Utility Service Worker (Meter Reader)

City of Valdosta; Valdosta (GA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Valdosta is seeking a Meter Reader to read and record water usage data, perform minor meter maintenance, and assist with disconnects/reconnections for nonpayment. The role involves driving routes, troubleshooting meters, and communicating with customers and contractors.

Ideal candidates will have knowledge of meter operations, basic math, and a valid Georgia driver’s license, with 1–2 years in a related role or an apprenticeship. Must be able to work with handheld devices and basic tools.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of department safety policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of utility meter operations and maintenance principles.
• Knowledge of area streets and roads.
• Knowledge of vehicle maintenance principles.
• Skill in the use of handheld computers and job-related software.
• Skill in the operation of assigned vehicles and equipment.
• Skill in the use of hand and power tools.
• Skill in problem solving.
• Skill in interpersonal relations.
• Skills in oral and written communication.
• Ability to read, write and perform basic mathematical calculations.
• Experience via apprenticeship/internship or 1–2 years in a similar role.
• Possession of or ability to obtain a valid Georgia driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Assisting in reading water utility meters and minor maintenance.
• Operate a vehicle to read and record water usage data.
• Locate malfunctioning meters; troubleshoot and repair minutely.
• Replace meter lids and boxes; change endpoints/antennas and meters.
• Install meters for existing accounts where meters were pulled.
• Turn off/reconnect meters for nonpayment after payment.
• Connect water service for new customers.
• Re-read and QC meters as assigned.
• Visit customers/contractors regarding meter issues and high bills.
• Collect meter data using cell phone or tablet.
• Maintain assigned vehicle and equipment.
• Issue door tags/messages from Customer Service.
• Perform other related duties.

Skills

Safety policies

Meter operations

Area streets knowledge

Vehicle maintenance

Handheld computers

Job-related software

Vehicle operation

Hand and power tools

Problem solving

Interpersonal relations

Oral and written communication

Basic math

Driver's license (GA)

Education

Apprenticeship/Internship or 1–2 years equivalent

Tools

Handheld computers

Job-related software

Hand and power tools

Job description

Job Description

This position is responsible for assisting in the reading of water utility meters and minor maintenance of them; disconnecting and reconnection of water accounts

• Operates a vehicle along an assigned route to read and record water usage data using our AMI cellular system or manually.
• Locates malfunctioning meters; troubleshoots and makes minor repairs.
• Replaces and repairs meter lids and boxes.
• Changes out endpoints/antennas and meters.
• Install water meters for existing accounts where meters have been pulled in the past.
• Turns off and locks meters for nonpayment; reconnects them once paid.
• Connects water service for new customers.
• Re-reads and Q. C’s meters as assigned.
• Rechecks and visits with customers, contractors regarding meter issues and high bills.
• Collect meter data using cell phone or tablet.
• Maintains assigned vehicle and equipment.
• Issues door tags and messages from Customer Service to customers.
• Performs other related duties.

Requirements

• Knowledge of department safety policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of utility meter operations and maintenance principles.
• Knowledge of area streets and roads.
• Knowledge of vehicle maintenance principles.
• Skill in the use of handheld computers and job-related software.
• Skill in the operation of assigned vehicles and equipment.
• Skill in the use of hand and power tools.
• Skill in problem solving.
• Skill in interpersonal relations.
• Skills in oral and written communication.
• Ability to read, write and perform basic mathematical calculations.
• Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years.
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver’s license issued by the State of Georgia for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.