Meter Technician I

The City of Belton • Belton, TX

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

Under the general direction of the Senior Meter Technician, the Meter Technician I maintains water meter functions for both residential and commercial customers. Provides support to other departments within Public Works as assigned. Receives direct supervision from the Senior Meter Technician and exercises no supervision. Essential functions may include maintaining water meter functions, installing, activating, and programming automated meter infrastructure equipment, maintaining accurate records, replacing damaged or malfunctioning meters, identifying and reporting infrastructure concerns, programming and interrogating large diameter meters, site investigation, building/repairing/setting hydrant meters, and operating hand tools and equipment for meter servicing. The role also involves reading, inspecting, routing, testing, and replacing automated meter infrastructure equipment, reading residential, commercial, and industrial meters, investigating unusual consumption, identifying potential leaks, investigating meter issues, verifying meter information, assisting with water loss investigations, and checking water pressures. Customer service duties include responding to customer requests and complaints, explaining meter readings and procedures, providing courteous service, investigating high water bills, coordinating with other departments, and maintaining professionalism with customers. Safety responsibilities include maintaining safety regulations, inspecting and maintaining equipment, performing routine inspections, utilizing proper safety precautions, promoting safety protocols, and participating in safety meetings. Other duties may include working on-call, evenings, or weekends, assisting in other departmental operations, and performing related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• A High School diploma or equivalent is required.
• Knowledge of general maintenance and repair techniques for common tools and equipment used in meter reading.
• Knowledge of safe handling techniques of hazardous chemicals and materials.
• Knowledge of safe working practices pertaining to meter reading equipment needed to perform the job.
• Ability to plan and organize materials and supplies necessary to complete work orders or daily assignments.
• Ability to work cooperatively with other departments.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Ability to resolve customer complaints and concerns.
• Ability to follow all City policies and procedures.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to be punctual and regular in attendance.
• Must be able to obtain a Class D Water license within one (1) year from date of hire or date moved to the position.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Class C Texas driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with flanged metering services (1.5 in – 2 in)
• May be required to obtain certification or licensure specific to area of assignment after date of employment at the City’s expense.

Responsibilities

• Proper installation, activation, programming of automated meter infrastructure equipment
• Maintain accurate records and assist with documenting all activities, including installations, repairs, inspections, and upgrades.
• Replaces damaged, malfunctioning, obsolete, or inaccurate meters and associated components.
• Identify, report, and replace defective meters, broken meter boxes, damaged lids, leaks, and other infrastructure concerns.
• Programming and interrogation of large diameter meters
• Site investigating to determine work needed.
• Building, repairing, moving, and setting of hydrant meters for construction use.
• Operates a variety of hand tools and equipment in the removal, installation, adjustment, repair, and servicing of meters.
• Utilizing the work order system and services request in the computerized maintenance management system with findings.
• Assist with training as needed.
• Reading, inspecting, routing, testing, and replacing of automated meter infrastructure equipment.
• Reading of residential, commercial, and industrial meters, as required during repairs or meter sets to relay additional information for billing purposes.
• Investigates unusual, excessive, or inconsistent water consumption.
• Identifies potential leaks through meter readings, visual inspections, and other field investigation techniques.
• Investigates stopped, broken, inaccessible, tampered-with, or malfunctioning meters.
• Verifies meter locations, meter numbers, service addresses, and account information.
• Assists with water loss and non-revenue water investigations.
• Check water pressures.
• Responds to customer requests and complaints involving water meters, meter readings, leaks, and water consumption.
• Explains meter readings, meter operation, leak indicators, and related utility procedures to customers.
• Provides courteous and professional service while working at customer residences and businesses.
• Investigates customer concerns regarding high water bills and provides factual information regarding meter readings and observed conditions.
• Coordinates with Utility Billing and other departments regarding meter-related customer concerns.
• Maintains professionalism when dealing with difficult or upset customers.
• Protects customer privacy and handles account information appropriately.
• Maintain safety regulations including wearing appropriate clothing.
• Inspect, clean, and maintain equipment and tools used to ensure they are in safe operating order.
• Perform routine inspections of assigned areas to detect any necessary repairs or hazardous conditions.
• Utilize proper safety precautions related to all work performed.
• Promote and enforce safety protocols, perform quality assurance checks, and ensure adherence to industry’s best practices.
• Participates in safety meetings and required training.
• May occasionally be required to work on-call, evenings or weekends.
• Assist in other departmental operations when needed, including public notifications.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• 100% employer paid employee only medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance premiums.
• Paid vacation, holiday, and sick leave available.
• Participation in the Texas Municipal Retirement System is required, as well as Social Security deductions.

What This Job Offers

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