Meter Reader

Hillsborough County • Tampa, FL

21h • Onsite

About The Position

The Meter Reader performs field and clerical duties to read water meters and record water consumption data. The work includes reading meters along assigned walking routes, using a portable microprocessor unit, and updating the automated utility billing system. The position also involves meter and connection inspections, minor repairs, customer interactions, route and map preparation, office support, and assistance with other utilities operations and maintenance as needed.

The role requires outdoor work in a subtropical climate and adverse weather, walking extended distances, and regularly entering and exiting a vehicle. The employee must be able to follow instructions, interpret maps and directions, perform accurate data entry and basic calculations, and safely operate a motor vehicle. In an emergency or disaster, the employee may be assigned duties before, during, or after the event by the department, the County’s Office of Emergency Management, or County Administration.

Requirements

• Completion of the ninth grade, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the stated job-specific competencies.
• Six months of experience as a meter reader, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the stated job-specific competencies.
• Possession of a valid Florida Driver’s License.
• Knowledge of meter reading practices and procedures, water meter installation practices, microprocessor meter reading and recording procedures, and department services and policies.
• Skill in using hand tools and ability to design maps and perform minor meter repairs.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions, perform basic mathematical calculations, and accurately enter alphabetic and numeric data.
• Ability to work outdoors in a subtropical climate and adverse weather conditions and walk extended distances.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds; bend, stoop, kneel, or crouch to ground level; and enter and exit a vehicle repeatedly during the workday.
• Ability to safely drive a motor vehicle.
• Ability to read water meters or perform accurate alpha-numeric data entry, use computerized handheld devices or smart technology, and work with a utility account billing customer information system, as described for the ideal candidate.
• At least one year of relevant meter-reading or accurate data-entry experience is identified for the ideal candidate.

Nice To Haves

• Experience reading water meters or performing data entry requiring a high degree of accuracy with alphabetic and numeric data.
• Proficiency with computerized handheld devices, microprocessors, or smart technology for collecting and recording meter readings.
• Experience with a customer information system configured for utility account billing.

Responsibilities

• Read water meters on an assigned walking route and record readings using a portable microprocessor unit.
• Update the automated utility billing system database with meter locations, maintenance codes, and special account notes.
• Reread meters when improper readings have been submitted for billing.
• Initiate service orders for meter, meter box, and lid repairs or replacements.
• Locate and examine meters and connections for leaks and incorrect consumption registration.
• Perform minor repairs or replace damaged or defective meters or boxes.
• Respond to citizens’ questions while in the field.
• Prepare daily meter assignment schedules, weekly inventories, and monthly vehicle inspections.
• Design maps for meter reading and assist with re-sequencing existing routes and routes for planned communities or subdivisions.
• Assist in training new meter readers.
• Perform office clerical work, including checking route books, assisting with billing, and preparing form letters.
• Assist with other utilities operations and maintenance as needed and perform related work.
• Respond to emergency or disaster assignments as directed, which may occur before, during, or after an emergency or disaster.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed