Meter Reader

The Water and Sewer Meter Operations is a division within the Finance Department. This division is in charge of water meter reading, installation, repair, and testing of meters within the water utility service area.

This employee operates a motor vehicle to travel throughout the water service area, fulfilling work orders related to residential and commercial water meter usage. They obtain meter readings manually or by using an electronic device, report issues such as improper readings to customer service, and provide route and meter-related information for account connections. This position is on-call on a rotating basis.

• Meter Reading and Data Collection:
  Performs required meter reading tasks for residential and commercial properties based on daily work orders. Records and rechecks meter readings to ensure accuracy.
• Vehicle Operation and Route Management:
  Operates a truck or vehicle along assigned routes to complete meter readings, maintenance, and connectivity. Ensures all necessary meter readings are collected during each route.
• Service Management and Notifications:
  Turns water service on or off as directed by the supervisor. Serves as the primary contact for turn on/off emergencies. Leaves City-issued documents or notices with property owners, placing them on doors when the owner is unavailable.
• Reporting and Maintenance:
  Reports meter conditions to supervisory staff for repairs or replacements. Performs routine maintenance on meters.
• Customer Interaction and Problem Resolution:
  Documents complaints or inquiries from citizens and business owners, forwarding them to customer service staff for resolution. Reports any issues with meter readings or equipment to the meter operations supervisor.
• Additional Responsibilities:
  Performs other related duties as required.

• Meter Reading Tools and Techniques:
  Familiarity with the necessary tools (including iPads), materials, and practices for reading and maintaining water meters.
• Mathematics and Communication:
  Strong foundation in basic math and English grammar to ensure precise readings and accurate reporting of findings and complaints.
• Geographical Knowledge:
  Understanding of the City’s geographical layout for servicing meters and route planning.
• Effective Communication:
  Ability to interact with various individuals, utilizing effective verbal and written communication techniques.

• Workplace Safety:
  Awareness of safety practices required when working in the field and on private property, ensuring safe operations.
• Problem Reporting:
  Ability to identify and report unusual conditions or safety hazards related to meter reading.

• Instruction Comprehension:
  Ability to understand and follow detailed instructions for completing tasks.
• Public and Coworker Relations:
  Ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with both the public and coworkers for smooth operations.
• Independent Work:
  Capability to operate a motor vehicle, work independently, and efficiently complete assigned work.

• High School Diploma or GED equivalency and some work experience in reading and maintaining utility meters, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Valid North Carolina Driver's License

• Valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) may be required

• Work in this class is described as medium and frequently requires physical exertion to complete tasks and move objects.
• Work typically involves the ability to physically perform the basic operational functions of balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, talking, and hearing.
• Employee is required to have close visual acuity to prepare and analyze data and figures, take and record readings of water meters, perform visual inspection of small defects and parts, and user measurement devices.
• The employee is subject to hazards including a variety of physical conditions such as proximity to moving mechanical parts, electrical current, oils and atmospheric conditions such as fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases.
• Working conditions include both inside and outside environmental conditions, specifically weather.

FLSA Status:
Non-Exempt

Inclement Weather Classification:
Non-Essential