Water Meter Technician

Craven County; New Bern (NC); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Craven County's Water Department seeks a Field Technician to perform technical field work on Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) water meters. You will locate, maintain, repair and replace meters, record readings and manage connections and disconnections as directed.

Independent work with safety compliance is essential. Requirements include a high school diploma or GED, and a valid North Carolina driver's license with a clean record.

Qualifications

• Graduation from high school or equivalent (GED) and some experience in meter reading or mechanical repair work; or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Possession of a valid North Carolina driver’s license with a clean driving record.

Responsibilities

• Maintains, tests and repairs AMI water meters.
• Operates AMI drive-by system using transceiver to obtain water meter readings on assigned route.
• Downloads daily meter readings to computer.
• Assists with meter installation, repair, and basic troubleshooting in the field.
• Performs manual readings and verifies irregular readings.
• Connects and disconnects water meters as directed for nonpayment and payment.
• Maintains area around meter boxes for safe access.
• Ensures safety procedures are followed during all field activities.

Skills

Meter reading

Safety awareness

Public interaction

Troubleshooting

Manual labor

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

AMI drive-by system

AMI handheld device

Metering tools

Job description

Performs technical field work for the County Water Department associated with maintenance, repair and replacement of Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) water meters. Work involves locating meters, maintaining and repairing meters, replacing meter boxes, recording meter readings and performing meter connections and disconnections as directed. Employee must exercise initiative and independent judgement while performing the essential job function. Employee must exercise tact and courtesy while dealing with the public. Employee must ensure all safety policies and procedures are followed. Work is performed independently under the general supervision of Administrative Officer I.

• Maintains, tests and repairs AMI water meters.
• Operates AMI drive-by system using transceiver to obtain water meter readings on assigned route. Downloads daily meter readings to computer.
• Assures AMI water meters are registering properly and verifies irregular meter readings. Investigates and troubleshoots non-transmitting AMI water meters.
• Performs minor repairs within scope of authority and training including repairing broken meter boxes, replacing faulty meters; which often requires hand-digging.
• Programs smart points (transmitters). Performs preventative maintenance, runs audits, and checks wires and smart points.
• Operates and maintains AMI system handheld device.
• Generates stale meter reports and completes manual reading of the meters listed. Acquires manual readings of meters as directed or requested by customers to ensure accuracy.
• Verifies vacant meters are not used for unauthorized consumption. Reports water meter tampering.
• Connects and disconnects water meters as directed for nonpayment and payment.
• Identifies and reports water service line leaks.
• Maintains area around meter boxes to ensure adequate access.
• Operates and maintains vehicles and equipment in accordance with all safety regulations and procedures; identifies and reports mechanical problems requiring additional repair.

Additional Job Functions

• May be required to serve during times of disaster.
• May be required to assist field technicians and plant operators.
• Performs other related work as required.

Graduation from high school or equivalent (GED) and some experience in meter reading or mechanical repair work; or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Special Requirements

Possession of a valid North Carolina driver’s license with a clean driving record.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Working knowledge of the methods and procedures involved in water meter installation and repair.
• Working knowledge of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) safety guidelines.
• General knowledge of the principles of plumbing and mechanical maintenance as applicable to water distribution systems.
• General knowledge of modern office procedures and equipment.
• Skill in operation of equipment and tools necessary for locating and unearthing water meter boxes.
• Skill in AMI water meter maintenance, repair and operation as well as AMI hardware and software.
• Ability to safely use and properly care for tools, equipment, and materials used in the installation, maintenance, and repair of water meters.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to compute mathematical calculations accurately.
• Ability to exercise tact and courtesy when dealing with customers and the general public.
• Ability to effectively plan, organize and/or prioritize daily assignments and work activities.
• Ability to use technology to complete and accurately document work assignments.
• Ability to perform manual labor for extended periods of time, in extreme temperatures and inclement weather.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments.