Meter Services Technician I

Eastern Municipal Water District•Perris, CA

2d•$32 - $39•Onsite

About The Position

GENERAL PURPOSE Under immediate (Meter Service Technician I) or general (Meter Service Technician II) supervision, performs a wide variety of customer service duties in the installation, maintenance, repair, and servicing of residential and commercial meters; retrieves water usage and consumption data from meters for billing purposes; performs routine to complex duties related to water service turn-ons/offs, investigating customer billing issues, and interacting with customers: Meter programming and operational knowledge of Automated Metering Infrastructure (AMI) as related to customer billing, usage reports, and assists in system administration tasks. Performs related duties, as assigned. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS Meter Services Technician I: This is the entry-level classification in the Meter Services Technician series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform routine customer service duties in the field such as retrieving water usage and consumption data from meters and turning water service on and off. Performs a variety of water services for District customers in the field ranging from turning on water service, answering general customer questions and ensuring routine repairs are performed. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied, complex, and difficult; close supervision and frequent review of work lessen as an incumbent demonstrates skill to perform the work independently. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the positions at the Meter Services Technician II level but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise. Meter Services Technician II: The Meter Services Technician II is the fully qualified journey-level classification in the Meter Services Technician series. Incumbents are responsible for performing complex customer service and meter repair tasks in the field, interacting with customers and dealing with more complex situations requiring greater experience and independent judgment. Incumbents work under minimal supervision while exercising independent judgment within established systems and procedures. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Meter Services Technician I level by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. This class is distinguished from the Senior Meter Services Technician in that the latter performs the more complex work assigned to the series, such as dealing with difficult or sensitive customer meter-service problems, unauthorized service, and delinquency issues and/or providing technical and functional direction over lower-level staff. SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED Receives immediate (Meter Services Technician I) to general (Meter Services Technician II) supervision from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

Requirements

Knowledge of: Methods and techniques of meter service operations, installation, repair and maintenance, including the use of automated systems.
Methods and techniques of compiling and evaluating water use data.
Operational characteristics of meters used in District services.
Operational characteristics and use of a variety of valves.
Customer plumbing specifications dealing with service lines, hose bibs, pressure regulators, sprinkler valves and other related parts and devices.
Codes, specifications, ordinances, and regulations pertaining to meter service repair.
Methods and techniques of investigating field service-related issues, such as high consumption rates.
Operation and maintenance of a variety of hand and power tools and vehicles.
Operational characteristics of meter types and associated electronic AMI components.
Basic traffic control procedures and traffic sign regulations.
Basic mathematics.
Geography of the District’s service area.
Principles and practices of record keeping.
District and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and District staff.
The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.
Effectively and tactfully handle sensitive customer relations situations.
Ability to: Read and perform maintenance and repair work on a variety of water meter types.
Identify and respond to water service issues.
Read and interpret various maps, plans, specification sheets, and operating manuals.
Make accurate arithmetic calculations.
Safely and effectively use and operate hand tools, mechanical equipment, power tools, and equipment required for the work.
Drive an assigned District vehicle and operate a two-way radio.
Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
Coordinate work assignments with other sections and/or departments.
Independently organize work and follow-up on assignments.
Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Handle tactfully and effectively sensitive customer relations situations and defuse situations that are highly emotional and volatile.
Experience: Meter Services Technician I: Two (2) years of customer service or meter service/repair experience; government or public utility experience is desirable.
Education: Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade.
Licenses/Certifications: A valid California Class C driver's license and the ability to maintain insurability under the District's vehicle insurance policy.

