Utility Field Representative

City of El Centro (CA); El Centro (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of El Centro is seeking a Water Meter Reader to read water meters, maintain services on assigned routes, and explain billing procedures to customers. You will install, test, and maintain meters, investigate leaks, and respond to customer inquiries using a tablet.

Under supervision, you will report problems, complete daily records, and work with field staff to ensure accurate meter readings and reliable service. A valid California driver’s license and a high school diploma are required.

Qualifications

• Requires knowledge of water meter readings and data recording methods.
• Requires basic math skills.
• Knowledge of procedures for shutting off/restoring water services and installing temporary meters.
• Knowledge of safe use of small hand tools.
• Awareness of safety rules and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Read water meters and enter readings on a portable tablet.
• Investigate water leaks and malfunctioning meters.
• Connect and disconnect water services.
• Install temporary meters for construction projects.
• Respond to trouble orders and customer complaints regarding water and billing.

Skills

Meter reading

Math skills

Small tools

Public interaction

Independence

Safety rules

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

CA Driver’s License

Distribution I license within 18 months

Tools

Tablet device

City software

Job description

Summary

Under general supervision, reads water meters and maintains services for customers on assigned routes; installs, test and maintains water meters; investigates complaints, reports problems, and explains City meter reading and billing procedures to customers; performs related responsibilities as required.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Received work assignments and supervision from the Water Treatment Plant Supervisor, Water Treatment Plant Chief Operator, or Lead Utility Field Representative.

Essential Job Functions

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include tasks, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics. The following list is not a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks.

• Reads water meter and enters readings into a portable tablet.


• Investigates water leaks and reports of malfunctioning water meters.


• Connects and disconnects water services.


• Installs temporary water meters for construction projects.


• Responds to trouble orders and complaints regarding water, service.


• Uses small hand tools such as pipe wrenches, ratchets, crescent wrenches, and channel locks to install, inspect, replace, and repair the water meters.


• Confirms water meter readings and responds to customer questions or complaints regarding services and billing procedures.


• Report unlawful use of City water.


• Completes daily work records.

The preceding activities have been provided as examples of the types of work performed by positions assigned to this job classification. The City reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind work assignments as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of

• Knowledge of water meter readings and data recording methods.


• Knowledge of basic math.


• Knowledge of procedures for shutting off and restoring water services and installing temporary water meters


• Knowledge of safe and efficient use of small hand tools and equipment.


• Knowledge of work safety rules and procedures.

Skill to

• Skill to operate a service vehicle.


• Skill to use small hand and power tools such as wrenches, ratchets, and channel locks to turn on/off service.


• Skill to operate a computer tablet device


• Skill to conduct flow meter tests.


• Skill to replace gaskets, coupling, and valve heads.


• Skill to understand basic computer software.

Ability to

• Ability to read and understand water meter readings in tablets.


• Ability to connect and disconnect water services.


• Ability to investigate sources of water leaks.


• Ability to install, test and replace water meters.


• Ability to communicate and work cooperatively with co-workers, supervisors, and the general public.


• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.


• Ability to complete basic work activity records and time reports.


• Ability to work independently in the field.


• Ability to work in traffic, inside excavated holes, and intense heat given seasonal conditions.

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

(6) six months of full-time plumbing experience.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Required

• High School Diploma or equivalent.


• Current California C Driver’s License and acceptable driving record must be maintained.

Desirable

Some prior Public Works, water maintenance, public contact or field operations experience; ability to speak Spanish is desirable.

LICENSING/CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Must possess a Distribution I license or higher California Distribution Operator Certificate within 18 months of appointment.

Environmental Factors and Conditions/Physical Requirements

• Frequently required to stand, walk, kneel, bend, and stoop.


• Frequently required to use hands and fingers to handle, grip, grasp, or feel objects, tools, or controls.


• Frequently required to push, push and reach forward and downward with hands and arms.


• Occasionally required to talk in person on a one-to-one basis, over the telephone or two-way radio.


• Occasionally required to sit, climb, and maintain balance.


• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 75 pounds.


• Frequently works in outside weather conditions.


• Frequently exposed to fumes or airborne particles.


• Frequently exposed to direct sunlight, extreme heat, and moderate cold.


• Occasionally works near moving mechanical parts.


• Occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions.


• Occasionally exposed to combustible, toxic, or caustic chemicals.


• Occasionally exposed to vibration due to equipment use.


• Exposed to moderate noise levels in the work environment.

Equipment and Tools Utilized

• Personal computer, copier, fax and other office equipment; pens, pencils and other office tools.


• City Vehicles.


• Radios, cell phones and/or other communication devices.


• Tablets and specialized software.