WATER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

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, performs a variety of field service duties including meter reading, inspection, maintenance and customer service oriented work related to the water distribution system; serves as leadworker to water meter reading staff; reads meters either manually or by hand-held equipment; performs duties related to a full range of service orders including to turn meters on/off, perform re-reads, and replace lids at customer request; and ensures quality customer service to City consumers.

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.

• Performs a variety of field service duties including meter reading, inspection, maintenance and customer service oriented work related to the water distribution system.
• Uploads and downloads information to and from hand-held meter reading devices; dispatches and prints field orders including shut-offs for non-payment.
• Investigates unusual readings and customer complaints regarding high bills, taste and odor, and pressure related problems; re-reads meters as necessary; resolves problems or prepares work orders for follow-up.
• Performs customer service duties in the field as necessary including service turn-ons and turn-offs and hanging door hangers related to service and delinquent accounts; assists in routing and re-routing of meters.
• Inspects meters and lines for damage or leaks; installs and exchanges water meters; repairs minor leaks; replaces meter lids; reports inoperative or damaged meters, bypassed meters and related problems; clears or reports meters obstructed by landscaping; prepares service requests as necessary.
• Serve as leadworker to water meter reading staff; train assigned employees in their areas of work including water meter reading methods, procedures and techniques.
• Provides assistance to meter readers; determines safe routes; provides training on meter operations and proper meter reading techniques
• Operates City vehicles; inspects and fuels vehicles and performs minor maintenance; orders parts and supplies as necessary.
• Observes safe work methods and safety precautions.
• 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:

• Operations, services, and activities of a meter reading program.
• Principles of lead supervision and training.
• Practices, methods, techniques and materials used in reading, maintaining, troubleshooting, operating and repairing water meters.
• Operational characteristics of meter reading devices and related tools and equipment.
• Geography of assigned route and location of meters.
• Principles and practices of customer service and public relations.
• Basic mathematical principles.
• Principles and practices of record keeping.
• Standard water utility billing procedures.
• Occupational hazards and standard safety procedures.
• Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications.

Ability to:

• Maintain and perform minor repairs on water meters.
• Lead, organize, and review the work of assigned staff.
• Read and accurately record water meter readings.
• Upload and download information into hand-held devices.
• Read and interpret maps and plans.
• Complete and maintain accurate records and reports.
• Perform arithmetic computations quickly and accurately.
• Deal tactfully and courteously with the public, often in difficult or strained circumstances.
• Maintain good customer relations with consumers.
• Safely and effectively operate the tools and equipment used in water meter installation and maintenance.
• Identify and report meter discrepancies or malfunctions.
• Operate desktop and laptop computers and software associated with area of assignment.
• Work independently in the absence of supervision.
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• 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.

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: Two years of experience in reading or servicing utility meters and performing general maintenance.

License or Certificate - Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid driver’s license. Possession of a valid Grade 1 Water Distribution Operator certificate.

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: Office and field environment; travel from site to site; exposure to noise and all types of weather and temperature conditions; exposure to hazardous traffic conditions; work in or around water; work and/or walk on various types of surfaces including slippery or uneven surfaces and rough terrain.

Physical: Incumbents require sufficient mobility to work in a field environment; walk, stand, and sit for prolonged periods of time; frequently stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb, reach, and twist; push, pull, lift, and/or carry moderate to heavy amounts of weights; operate assigned equipment and vehicles; ability to verbally communicate to exchange information.

Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to read computer screens, distinguish color and read printed documents.

Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

Date: January 2007
Johnson & Associates