Responsibilities

Performs a variety of field customer service functions related to assisting customers with service inquiries and requests dealing with the inspection diagnoses, maintenance, repair, servicing, and installation of water meters.
Performs meter repairs and reports illegal water usage.
Uses independent judgment to identify and recommend corrective actions on customer related repair and service issues.
Completes forms, prepares reports, and maintains electronic records of completed field assignments.
Responds to reports of leaks, stuck or broken meters, high/low read investigations, and pressure complaints.
Performs meter installation and repairs to existing and new customer meter connections.
Performs a variety of field customer service-related tasks to ensure accurate recording of water usage for billing purposes; turns on new water service; responds to customer requests for information and works with customers on any assigned service-related issues.
Retrieves data from water meters in accordance with an assigned schedule and route including taking transfer and final readings; notes any unusual computer messages and takes appropriate actions to remedy issues.
Locates buried or covered meters; raises and lowers meter box heights; resets and replaces broken boxes and lids, maintains landscape around meter boxes; and submits work order requests for higher-level maintenance-related tasks.
Conducts checks to identify leaks and non-operational meters; makes meter repairs and/or replaces them; reports water-use violations; assists customers in resolving water volume and pressure problems.
Delivers delinquency and past-due notices; turns off water service for non-payment; assists customers with requests for payment extensions; submits customer request for credit arrangements to avoid service termination.
Reviews meter readings to ensure accuracy of readings and that high- and low-usage amounts recorded fall within historical consumption limits; requests re-reads when appropriate.
Performs valve, service line maintenance and leak-detection tasks; reports meter or service defects, unusual water flow, or unauthorized fire hydrant use; submits work orders for the repair of service mainline leaks.
Provides customers with specialized information about their water service such as high-water consumption or scheduled maintenance service interruptions; answers customer inquiries and refer customers to the proper District personnel if additional information is requested.
Utilizes tools to identify meter locations in the District; interprets maps, blue prints and diagrams in the performance of the work.
Operates computer software related to automated meters; generates logs and submits information electronically to billing system.
Coordinates work duties and timelines with other internal departments related to meter-service installations and repair.
Assists with AMI system duties including: building, programming, installing, inspecting, diagnosing, replacing, and routing of AMI meters.
May perform duties in confined spaces.
Observes and complies with all District safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
Performs related duties as assigned.
Employees in this classification are subject to on-call, which may include rotating-duty schedule, weekends and 24-hour emergency call out with little or no notice.
Any employee designated to serve on-call who repeatedly refuses to serve on-call, or report for emergencies, shall be subject to disciplinary action up to and including discharge.

Benefits

CalPERS Retirement: Classic Members: 2% at 55 benefit formula, employees pay the 7% contribution. New Members: 2% at 62 benefit formula, employees current contribution is 7.5%. EMWD does not participate in Social Security.
Retiree Medical Coverage provided through CalPERS with EMWD providing the PEMHCA minimum.
Deferred Compensation: Two programs are offered to employees: 401(a) – EMWD provides annual contributions of $1,180 and a 457 voluntary plan where EMWD provides a match to the 401(a) ranging from 4.5% to 6.0% of employee’s annual salary dependent upon CalPERS tier.
Medical Plans: Several health plans are offered, with EMWD currently contributing $2,739/month towards the premiums for employees and family; medical in-lieu is available with required proof of coverage.
Dental Plan: Full coverage for employees and family in the base plan at no cost with EMWD contributing up to $1,560 annually. Employees have the option to elect an enhanced plan with the employee paying the difference through voluntary payroll deductions.
Vision Plan: Full coverage for employees and family in the base plan at no cost with EMWD contributing up to $245 annually. Employees have the option to elect an enhanced plan with the employee paying the difference through voluntary payroll deductions.
Voluntary Plans: Health Care and Child/Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account, supplemental accident, cancer, critical illness, life and AD&D, pet and short-term disability insurance available through payroll deductions.
Life Insurance: Equal to annual salary up to a maximum of $250,000 at no cost. Employees may purchase up to an additional $500,000 in life insurance with EMWD paying 50% of the premium.
Paid Time Off (PTO): 176 hours per year, increasing after year 5 completed.
Holidays: 10 paid holidays and 3 floating holidays per year.
Bereavement Leave: up to 5 days.
Tuition Reimbursement: up to $6,198 annually.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Available to employees and their families.
Telecommute Opportunities: Available to qualifying employees on a case-by-case basis when operationally feasible and accordance with EMWD’s Telecommute Policy.
Alternative Work Schedule: Employees are provided opportunity to work a 4/10 or 9/80 work schedule dependent on position and operational needs.