Meter Reader

City of Longview WA • Longview, WA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

This position involves visiting various locations, such as residential or commercial properties, and recording the readings of water utility meters. The primary task is to accurately and efficiently read meters to measure water consumption for billing purposes. They may need to access meters in various locations, such as residential or commercial properties. Meter readers should have good communication skills to interact with customers and address any concerns. Attention to detail is crucial to avoid errors in meter readings and billing. Meter readers will need to be proficient in the use of handheld devices to record readings. They should be able to work independently and manage their time effectively. This position is covered under the EBA collective bargaining agreement. The candidate selected for this position will be subject to passing a pre-employment criminal background check including fingerprint check.

Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent AND 2 years of related experience OR a combination of education, training and experience which would provide the required skills, knowledge and ability to perform the job as determined by the department.
• Possession of a valid Driver’s License
• Basic mathematical concepts and ability to perform mathematical calculations
• Knowledge of street layouts and meter locations in the City.
• Knowledge of the functional operation of water meters.
• Knowledge of the hazards involved in meter service and associated safety precautions.
• Knowledge of utility policies and procedures for initiating or terminating water service.
• Knowledge of operation of hand-held computer for recording meter readings and the loading of data into computer.
• Skill in conflict resolution and public relations.
• Ability to prepare records and reports of work activities.
• Ability to analyze problems and make decisions that resolve the problems and address the needs of the public and the City.
• Effective interpersonal and customer service skills to courteously deal with and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, other City employees, vendors, local agencies and providers, and the general public.
• Work in a multi-task environment, be detailed-oriented, able to organize duties and set priorities to meet deadlines.
• Initiative to take action and be self-motivated.
• Work well independently as well as in a team or cooperative setting.
• Communicate in a professional business-like manner, both orally and in writing.
• Portray a professional image and attitude.
• Able to exercise discretion over sensitive and confidential issues related to the department and its business.
• Develop and maintain a general understanding of information that relates to the functions and services of the departments.
• The ability to handle job stress and interact effectively with others in the workplace.

Responsibilities

• Read meters and accurately record the consumption of water used by customers.
• Manually take readings of meter dials and enter the data into a handheld device or laptop computer.
• Perform general maintenance of meter boxes, including cleaning out sand and debris and removing vegetation that may impede access.
• Walk or drive a vehicle along established routes to take readings of meters, ensuring all meters are read within the designated timeframe.
• Report issues encountered during meter reading, such as damaged boxes or lids, obstructions to meter access, water in the meter box, or water leaks, to the supervisor and billing department.
• Complete re-read service orders to verify readings in cases where consumption appears to be abnormal, and record and report possible reasons for fluctuations in consumption.
• Record and report any instances of illegal usage of water to the supervisor and billing department.
• Follow all safety procedures, rules, and regulations while performing duties, including utilizing necessary safety equipment.
• Interact frequently with customers, providing courteous and professional service.
• Maintain accurate records of readings, maintenance activities, and any customer interactions or issues encountered.
• Perform other related tasks as assigned, including special projects and providing assistance to other divisions within the organization.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED