-off non-paying meters thru smart meter system and perform reconnections.
• Inspect services for unauthorized connections, defects, and damage, such as broken seals and reports conditions requiring attention to proper authority.
• Raise or lower water meter cans, lids and valves.
• Thaw frozen meters in the winter when necessary.
• Assists as necessary with other utility billing functions.
• Responds to calls in emergencies.
• Performs other related duties as deemed necessary or as required.

Education, Certification and Experience Requirements:

High school diploma or GED. Requires the possession of a valid driver’s license and a good driving record.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:

General knowledge of mathematics, meter equipment maintenance, and basic computer skills. Ability to make simple mathematical calculations with speed and accuracy. Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions. Ability to communicate tactfully and courteously with other employees and the general public verbally and written. Limited Computer skills which include but not limited to Word, Outlook and Excel. Ability to solve problems and manage time efficiently. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with supervisors, other employees, and the general public.

Tools and Equipment Used:

City issued vehicle, water pump, laptop, metal detector, miscellaneous hand tools, small equipment, telephone, and computer software.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee must have good vision to read meters accurately, the ability to walk long distances over uneven terrain in adverse weather conditions to complete meter routes, and the ability to lift meter lids. Must be capable of occasionally lifting or moving objects weighing from twenty (20) to fifty (50) pounds. Requires flexibility of body, manual dexterity and hand/eye coordination adequate to use equipment as assigned.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, this position functions primarily on a job site. Adverse weather conditions including prolonged exposure to temperature and precipitation extremes are a factor. Deadlines must be met regardless of weather conditions.

Selection Guidelines:

Formal application, rating of education and experience; and successful completion of oral interview; reference check; physical and drug screen; and background checks are required. Job related tests including assessments may be required.

The City of Gardner is an equal opportunity employer. Any applicant/employee with a disability as defined in the Americans with Disabilities Act may request an accommodation to perform the functions of this position. Requests should be directed to the immediate supervisor.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.