Meter Technician

Lea County Electric Cooperative•Lovington, NM

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Meter Technician installs, tests, repairs, and maintains meters. This role is responsible for metering instruments, materials, meter inventory, and record-keeping. The position requires a thorough understanding of metering principles, practices, and related codes, as well as the ability to work with various software and hardware related to Automated Meter Reading (AMR). The technician will also conduct investigations into meter tampering and power theft, coordinate with other departments, and stay updated on metering technology. This is an exempt position reviewed in January 2022.

Requirements

High school or equivalent required.
Achieve certification through training provided by a professional group or internal testing program administered by department manager.
Minimum of five years of experience in all areas of meter operations.
Thorough knowledge of R. U. S. construction specifications and approved materials.
Thorough knowledge of National Electric Code and National Electric Safety Code.
Thorough knowledge of general metering principles and practices and AMR principles and practices.
Thorough knowledge of LCEC metering standards and of all relevant LCEC policies and procedures, including safety.
Basic knowledge of the principles and practices of supervisory management.
Basic computer skills including databases and spreadsheets.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with an emphasis on communicating with irate members.
Ability to read, interpret, and modify electrical schematics.
Computer software skills for programming meters and developing reports (i.e., Word, Access, and Excel).
Neat and precise wiring and conduit bending skills.
Must be able to plan, schedule, and direct work.
Ability to use all tools and instruments required by the position.
Must be able to perform the physical requirements of the position, including heavy lifting.
Must be able to effectively give work direction to apprentice.
Must maintain current first aid and CPR card.
Must be able to drive and possess a valid driver's license.
Must live within 30 minutes of designated assigned location.

Responsibilities

Install, test, and repair single and poly-phase kilowatt hour meters.
Assemble, install, and maintain all primary and secondary sets when required.
Maintain periodic meter checking procedures to assure accuracy in consumer billing.
Investigate customer meter inquiries and advise Accounting and Member Services departments of results.
Provide and install special application meters to meet engineering specifications.
Maintain inventory of meters, meter parts, instrument transformers, and associated equipment.
Conduct surveys and gather information for the engineering department.
Participate in a continuing program of field-testing meters.
Test, calibrate, and repair all watt/var hour meters.
Test and calibrate all voltmeters and ammeters for service units.
Provide oversight for calibration of shop and field standards.
Test and calibrate all substation meters.
Conduct annual horsepower inventory for all cotton gins.
Prepare weekly gin reports for management.
Maintain and update meter programming software.
Maintain and update all AMR software.
Install, maintain, and repair all AMR hardware including meter modules and substation hardware.
Conduct investigations as requested in cases of meter tampering and power theft.
Coordinate work (installations, repairs) with the Line Operations Department.
Stay abreast of new developments in metering technology.
Provide meter sales information to the Accounting Department.
Coordinate AMR substation equipment installations with the System Planning Department.
Work with the MIS department on AMR and metering software.
Communicate meter investigation information with members to resolve problems and complaints.
Exchange information with meter equipment, AMR, and metering software vendors for new developments and problem resolution.
Exchange information with other utilities concerning new technologies and resolving metering problems.