Water Meter Reader - WMR 25-21855

Title: Water Meter Reader

Location: City of Hillsboro, OR

Rate-$26/hrs to $28.00/hr on w2

Note: Will be driving city vehicle.

Classification Description

PURPOSE STATEMENT:

Under the direction of the assigned supervisor, the Water Meter Reader performs manual and general work associated with meter reading and maintenance, including but not limited to reading residential and commercial water meters, recording consumption data, completing service orders, maintaining meter boxes and lids, assisting with meter repairs, and interacting with and providing direct service to city utility customers.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS (For use in a job series only)

Positions in this class perform manual and general work associated with meter reading and maintenance. This class differs from the higher-level class Lead Water Meter Reader that makes work assignments, monitors the completion of work, maintains records, and investigates and resolves system deficiencies and complaints in addition to the job functions in the Water Meter Reader classification.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, DUTIES, AND TASKS:

The following list of functions, duties, and tasks is typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform other closely related or department-specific functions, duties, and tasks from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Reads water meters and records consumption for use in generating bills; utilizes various methods of reading to record meter readings and consumption data into a handheld computerized meter reading device; re-reads meters as needed; records data and confirms accuracy of readings.
• Completes service orders for service connection or disconnection, meter readings and re-readings, or other activities; connects, disconnects, or reconnects water as appropriate; turns on meters to establish service to new customers; turns off meters for delinquent customers, closed accounts, or troubleshooting of leaks.
• Tests and inspects meters to ensure proper operations and accurate readings; inspects and observes the condition of meters; reports water leaks to the respective departments; reports situations involving damaged meters, vandalism, safety hazards, illegal taps, or other problems.
• Provides positive and effective customer service; places tags on doors to inform customers of utility activities.
• Performs general and preventive maintenance tasks necessary to keep equipment in operable condition, which may include inspecting equipment, checking/replacing fluids, greasing equipment, washing/cleaning equipment, or cleaning work areas; monitors equipment operations to maintain efficiency and safety; and reports faulty equipment.
• Performs manual work associated with meter reading and maintenance activities; uses probes to locate meters; maintains areas in and around meter boxes; replaces meter lids.
• Follows established safety procedures, utilizes safety equipment, and monitors the work environment to ensure the safety of employees and other individuals; reports any incidents, accidents, problems, or unusual situations.
• Works directly with utility billing and the water department to provide a positive customer service experience to all utility customers while representing the city in the field.
• Manages records and information in any format, in accordance with applicable statutes, regulations and city policy, guidance and records retention schedule.

OTHER DUTIES:

• Performs other duties of a similar nature and level as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Applicable state and local vehicle laws and ordinances
• Basic water utility connections, services, and water consumption
• Tools and equipment used for basic meter reading and repair
• Safety precautions and safe work practices
• Positive and effective customer service principles
• Basic mathematical principles
• Modern office equipment, including computers and relevant software

Skills and Abilities to:

• Relate well, communicate, and work effectively with diverse groups of stakeholders who represent a range of ethnic, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds.
• Engage in growth, learning, and self-awareness related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Learn how to communicate about diversity, equity, and inclusion, principles and put them into practice
• Provide positive and effective customer service
• Operate a vehicle safely and in accordance with laws and ordinances
• Maintain accurate records
• Identify issues and provide recommendations for resolution
• Perform basic math calculations
• Adhere to safe work practices

JOB QUALIFICATIONS / REQUIREMENTS:

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

High school diploma or GED; and one year working experience or, an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.

LICENSE(S) / CERTIFICATIONS:

• Valid, current Driver’s License and safe driving record

WORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

(Must be performed with or without reasonable accommodations)

• This position works primarily outdoors in the field, exposed to the weather
• This is a Safety Sensitive position - this position/classification impacts safety of the employee and the safety of others as a result of performing that job
• Positions in this class typically require balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions with or without reasonable accommodation
• Medium Work: Exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally (up to 1/3 of workday), and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently (1/3 to 2/3 of workday), and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly (2/3 or more of workday) to move objects. Physical Demand requirements are in excess of those for Light Work
• Incumbents may be subjected to moving mechanical parts, electrical currents, vibrations, fumes, odors, dust, gases, poor ventilation, chemicals, oils, extreme temperatures, inadequate lighting, work space restrictions, intense noises, travel and environmental conditions