Water Meter Field Technician I

City of Burlington, Vermont•Burlington, VT

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Water Meter Field Technician I is responsible for executing all field-based meter management functions to ensure accurate billing of residential and commercial accounts. This includes meter reading, meter installation, maintenance and repair, and interior service line assessment and modifications. This position travels to customer locations and acts as a direct liaison between Water Resources and residents regarding water metering systems, and is responsible for providing courteous and accurate service in an effort to create an exceptional customer experience. In addition, this position is responsible for locating and marking underground water utility infrastructure. This role is part of a tiering system to encourage growth and skills development within the Department, and applications for Water Meter Field Technician In Training, Water Meter Field Technician I, and Water Meter Field Technician II will all be considered to fill this opening.

Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent required.
One (1) year previous experience in metering, plumbing, underground water or other underground construction required.
Vermont State Operator Classification, Class D or equivalent required.
Commercial Driver’s License Class B required.
Proficiency with underground locating equipment is required and demonstrated by completion of supervisor approved utility locating training.
Demonstrated ability to learn, understand and explain intermediate technical/engineering concepts as related to water meter technology and installation is required.
Demonstrated ability to learn, understand and explain the water distribution system, connectors, including but not limited to locating underground service lines such as gas and power supply, principles of water pressure and hydraulic engineering is required.
Ability to read and understand blueprints to identify and locate water shut-offs, and water lines required.
Ability to use computers, smartphones, iPads, email and the internet effectively is required.
Knowledge about and ability to operate power and hand tools related to metering and water distribution required.
Training in construction equipment and tool use and their related safety practices required.
Ability to determine and demonstrate appropriate methods, procedures and techniques for tasks assigned.
Ability to respond to emergencies in a calm, professional manner.
Ability to lift up to 60 pounds chest high, frequency 2-3 times daily on average.
Ability to complete work projects in a timely manner to avoid extensive interruption of service for water users.
Ability to safely operate vacuum unit, blow wand, dump truck, sidewalk plows, Power Tools, Manual Hand Tools, Mechanical Hand tools, and other related equipment.
Ability to climb ladders in and out of trench excavations.
Ability to work in confined spaces and in moving traffic areas required.
Ability to work in all weather conditions required.
Ability to work after-hours, nights, weekends and on call as required.
Ability to operate wheeled and tracked snow plow equipment on City streets and sidewalks to plow, remove snow and ice, salt and sand.
Flexible team player that takes direction well, is safety conscious, customer-oriented, and willing and able to learn to operate all equipment and perform all tasks as assigned required.
Ability to create and maintain an environment that appropriately embraces the 6 operating principles; Customer Service, Fiscal Responsibility, Good Labor Relations, Employee Empowerment, Cooperation and Constant Improvement.
Ability to work effectively and in a professional manner with crew members and leaders, other divisions and the general public.
Ability to learn and maintain VOSHA safety rules and regulations as they pertain to the Department of Public Works.
Regular and timely attendance is necessary and is essential to meeting the expectations of the job functions.
Ability to understand and comply with City standards, safety rules and personnel policies and Chapter 31 of the City ordinance.

Nice To Haves

Ability to actively support City diversity, equity, and cultural competency efforts within stated job responsibilities and work effectively across diverse cultures and constituencies.
Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion as evidenced by ongoing trainings and professional development.

Responsibilities

Obtains readings for all water meters according to a predetermined schedule using Automated Meter Reading (AMR) and Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) data collectors.
Analyzes meter reading routes to optimize data collection and completes file imports/exports in the Meter Data Management System (MDMS).
Performs meter reading verifications related to exception reporting or property transfers.
Receives daily work schedule from supervisor, prepares vehicle with required equipment, and completes tasks according to schedule.
Performs new installations, maintenance, replacements, and repairs on residential and commercial water meters (1” or smaller) according to departmental policy and AWWA standards.
Performs installation, maintenance, replacement, and repairs on residential and commercial water meters (1.5” or larger) with assistance as needed.
Connects meter interface units (endpoints) to meter registers and ensures they are activated.
Performs gate and ball valve replacements on all service lines material types.
Assists with altering incoming water services to accommodate manifold for approved irrigation or secondary meters.
Turns water off and on at curb stop for both domestic and fire services as requested.
Removes water meters of all sizes as requested.
Inspects the area around the water meter for unusual configurations, defects, leaks, or violations and reports observations to supervisor.
Tests all water meters according to AWWA standards and disassembles water meters for proper disposal.
Installs water meters on hydrants for dust abatement or construction.
Completes electronic assessment forms and order forms for all meter and endpoint installations/replacements and billable work accurately.
Completes daily customer visits for meter installation, replacements, abnormal consumption readings, noisy meters, low water pressure, or other meter and service functionality concerns.
Explains meter operation and measurement elements to customers and reports questions requiring follow-up.
Evaluates valves and service line material during appointments and recommends replacement.
Delivers service termination notices and performs disconnections and restorations as requested.
Notifies Customer Care Associates and supervisor about missing curb boxes or those requiring extensive excavation.
Maintains a high level of professionalism and establishes a positive rapport with customers.
Completes all regular and emergency Dig Safe ticket requests within required deadlines.
Locates water mains, services, and valves using Magnetic, Dowsing, and Electromagnetic (EM) technology.
Uses Geographical Information Systems (GIS), paper, and digitized maps to confirm locations.
Identifies and marks locations with spray paint, flags, and other materials.
Collects GPS coordinates for accurate mapping and notifies supervisor of discrepancies.
Performs light excavation with a shovel or metal probe to expose buried curb boxes.
Notifies ticket originator when marks have low certainty and recommends hand excavation.
Determines efficient travel routes for locate assignments.
Provides on-call response to emergencies for suspected water leaks, main breaks, building fires, or service restoration.
Accesses and cleans out curb boxes and gate valve boxes for system isolation.
Reviews and coordinates collection of asset information for infrastructure.
Maintains assigned vehicle and equipment in proper working order.
Works independently in the absence of onsite supervision.
Complies with all departmental safety policies, protocols, procedures, and OSHA regulations.
Attends safety and professional development trainings as required.
Represents Water Resources at community events.
Plows City streets and sidewalks with the street division.
Provides on-call coverage including nights, weekends, and holidays.
May be required to assist the Distribution Field Crew with routine distribution work.
Provides guidance to and assists with training of Meter Technician In Training.
Performs other duties as required.