Utility Service Representative (Water Meter Reader)

City of Gainesville, TX; Gainesville (TX); On-site; USD 21,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Gainesville is seeking a Meter Reader to collect water usage readings for billing and to perform related field duties. You will drive to meter locations, record readings, and assist the public with utility information.

Responsibilities include handling meter re-reads, installing/removing meters, and assisting with service connections and disconnections. A valid driver's license is required and no prior experience is necessary.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of location of streets and addresses.
• Knowledge of City policies and procedures regarding utility service.
• Basic mathematical and computer principles.

Responsibilities

• Read water meters on assigned routes and record readings.
• Prepare work orders and clear area around meter boxes for accessibility.
• Explain utility service policies to the public and assist with inquiries.

Skills

Meter reading

Public information

Basic math

Customer service

Drive safely

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

To collect meter readings for utility service billing; to provide a variety of utility services including completing work orders; connecting, transferring and disconnecting service, performing rereads and clearing area around meter boxes; and to provide information to the public regarding utility billing.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Essential Functions:

• Drive to water meter locations throughout the day; read water meters on an assigned route; record reading information on hand held meter device; report any abnormal readings, leaks, damages or tampering.
• Perform re-reads on meters when unusually low or high readings have been recorded.
• Re-sequence routes as necessary.
• Prepare work orders for water shop; clear area around meter boxes for accessibility.
• Clean and service assigned City vehicle; maintain proper fluid levels; have minor repairs completed as necessary.
• Answer questions and provide information to the public; investigate complaints and recommend corrective action as necessary to resolve complaints.
• Collect payments/issue receipts on delinquent accounts while in the field if customer request; put payment and receipt copy in drop box.
• Be available and on call after hours until approximately 8:00 p.m. weeknights and alternating weekends 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. unless otherwise specified by the Utilities Supervisor.
• Handle problems with hand held equipment; send for repairs.
• Install and reset meter boxes and lids throughout the City as directed.
• Make repairs and test meters in the field.
• Repair or replace broken curb stops.
• Install meters for new service and remove meter for disconnects.

Additional Duties:

• Assist utility maintenance staff as directed.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Location of various streets and addresses.
• City policies and procedures regarding utility service.
• Common causes and remedies for consumption problems.
• Pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations.
• Basic mathematical and computer principles.

Ability to:

• Investigate and determine reasons for unusual water consumption, low pressure and other service problems.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Explain City utility service policies and procedures in a tactful and effective manner.
• Work outdoors in adverse weather.
• Work independently.
• Operate and use a variety of tools and equipment necessary for the performance of assigned duties.
• Interpret and apply Federal, State and local policies, procedures, laws and regulations.
• Establish and maintain cooperative-working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Drive safely and observe all traffic laws.

Experience and Training Guidelines:

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

Experience:

No experience is required.

Education/Training:

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.

License(s)/Certification(s):

Possession of valid driver's license required.

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.

• Regularly required to walk up to four (4) miles daily.
• Regularly required to use arms and hands to lift meter lids and clear/clean area around and in meter boxes.
• Occasionally required to climb fences to reach meter.
• Regularly required to bend, kneel, stoop, and crouch.
• Regularly requires a great deal of hand and arm movement.
• Occasionally move and/or lift weights up to 50 pounds.
• Vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounter while performing the essential functions of this job.

• Regularly works in outside weather conditions.
• Regularly exposed to extreme cold and extreme heat.
• Frequently exposed to fumes or airborne particles
• Occasionally works in precarious places.
• Occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions.
• Noise level is usually moderate.
• Frequently exposed to dangers related to dogs, cats, insects, spiders, and snakes.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This job description is not an employment agreement, contact agreement, or contract. Management has exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.