Utilities Meter Technician I - III (Career Path)

City of Boynton Beach; Boynton Beach (FL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Boynton Beach seeks a Meter Reader/Utility Technician to perform accurate water meter readings using handheld devices and AMI equipment, support billing, and assist with maintenance tasks. This role emphasizes safety, reliability, and strong customer service in a municipal setting.

Applicants should have a High School Diploma or equivalent, a Florida DEP Level III Water Distribution License, and a valid Florida driver’s license.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Florida DEP Level III Water Distribution License required (or obtained within 18 months).
• Valid Florida driver’s license required within 14 days of hire.

Responsibilities

• Read residential and commercial water meters with mobile or handheld devices and verify readings.
• Respond to customer service requests including connections and disconnects and assist field crews.
• Post notices and perform work to keep meter pits accessible; disconnect for non-payments as needed.
• Record reads and maintenance actions; monitor and report backflow/cross-connection information.
• Maintain safety procedures and operate meter reading equipment and tools.

Skills

Meter reading

Customer service

Safety procedures

Communication

Driving

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Florida DEP Level III Water Distribution License

Florida driver’s license

Tools

Meter reading software

AMI programming units

Hand-held devices

Job description

The purpose of this classification is to respond to customer requested disconnect and reconnects and assist with mechanical work in the repair and maintenance of water meters, utility billing processes and cross connection and control. Employees in this classification are eligible for noncompetitive career ladder promotion to Utilities Meter Technician II after meeting the established career ladder requirements.

The following duties and functions, as outlined herein, are intended to be representative of the type of tasks performed within this classification. They are not listed in any order of importance. The omission of specific statements of the duties or functions does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Reads and records consumption of residential and commercial water meters with mobile and hand-held reading devices or on work orders; verifies that readings are within parameters and troubleshoots problems related to meters and reading equipment.

Responds to customer service requests, not limited to: connections, disconnects, rereading meters, checking for leaks, etc. and may be required to respond to emergency callouts or assist the Field Operation crews with system repairs or other tasks.

Posts notices at physical locations in regard to billing, customer information, encroachment issues and perform work required to keep meter pits accessible. Performs disconnect for non-payments and locks the meter as appropriate due to delinquency of account.

Checks for unauthorized usage and illegal hook-ups. Records findings and reports to Lead or Supervisor. Assists with backflow and cross-connection control program by verifying and recording backflow device information and reporting suspicious activity.

Investigates water leaks at the meter to determine if issue is on city or customer side; informs customer or lead/supervisor of findings. Disconnect customer water as requested for necessary repair and/or maintenance work.

Maintains records of reads, work performed and materials used. Operates, maintains, and troubleshoots various equipment and tools associated with work activities, which may include electronic meters, laptop computers, tablets, automated meter infrastructure (AMI) programming units, command links, hand-held computers, hand tools, and other various supplies.

Answers general questions regarding billing or other utilities-related subjects; provides information to the public related to water meters and utility billing. Follows safety procedures, utilizes safety equipment, and monitors work environment to ensure safety of employees and other individuals.

Contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of the department service to its customers by offering suggestions and directing or participating as an active member of a team. Assists higher level Field Technician staff as assigned.

• High School Diploma or valid equivalent; and
• Possess (or obtain within eighteen (18) months of hire) and maintain a Florida Department of Environmental Protection Level III Water Distribution License.
• Possess (or obtain within fourteen (14) days of hire) and maintain a valid State of Florida driver’s license.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Qualifications for education and experience must be met before consideration of the following Preferred Qualifications:

• Working knowledge and experience working in meter maintenance, utility customer service, or water distribution.

Effectively communicates with supervisor, employees, other departments, contractors, engineers, utility companies, vendors, outside agencies, the public, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems. Accurately and expeditiously receives and delivers messages and information to the appropriate individuals. Ability to prepare accurate and thorough written records and reports. Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions and to complete assigned tasks with minimal supervisory direction. Ability to understand and quickly and accurately follow brief oral and written instructions on moderately complex matters. Ability to establish and maintain harmonious relationships with Supervisor, customers, other employees, other departments, other governmental and regulatory agencies, and the general public as needed.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge and ability to learn and operate various software utilized with the meter reading system.

Knowledge of Meter Reading & Services rules, regulations, policies, and operating procedures.

Knowledge of appropriate steps to take when shutting off and turning on a water meter.

Knowledge and ability to correctly operate and maintain equipment and tools associated with work activities.

Ability to accurately keep maintenance and calibration records, reports, and schedules.

Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing.

Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations involving meter reading.

Ability to assist customers with questions and inquiries while in the field.

Ability to safely drive a variety of light duty vehicles.

Ability to understand and follow oral and written directions.

PHYSICAL AND SENSORY REQUIREMENTS / ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS

Physical Ability

While performing plan examination functions, tasks require the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (10 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or work station. While performing inspections, tasks require the regular and, at times, sustained performance of moderately physically demanding work, typically involving some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling, and that may involve the lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of moderately heavy objects and materials (50 pounds).

Sensory Requirements

Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors, sounds, depth, texture, and visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

Environmental Factors

Plan Review essential functions are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions. Performance of inspection functions may require exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, rain, fumes, temperature and noise extremes, bright/dim light, machinery, traffic hazards, toxic agents, or heights.

VETERANS' PREFERENCE

Certain servicemembers and veterans, and the spouses and family members of such servicemembers and veterans, receive preference and priority in the City’s hiring process. Additionally, certain servicemembers may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements in employment by the City.

The City of Boynton Beach, Florida, is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO) and Affirmative Action Employer.

All applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender (including identity or expression), marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or any other protected classification as defined by applicable law (except as limited by Personnel Rules, Collective Bargaining Agreements, or bona fide occupational qualifications).

Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

protects qualified individuals with disabilities from employment discrimination. Under the ADA, a person has a disability if he/she has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity. The physical demands described within the job description are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. In compliance with the ADA, the City of Boynton Beach will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

A review of this position has excluded the marginal functions of the position that are incidental to the performance of fundamental job duties. All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions and requirements are subject to possible modifications to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbent(s) will possess the abilities and aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat of significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. Requirements are representative of the minimum level of knowledge, skills, and ability.