Grade 16 - Starting hourly rate: $20.7007. Rate of pay depends on qualifications.

JOB SUMMARY

The Meter Technician installs, resets, removes, and tests water meters; responds to and diagnoses customer calls for leaks or no water on a daily basis; and maintains the water distribution infrastructure within and including the meter box while promoting and practicing a safe working environment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

All Specialties

• Performs administrative duties to support field personnel activities by updating work orders and services requests in the computerized maintenance management system (INFOR) with findings, resource usage, and completion status. Creates follow-up work orders for other groups as necessary.
• Utilizes GIS (GeoCortex), block maps, and/or as-built drawings in performing daily assignments.
• Coordinates and prioritizes schedules, assignments, equipment, and materials to ensure completion of daily assignments and projects.
• Organizes, cleans and maintains vehicle, tools, equipment, and facilities used to test and repair meters, stocks vehicle with the necessary tools and supplies.
• Assists with the setup of work zone traffic control and promotes and practices a safe working environment.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships and public relations.
• Corresponds regularly with supervisor via email to understand priorities and communicate items requiring immediate attention and external follow-up.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Meters

• Removes defective meters, generally up to 3-inches in diameter; installs new meters; replaces/resets meter boxes.
• Repairs water service leaks within the meter box.
• Responds to reports of leaks, broken meters, no water complaints, and service line repairs; makes field inspections and diagnoses problems in response to customer inquiries; makes repairs when problems are SAWS’ responsibility and advises customer of needed repairs when leaks are not SAWS’ responsibility.
• Installs, activates, programs, reads, inspects, routes, tests, and replaces automated meter infrastructure equipment; programs and assigns water meters and communication devices to customer properties electronically.
• Organizes and maintains facility and/or vehicle parts inventories to ensure adequate tools and equipment required for testing, installation and repair of water meters and communication devices.
• Assists in testing meters in the Meter Shop and in the field.
• Operates a variety of hand tools and equipment in the removal, installation, adjustment, repair and servicing of meters.
• Reads residential, commercial and industrial meters, as required during repairs or meter sets.

DECISION MAKING

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Six (6) months’ experience in any utility work, minor plumbing repairs and/or any construction trades.
• Basic PC skills including Microsoft Word and Outlook.
• General skill in the use of simple hand tools and battery-operated hand tools.
• Valid Class “C” Texas Driver’s License.
• Perform position specific physical testing.
• Ability to report to work on time, maintain a good attendance record, and work all designated work schedules.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Class “D” Texas Water Operator’s License
• Bilingual in English/Spanish.
• Experience utilizing the INFOR (Hansen) computerized maintenance management system.

JOB DIMENSIONS

• Exercises extreme caution and understanding of safety policies and procedures.
• Communicates effectively, verbally and in writing, with internal and external customers.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

Physical requirements include lifting/carrying up to 10 pounds frequently and up to 55 pounds occasionally. Subject to standing, sitting, walking, climbing, bending, crawling, squatting, kneeling, and working in cramped and strained positions for long periods of time to perform job scope.

Working conditions are primarily outside, exposed to wet, humid, or extreme weather conditions; slippery, uneven surfaces; excessive noise; heavy traffic; and animals, snakes and poisonous insects and poisonous plants. Operates company vehicle on a daily basis.