Water Meter Reader I

POSITION DESCRIPTION: Under limited supervision, performs duties necessary to obtain water meter readings to insure accurate utility billing statements.  Position is responsible for reading routes in a manner that will meet deadlines when reads are due.  Incumbents interact with the general public by respecting private property, providing information and assistance as it relates to the department's activities/services, rules and regulations requiring thorough knowledge of departmental policies, procedures and activities.  Problems may require intermediate analysis and interpretation of data. 


Scope of Responsibility:

Primary responsibility is to ensure all water meters throughout the City are read on a monthly basis.  This position will be responsible to read meters, assure all routes are read in a timely manner and assure reads are imported correctly into utility billing system. PRIMARY RESPONSIBLITIES:  

1. Read residential and commercial water meters and record data reflecting monthly usage.
   1. Inspects meters to assure proper function and reports defects or problems as they are discovered.
   2. Interacts with water billing department to exchange information as requested or as necessary; interactions occasionally involve the exchange of detailed and/or technical information.
   3. Using knowledge of department operations and procedures, resolves most public informational requests without referring them to a supervisor or other staff;
   4. Receives and responds to complaints of both a routine and confidential nature requiring knowledge of departmental policies, procedures, activities, and rules;
   5. Refers issues and concerns to the appropriate party for resolution as necessary;
   6. Exercises courtesy in communicating with citizens and members of the work unit to provide information relating to the work assignment and progress of work or to convey information about conditions or work related needs.
   7. Ensure all reads are accurately uploaded into utility billing system.
2.  Performs other support activities.
   1. Informs Water Meter Service Technicians of repairs that need to be completed;
   2. Monitors the condition and operation of vehicle and performs or arranges for repairs and maintenance;
       
3. Performs all job duties in compliance with safety guidelines and with an ongoing awareness of safety practices.
   1. Knows and follows department and city rules as well as sound work and safety practices in order to accomplish the job objectives and avoid injury or loss;
   2. Wears proper protective equipment when policy requires or conditions indicate a need exists and utilizes proper body mechanics and ergonomics while performing work;
   3. When potentially unsafe conditions are observed makes efforts to avoid or correct them if they are controllable and draws them to the attention of the responsible supervisor or safety representative in a timely manner.
4. Performs other duties and activities as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: The job requires High School diploma or GED and one or more years of previous work experience with attention to detail and meeting deadlines or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.  A valid driver's license will be required.

 Knowledge, skills and abilities include:

• Requires basic knowledge of governmental policies and procedures;
• Requires advanced knowledge of meter reading software and water billing software;
• Requires basic knowledge of utility billing services;
• Requires excellent interpersonal and customer service skills, especially in person;
• Knowledge of public works procedures, practices and common structure and relationship within the governmental unit;
• Requires strong attention to detail;
• Ability to work in a high pressure environment within established deadlines;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others within the work unit.
   

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Most work is performed primarily outdoors in all weather conditions.  Work requires continuous walking in all weather conditions. Work is generally light to medium  with considerable variety.  Work involves carrying multiple meter reading devices.  Lifting, stooping, reaching are involved in retrieving water meter reads.  There is considerable attention to detail and stringent deadlines.  Work involves travel frequently about the city.    The job may involve dealing with and calming individuals who are emotionally charged over an issue.

 Activities include stooping, standing, walking, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing/listening, seeing/observing, repetitive motions. 

 Medium Work:  Work is classified as medium work exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently or constantly to move objects.

 Some requirements in this job description may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.  All requirements are subject to modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

 Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and experience required.  To perform this job successfully, the worker must possess the abilities and aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently.

This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" employment relationship.  The City Administrator retains the discretion to add duties or change the duties of this position at any time.

Employment contingent on successful passing of background, drug screen and pre-placement medical evaluation.