Water Meter Field Technician In Training

City of Burlington, Vermont•Burlington, VT

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Water Meter Field Technician In Training is responsible for learning methods and procedures to perform all field based meter management functions to ensure accurate billing of residential and commercial accounts. This includes developing the skills and knowledge necessary to successfully execute meter reading, meter installation, maintenance and repair, and interior service line assessment and modifications. This position travels to customer locations and acts as 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 assists with locating and marking underground water utility infrastructure.

Requirements

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.
High School Diploma or equivalent required.
Ability to obtain Vermont State Operator Classification, Class D certification within one (1) year of date of hire is required.
Ability to be proficient in the maintenance, replacement and repair of residential meters up to 1” within 6 months required.
Ability to be proficient with on-call duties within 9 months.
Ability to use computers, smart phones, iPads, email and the internet effectively is required.
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 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.
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

One (1) year previous experience in metering, plumbing, underground water or other underground construction is preferred.
Possession of a Commercial Driver’s License Class B at time of application is preferred.
Working knowledge of domestic plumbing, water meters and water distribution systems is preferred.
Knowledge about and ability to operate power and hand tools related to metering and water distribution preferred.
Training in construction equipment and tool use and their related safety practices preferred.
Ability to learn, understand and explain basic technical/engineering concepts related to water meter technology, repair and replacement and water distribution system asset location, principles of water pressure and hydraulics.
Ability to learn how to read and understand blue prints to ensure proper installation of meters and to identify and locate water shut offs and lines.
Ability to learn how 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 operate wheeled and tracked snow plow equipment on City streets and sidewalks to plow, remove snow and ice, salt and sand.

Responsibilities

Learns to obtain readings for all water meters according to predetermined schedule.
Assists with utilizing both Automated Meter Reading (AMR) and Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) data collectors including fixed network gateways, vehicle mounted mobile unit, handheld RF device and/or belt clip transceiver.
Assists with analyzing meter reading routes to achieve optimization for data collection.
Assists with performing meter reading verifications related to exception reporting or property transfers.
Assists with obtaining and sending data logs to Customer Care & Billing upon request.
Receives daily work schedule from supervisor, prepares vehicle with required equipment, tools, materials & supplies as needed, completes tasks according to schedule.
Learns and performs maintenance, replacement and repairs on residential and commercial water meters 1” or smaller according to departmental policy and American Water Works Association (AWWA) standards.
Assists with installations, maintenance, replacement and repairs on residential and commercial water meters 1.5” or larger according to departmental policy and AWWA standards.
Connects meter interface units (endpoints) to meter registers according to wire color and ensures they are activated.
Assists with gate and ball valve replacements on all service lines material types including ductile iron, galvanized, copper and plastic.
Observes how to alter incoming water services to accommodate manifold for approved irrigation or secondary meters according to departmental policy and AWWA standards.
Learns and performs water off and on at curb stop for both domestic and fire services as requested.
Learns how to remove water meters 1” or smaller and performs removals as requested.
Assists with removing water meters 1.5” or larger as requested.
Learns methods and procedures for inspecting area upstream and downstream of the water meter for unusual configurations, defects, leaks, suspicious conditions or violations of departmental policy including unauthorized connections.
Learns how to test water meters according to AWWA standards.
Disassembles water meters for proper disposal.
Assists with installing water meters on hydrants for dust abatement or construction according to departmental policy.
Learns how to document meter and endpoint installations and/or replacements accurately and completely.
Learns how to complete electronic order forms for all billable work accurately and completely.
Assists with completing daily customer visits according to schedule for meter installation, replacements, abnormal consumption readings, noisy meters, low water pressure or other meter and service functionality concerns.
Explains the operation and measurement elements of meters to customer while in the field and reports any questions that require additional follow up to Customer Care.
Evaluates valves and service line material during appointments and recommends replacement in accordance with departmental policy.
Delivers service termination notices and assists with performing disconnections and restorations as requested by Customer Care Associates in accordance with City Ordinance.
Notifies Customer Care Associates and supervisor about any missing curb boxes or those requiring extensive excavation encountered during service terminations.
Maintains a high level of professionalism and works to establish a positive rapport with each customer when communicating by phone, email or in person.
Assists with completing all regular and emergency Dig Safe ticket requests within required deadlines according to State Law.
Learns how to use a variety of technology including Electromagnetic, Magnetic and Dowsing to locate water mains, services, and valves.
Becomes familiar with using Geographical Information Systems (GIS), paper and digitized maps to confirm locations as needed.
Once trained, performs simple utility locates without assistance and marks locations with spray paint, flags and other materials as needed.
Performs emergency digsafe functions with guidance.
Collects GPS coordinates to ensure accurate mapping.
Performs light excavation with shovel or metal probe to expose buried curb boxes.
Notifies ticket originator when marks do not have a high degree of certainty, and recommends hand excavation for those areas.
Determines efficient travel route to and from each locate.
Responsible for providing on call response to emergencies for suspected water leaks, main breaks, building fires, water leaks upstream of the meter, frozen meters, or service restoration for non-payment as directed by on call schedule.
Access and clean out curb boxes and gate valve boxes for system isolation as necessary.
Maintains assigned vehicle and equipment in proper working order.
Ability to work independently in the absence of onsite supervision while performing essential duties.
Complies with all departmental safety policies, protocols and procedures and OSHA regulations, including but not limited to ensuring a safe work area, wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment, and stopping work if there is any question of safety.
Attends safety and professional development trainings as required.
Plows City streets and sidewalks with the street division in accordance with the provisions of the Union contract.
Provides on-call coverage as assigned including nights, weekends and holidays once deemed proficient in on-call duties.
May be required to assist the Distribution Field Crew with routine distribution work as necessary as assigned.
Performs other duties as required.