Meter Reader

PAY: $14 / HOUR

Job Summary
Under the general supervision of the Public Works Director, performs the reading of residential and commercial water meters and interfaces with the general public on a daily basis.

Duties and Responsibilities

The work below is representative of the scope of work performed within this job classification. Individual job duties will vary based on work assignments.

• Accurately read and record meter readings for residential and commercial customers using a handheld computerized meter reading system.
• Inspects meters and connections for defects, damage, and unauthorized connections.
• Reports irregularities to Public Works Director.
• Report meter locations that are hazardous or difficult to read or maintain (e.g., dangerous meter locations, vicious or dangerous animals, abnormal utilities – especially natural gas consumption patterns, gas odors, exposed electrical wiring, open or broken water or gas meter boxes, etc.) to Public Works Director so that condition can be remedied.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisor, co-workers, building occupants and the public.
• Communicate and interact with customers effectively.
• Responds to customer inquiries and complaints and refer, when necessary, to other appropriate staff.
• Walking assigned routes reading water, gas, and electric meters inside and outside of residential, commercial, industrial and public properties.
• Drives a utility-owned vehicle to various locations along the day’s route.
• Demonstrates the ability to adapt to changes in procedures and workload and able to maintain composure when confronted with stressful situations.
• Follows established departmental policies and procedures.
• Maintains good attendance and punctuality.
• Works appropriately with persons of varied races, ages, and sociological backgrounds.
• Maintains a clean and safe work environment and recognizes and reports unsafe working conditions.
• Utilizes proper body mechanics and maintains the ergonomically correct position in the work area.
• Maintains skills and knowledge in the proper and safe techniques for performing job functions.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the department supervisor/director.

Skills, Knowledge, and Aptitude for Job

• Must have the ability to communicate (read/write) in English; bilingual skills in English and Spanish preferred.
• Must be able to manage time efficiently with self-initiative.
• Must have the ability to work well with others and complete work activities.
• This is a safety-sensitive position and is subject to physical exams and drug and alcohol testing.

Expectations

• Knowledge of: geography, streets and business locations for the City of Olney
• This position has no supervisory responsibilities.
• The job requires working evenings, weekends, and during all types of severe weather and other emergencies when needed.
• All employees are required to work on-call when necessary. 
• Individual works outdoors under conditions involving extreme heat and cold weather.
• Required to follow all safety rules and regulations to work efficiently and productively; must immediately report all accidents and equipment damage.
• Required to wear appropriate attire for the job duties and responsibilities; must follow and practice all city policies and procedures.
• Maintains the City's integrity, professionalism, values, and goals by assuring that all rules and regulations are followed, and that accountability and public trust are preserved.

Physical Criteria

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the following represents the physical and environmental demands for this position. The employee must be able to perform the essential functions with or without accommodation.

• This position requires a majority of the time (up to 100%) spend walking and standing.
• Very little sitting is required (1-10%).
• There is often (31-75%) climbing required.
• Repetitive movement of both hands and feet is required.
• Audio, visual, and verbal functions are vital aspects of performing this position as well as the ability to operate an automobile.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Physical demands that may be required continuously (2/3 or more of the time), frequently (1/3 to 2/3 of the time), and occasionally (up to 1/3 of the time) are noted below:
  • Continuous demands: Walking and standing
  • Frequent demands: Lifting, Handling, Reaching, Carrying
  • Occasional demands: Sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, bend, crouch, or crawl; talk and hear

Minimum Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED equivalent.
• Valid TXDL (Class C) or better with a satisfactory driving record; must maintain a clean driving record.
• The ability to obtain a license from Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) is required.
• Must pass a pre-employment drug screen, criminal background check, and MVR check.
• FEMA NIMS Training required by the Public Works Department within (1) year of hire date.
• Confined Space training.
• Hydro Excavator / Jetter, Utility Line Locating and Backhoe / Front End Loader experience or training.