Utility Service Worker, Customer Field Services

City of Alexandria, LA; Alexandria (LA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Alexandria, LA is seeking a Meter Reader to perform on-site meter reading, connections, disconnections, and routine maintenance. The role includes inspecting gas, electric, and water meters, handling customer inquiries, and ensuring meter accuracy with handheld devices.

The position emphasizes safety and adherence to procedures in all field activities. Ideal candidates will have a high school diploma or GED, a valid driver's license (Louisiana license required at appointment), and

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Valid driver’s license; Louisiana license required at time of appointment.
• Gas certifications must be obtained within six months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Read meters for service connections, disconnections, and address changes.
• Respond to service calls and perform connects/disconnects.
• Inspect and maintain meters and related equipment; calibrate as needed.
• Provide information to customers on hazards and safety precautions.
• Monitor meters for tampering and report issues to supervisor.
• Operate assigned vehicle and hand-held meter-reading device; complete logs.

Skills

Meter reading

Driver's license

Customer service

Safety procedures

Gas certifications

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Handheld meter reading device

Two-way radio

Job description

• This classification performs meter reading, servicing and maintenance activities, including activating and terminating services, performing on-site inspections, and monitoring abuse of services in the field for the City of Alexandria. Work is performed under the supervision of the Supervisor, Customer Field Services and Crew Leader Customer Field Services. Position is considered essential during emergencies and is required to work during storm-related events. Position is also subject to work overtime, including holidays and weekends.Performs electric, gas and water meter servicing work, such as: responds to service calls, connects and disconnects services, inspects and lights gas appliances, and provides information to customers regarding hazards and safety precautions.


• Performs residential and commercial meter maintenance activities, such as: responds to complaints regarding meter operations, inspects and calibrates meters and connections for proper functioning, tests meters to identify leaks and safety issues, uncovers/cleans meter boxes, and reports defective parts and repair needs to appropriate personnel.


• Reads meters for service connections, disconnections, and addresses with customer name changes or accessibility issues; re-read meters with high/low consumption patterns, customer complaints or whenever accuracy of prior reading is in doubt. Verifies accuracy of serial numbers.


• Performs meter reading activities on an assigned route; records meter data into handheld computerized meter reading device and verifies accuracy of readings; troubleshoots high/low water bills; researches abnormal meter readings; re-reads meters with unusual usage levels; and verifies that meters are registering consumption accurately.


• Performs related manual work which may include cleaning out meter boxes, pumping water from meter boxes, digging dirt/debris from meter boxes, or shoveling materials.


• Performs customer service functions; provides information/assistance regarding department services, procedures, documentation, fees, or other issues; responds to routine questions and explains basic procedures per established policies; refers questions and issues to supervisor.


• Monitors meters for tampering and theft of utility services; locks water meters and removes electric and gas meters to prevent unauthorized use.


• Receives and completes service tickets, work orders, and various logs, forms and reports; forwards to appropriate personnel.


• Follows established safety procedures; monitors work environment and use of equipment to ensure safety of employees and the public.


• Communicates with supervisor, City employees, and the public to coordinate and review status of work, exchange information or resolve problems. Operates assigned vehicle, a hand-held meter-reading device and two-way radio in performance of work.


• Performs routine maintenance on assigned vehicle and equipment, conducts pre/post-trip inspections, fuels vehicle and loads materials, and reports any problems or needed repairs to appropriate personnel; completes inspection, gas usage, service logs and other documentation.High school diploma or GED; supplemented by one (1) year of experience in meter reading, meter repair, construction and maintenance work, work in adverse environmental conditions, or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Must possess a valid driver's license. Will be required to obtain a valid State of Louisiana driver’s license at time of appointment and maintain throughout employment. Must obtain required gas certifications within six (6) months of hire.