M&O

WATER METER READER

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

Under general supervision, reads, records and reports readings water meters using a hand-held meter reading computer; interacts with customers and addresses questions and resolves complaints; reports abnormal or suspicious meter conditions or usage patterns; makes field repairs to meters; and performs related duties as assigned.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Reads and records consumer water meters in accordance with an assigned schedule and route; identifies sites for meter reading and uses maps to establish a systematic route; enters meter readings into a hand-held meter reading computer; ensures accuracy of readings.
• Examines meters for signs of tampering and reports inoperative, leaking, malfunctioning, or damaged meters and registers; tags property; reports hazards including gas odors and exposed electrical wiring; reports violations of backflow prevention.
• Answers general questions regarding billing or other utilities-related subjects; advises the public of rules, codes and procedures; instructs the public on reading meters and calculating consumptions for personal records; relays inquiries to Meter Reader Supervisor when appropriate.
• Posts non-payment notices; posts sign-up or shut-down notices; turns water services on and off as required; makes appointments for readings to be re-checked.
• Makes field repairs to water meters and performs routine maintenance; pulls meters for calibration; cleans brush, dirt or vines away from meter boxes using appropriate equipment and tools; generates requests to Maintenance and Operations for larger repairs.
• Suggests changes to improve routing and meter location information.
• Locates water meters for work and construction crews.
• Assists in making emergency repairs to water mains.
• Performs related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

Knowledge of:

• Operation and appropriate usage of various types of water meters.
• Operational characteristics of general maintenance and construction equipment and tools used in work activities.
• Operational characteristics of hand held and radio meter reading equipment.
• Basic map reading.
• Geography of the area and location of meters.
• Principles of customer service. Basic mathematical principles.
• Modern office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers.
• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
• Principles and practices of record keeping and reporting.
• Occupational hazards and standard safety practices.
• Safe driving principles and practices.

Ability to:

• Operate a hand-held meter reading computer.
• Safely operate a motor vehicle.
• Accurately and efficiently take meter readings.
• Interpret and apply policies, procedures, laws, and regulations pertaining to meter reading programs and functions.
• Read maps and follow a prescribed route and schedule.
• Perform mathematical calculations at a level necessary for successful job performance.
• Respond to requests and inquiries from the public.
• Work independently in the absence of supervision.
• Maintains records used in the course of work.
• Utilize standard office equipment including computers and related software applications.
• Ensure adherence to safe work practices and procedures.
• Learn and apply new information or new skills.
• Follow oral and written instructions.
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions.
• Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Work cooperatively with others.

Education and Experience Guidelines - Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education/Training: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.

Experience: One year of public contact experience is desirable.

License or Certificate - Incumbents must possess a valid Class “C” California driver’s license at the time of application.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Environment: Work is performed primarily outdoors while walking or driving, with occasional indoor office work. Constant exposure to: moving mechanical parts at construction sites and from heavy equipment; excessive noise from traffic and train tracks; dust, gas fumes, or chemicals while walking or driving; blood borne pathogens and other biohazards in meter boxes; and falling objects on site and at construction locations. Frequent exposure to extreme temperatures, humidity, rain; slippery or uneven surfaces and rough terrain; moving mechanical parts; excessive noise and vibration from meter repair equipment, compressors, traffic, trains and while operating a vehicle. Work is occasionally performed at heights while working on embankments or inclines.

Physical: CONSTANT sitting while driving or in meetings; walking meter routes and at construction sites; balancing on hills, embankments and ledges; stooping, squatting; bending at the neck and waist to drive, read and perform low level work; reaching below the shoulder; pushing and pulling of materials/equipment into and out of the truck and of meter lids; fine manipulation, simple grasping and repetitive use of hands to use hand held processor, read meters and operate a computer; lifting and carrying of meter lids, sticks and other equipment weighing up to 50 pounds; driving to and from meter locations. FREQUENT kneeling, climbing; twisting at the neck and waist; power grasping to shovel, use a meter stick, lifting and opening the vehicle; lifting and carrying of meters and lids weighing up to 75 pounds. OCCASIONAL standing, crawling, and climbing to read meters and traverse hills, embankments and ledges; reaching above the shoulder; and lifting and carrying meter boxes and lids weighing up to 100 pounds.

Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to operate a vehicle and equipment; read computer screens, meters, and printed documents.

Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction to listen for signs of danger, operate a radio and communicate with others.

December 2007
Revised by MH/Department

February 1981
Revised by JK