Automated Meter Infrastructure (AMI) Technician

City of Lacey•Lacey, WA

52d

About The Position

Reporting to the Utility Billing Supervisor, under general supervision, this position performs customer service duties in the field for water customers and the Finance Department. Please note: The Hiring Manager reserves the right to make changes to this posting at any time. First round interviews are tentatively scheduled for December 12th, 2025. This recruitment may be used to fill other positions of the same job classification. Once all the position(s) from the recruitment announcement are filled, the recruitment may only be used to fill additional open positions for the next six (6) months.These duties include but are not limited to the following:

Requirements

A H.S. Diploma or equivalent, OR any combination of experience, education, and training that would provide the level of knowledge and ability required.
Applicant will have the ability to obtain a valid industrial first aid card within 6 months of hire.
Must pass a background investigation.
Must be bondable.
Must maintain a level of physical and mental fitness necessary to perform the essential functions of the position.
Must possess a valid Washington State driver's license at time of hire OR must obtain within 30 days from date of hire, and must have a driving record acceptable to the City and the City's insurance carrier. This position requires a high degree of travel each day between work locations.
Verification of identity and United States work authorization must be complete as required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act.
Knowledge of Customer service principles.
Applicable mechanical systems.
Computers
Skill in Use of hand tools and other pieces of equipment required to make repairs.
Data collection.
Ability to Install water meters as well as operate, maintain, and or repair water meters, MTUs, and DCUs.
Learn appropriate software necessary to complete the essential tasks of the position.
Accurately perform necessary mathematical calculations.
Work with limited supervision.
Understand and follow oral and/or written instructions, polices, and procedures.
Prepare and present accurate and reliable reports containing findings and recommendations.
Perform preventative maintenance of meter valves involving exercising valves by turning them on and off, verifying the number of turns on valves, and inspecting and reporting deficiencies or problems with valves.
Prioritize work orders and ensure that customers are served in a timely matter.
Respond to customer questions, requests, and complaints in an open and helpful manner.
Greets the public with the conveyed message of a willingness to help and explains all water service policies readily and thoroughly. Takes the time to ensure the message is easily understood. Takes the time to ensure the message is easily understood.
Looks for opportunities to build trust, follows up on questions, researches more data if needed.
Negotiate schedule to accommodate another's needs.
Willing to use good verbal and non-verbal behavior to show an open and accepting attitude in interactions both with employees and the public.
Portray an image of knowledge, confidence, professionalism, fairness, and caring.
Dress is appropriate, clean, and in good repair as a result the City and water service professions are portrayed in a positive, service related manner.

Nice To Haves

Some experience in utility meters is desirable.
An excellent driving record.

Responsibilities

Turns water service on/off for new and existing customers.
Obtains meter reads for billing process and service order requests.
Installs, exchanges, programs, repairs and maintains meters.
Installs, exchanges and programs Meter Transmission Units (MTU) and Data Collection Units (DCU's).
Records meter locations via GPS and enters data into the City's GIS for further processing.
Troubleshoots the automated reading system; which includes checking MTU and DCU batteries, wiring, and meter registers. Reprograms or updates meters, recommends reading intervals to resolve transmission problems or determine cause of abnormal consumption.
Conducts re-reads of questionable meter readings identified through the system or customer.
Runs error/tamper reports to identify electrical/mechanical failure or detect abnormal consumption. Investigates possible cause and notifies Customer Services Supervisor of findings and if a billing adjustment needs to be made. Updates computer system after corrections have been made to the meter in question.
Checks for water leaks when metering reading system or customer indicates high consumption and notifies customer if a leak is discovered. Troubleshoots service leaks, pressure problems, and refers problems to the appropriate water crew. Repairs leaks discovered at the meter.
Delivers and hangs shut-off notices/tags for delinquent accounts.
Performs shut-offs and meter locks for delinquent accounts.
Responds to customer questions, requests, and complaints in an open and helpful manner.
Processes, enters, and uploads data into the automated meter system, the City's service order system and the City's GIS.
Updates system after maintenance or repairs are complete. Reviews data for accuracy and makes appropriate correction.
Reads and records the level of water consumption registered on water meters at businesses and residences that are not read by the automated system; maintains a record of any "unique" circumstances of a specific reading.
Maintains weekly inventory of meter and meter-related supplies and provide the utility supervisor with purchasing requests.
Maintaining overgrowth at meters so they can be easily located.
Performs similar and incidental duties as assigned.
Works overtime as assigned.
May oversee the work of part-time, seasonal, and/or temporary employees.