Metering Technician I

University of Texas at Austin•Austin, TX

About The Position

The Metering Technician I performs skilled technical work involving the installation, operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of utility metering systems applications for Utilities and Energy Management at The University of Texas at Austin. The role supports dependable metering performance and accurate utility data, including metering system programming, data analysis, reporting, and system optimization. The position works collaboratively with metering technicians, UEM divisions, and IT departments, and may work remotely or on campus. It requires driving a university vehicle or cart and may require reporting to the PRC campus or working after hours, weekends, and holidays. UEM provides electricity, chilled water, steam, deionized water, compressed air, emergency power, and other services to UT Austin. The employee is expected to follow university and UEM safety policies, complete required training, use appropriate personal protective equipment, and uphold the department’s values of Safety, Respect, Integrity, Reliability, Teamwork, and Excellence. The regular schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with possible extended shifts, nights, weekends, and holidays.

Requirements

Associate's degree in a related technical field.
At least 1 year of work experience with utility metering systems.
Knowledge of power plant and chilling station metering infrastructure and utility processes.
Familiarity with OPC-UA and data gateways.
Texas Class C driver's license; the selected applicant must provide a current three-year driving record and, if not a Texas resident, obtain a Texas driver's license within 30 days of becoming one.
Experience using desktop computing systems, multi-line telephones, turbines, boilers, and related equipment.
Must be authorized to work in the United States for any employer without sponsorship.
Ability to work in conditions that may include all weather, extreme temperatures, chemical fumes, biohazards, chemicals, and electrical or mechanical hazards; use personal protective equipment; and perform elevated work, ladder/scaffold work, and work in confined spaces, tunnels, and manholes.
Ability to use a keyboard and personal computer, perform fine manual dexterity tasks, lift up to 50 pounds, and frequently twist, grasp, push, pull, and bend.
Availability for possible extended shifts, including nights, holidays, and weekends.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in a related technical field.
Boot-camp training related to utilities and energy management systems, data acquisition, web programming, machine learning, PLC programming, or industrial communication protocols.
Five years of work experience using a combination of Allen Bradley-Rockwell, Emerson Ovation, GE Versamax, Red Lion, IA-Ignition, IA-Perspective, Kepware OPC, Modbus, MSSQL, PostgreSQL, HeidiSQL, HTML5, CSS, Python, JavaScript, Node, Ruby, MQTT, APIs, FTP, AWS S3, Bitbucket, Jira, Windows Server, Linux, VMWare, and Cisco IOS.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with metering technicians and cross-functional teams to resolve metering issues, support system reliability, maintain accurate utility data, share knowledge, and help meet project deadlines and operational objectives.
Operate and maintain metering systems to ensure accurate and reliable performance.
Troubleshoot field instrumentation and metering infrastructure issues; support development of UT Works work orders for repairs or adjustments and coordinate FACNET-related tickets with IT departments.
Support programming, configuration, and maintenance of UEM metering systems; ensure meters meet Metering Program specifications and troubleshoot software issues.
Design, develop, and maintain data-driven applications using common web languages and cloud infrastructure.
Use APIs and query methods to obtain or augment databases used for analysis and utility billing.
Evaluate system performance, support technology integration and innovation, monitor and respond to anomalies, and analyze metering data for trends, anomalies, and resource optimization opportunities.
Support data reporting by ensuring metering data is accurate, timely, and aligned with UEM Metering Program needs.
Follow safety policies and procedures, complete required safety training, identify and report hazards, wear appropriate protective equipment, and report near misses and incidents.
Work effectively from a remote office or on campus; drive a university vehicle or cart and maintain an acceptable driver rating.
Attend staff, safety, and training meetings; attend plant operation and maintenance training courses; and complete required UEM training certifications.
Carry a University cell phone and perform other functions as assigned.

Benefits

Competitive health benefits, with employee premiums covered at 100% and family premiums at 50%.
Voluntary vision, dental, life, and disability insurance options.
Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays.
Teachers Retirement System of Texas defined-benefit retirement plan with employer matching funds.
Voluntary 403(b) tax-sheltered annuity and 457(b) deferred compensation programs.
Flexible spending accounts for medical and childcare expenses.
Free LinkedIn Learning training and professional conference opportunities.
Tuition assistance.
Employee discount program, including athletic tickets.
Free access to UT Austin libraries and museums with staff ID.
Free rides on UT shuttle and Austin CapMetro buses with staff ID.