Water Meter Specialist

Full Time
United States
$4,138 - $5,821 a month
Posted
Job description
Class Title
Water Meter Specialist
Class Code
276
Salary
$4,138.00 - $5,821.00 Monthly

Basic Function

Under general supervision, the Water Meter Specialist installs, maintains, inspects, tests, and replaces water meters; reads and records consumer water usage for use in generating utility bills.

Distinguishing Characteristics

The Water Meter Specialist is the service level classification responsible for maintaining meters and radios and does not require certification at time of appointment. However, incumbents are required to obtain a Water Distribution Operator D2 certification with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and certification as a backflow device tester within 18 months of date of appointment.
This classification is distinguished from the next higher classification of Water Meter Supervisor in that the latter classification is a supervisor responsible for supervising the work and staff of the Meter Shop as well as performing the most technical work of the Meter Shop.

Typical Duties

( May include, but are not limited to, those duties listed below.)
  • Maintains computerized records, including meter repair work, dates of installation and removal, and test results.
  • Reads radio read meter routes and trouble-shoots problems with electronic devices.
  • Walks and drives on assigned routes to read commercial and residential water meters.
  • Records meter readings using electronic hand-held equipment.
  • Uses a computer to download route information to hand-held recorders, uploads route information from hand-held recorders, and generates reports.
  • Reviews reports for accuracy.
  • Maintains area around meter box, including emptying dirt and water from boxes and trimming foliage, so meters can be read.
  • Identifies irregularities in readings and prepares work tags for testing or maintenance of meters and meter boxes.
  • Makes minor repairs to water meters, which may include but not be limited to: exchange of registers and dials; replacement of broken or clouded meter glasses; replacement of broken reading lids and box covers.
  • Sets meter boxes and covers, cleaning foreign matter from inside of box.
  • Investigates water meters identified as problematic to ensure that meters are operable and meet standards.
  • Replaces defective registers, notes new readings, enters data onto report forms and into computer database.
  • Removes old or inoperable meters, installs new meters, and maintains meters according to work orders.
  • Repairs minor leaks at meter; performs minor repair and maintenance of small meters, such as cleaning strainers.
  • Operates a variety of equipment and tools associated with meter reading and maintenance activities, which may include: utility truck, forklift, radio communications equipment, cellular phone, portable computerized meter reading device, meter locator, weed eater, trimmer, cutting torch, wrench, shovel, pick, hacksaw, hand tools, tig welder, arc welder, bench grinder/buffer, angle grinder, skill saw, impact wrench, reciprocating saw, rotary hammer drill, air ratchet, pneumatic tools, portable compressor and generator.
  • Maintains tools and equipment.
  • Communicates via telephone and/or two-way radio; provides information and assistance; responds to requests for service or assistance from customers, other employees, or departments as needed.
  • Participates in the accomplishment of organizational, departmental, and workgroup goals and objectives.
  • Exhibits a service orientation toward customers and maintains productive working relationships.
  • Assists Water Engineering backflow specialist to test, maintain, or replace Water Department backflows as needed; stays current with backflow regulations; identifies cross-connections in the system.
  • Assists Water Meter Supervisor in meter testing and repair program, particularly testing and repair of large meters.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Position requires sitting, standing, walking on level and slippery surfaces, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, stooping, squatting, crouching, grasping, and making repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties. The position also requires both near and far vision when inspecting work and operating assigned equipment. The need to lift, carry, and push tools, equipment and supplies weighing up to 65 pounds is also required. Additionally, the incumbent in this mostly outdoor position works in all weather conditions, including wet, hot, and cold. The incumbent may use chemicals which may expose the employee to fumes and dust and air contaminants. May be exposed to biohazards and/or hazardous chemicals. The nature of the work may also require the incumbent to use power and noise producing tools and equipment and drive motorized vehicles. Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.

Minimum Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge:
  • Effective customer service standards and techniques.
  • Basic mechanical principles related to the operation of mechanical equipment, such as meters.
  • Safe work practices.

Skills:
  • Dexterity to work with small meter parts.
  • Mechanical aptitude to learn technical procedures and tasks.
  • Basic computer skills including typing 30 WPM.

Abilities :
  • Use small hand tools and equipment to install, test, maintain, and repair meters.
  • Disassemble meters to replace parts and successfully reassemble.
  • Read and understand water meter billing and other related documents.
  • Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
  • Maintain accurate records.
  • Read and follow street maps.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships and act in a courteous manner when dealing with the public.
  • Create work orders.
  • Test large meters in the field.
  • Investigate and correct water service problems, i.e. low pressure complaints.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS
  • Willingness to wear a uniform.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Any combination of education and experience that provides the above knowledge, skills, and abilities combined with any required licenses is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications is to possess the equivalent of the following:
  • High school degree or tested equivalent;
  • 6 months of work experience involving customer service; and
  • Some experience in a position requiring mechanical aptitudes and abilities.

LICENSES/CERTIFICATES
  • Possession and continued maintenance of a valid California driver's license and a safe driving record.
  • Required to obtain a California Department of Public Health (CDPH) D2 Certification within 18 months of date of appointment.
  • Required to obtain certification as a backflow prevention device tester within 18 months of date of appointment.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
  • Familiarity with the Santa Cruz area streets plan
  • Possession of D2 certification at time of application
  • Meter Testing Experience
  • Experience installing or repairing plumbing
  • Experience operating compressors, generators and/or forklifts

Career Ladder

  • Water Meter Supervisor
  • Water Meter Specialist

Class Detail

Reports to Water Meter Supervisor
Supervises Non-Supervisory
Bargaining Unit Service
Classification No.: 276
Date of Issue: 4/11
Supersedes: 10/99
Update: 7/11
Review: 3/18
Added: 10/20 (Hazardous materials language in Working Conditions)


SALARY - This classification belongs to the Service bargaining unit and has a nine-step salary range. All classifications in this bargaining unit add an additional wage Step J on 7/14/18 by MOU agreement. Appointment may be made commensurate with experience. The current salary schedule is posted on the City website. See MOU for salary practices.
UNION REPRESENTATION - This classification belongs to the Service Employees' bargaining unit. All employees within this unit are represented by the Service Employees' International Union.
APPOINTMENT - Any candidate selected by the appointing department may be required to pass a pre-employment medical exam administered by a City-selected physician before hire to non-sedentary positions. Prior to starting work, all newly hired employees will be fingerprinted, to check conviction history. A conviction history will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from appointment . Candidates must present documentation verifying authorization to work in the United States and take a loyalty oath as required by the State of California at the time of hire. Appointments to regular positions are subject to a six-month probationary period (unless specified as 12-month by Service Employees MOU) which is considered a part of the selection process. Probationary employees may be terminated without recourse during this period. Positions which are covered by the Department of Transportation regulations are required to submit to a pre-employment drug test and to random drug and alcohol testing.
LEAVE
Vacation – 80 hours/year up to 5 years, 120 hours/year 6-10 years, plus 8 hours for each year after 10 years up to a maximum of 160 hours/year.
Sick – 12 days/year
Holidays – up to 11 days/year
Floating Holidays - 24 hours per year - prorated for part-time
INSURANCE – (available to employee and eligible dependents)
Medical – Depends on plan selected; City generally pays 95% of the cost of coverage (pro-rated for part-time).
Dental, Vision, Employee Assistance Program – City currently pays full cost of employee and family coverage (pro-rated for part-time). Plus an additional $29.50 per pay period.
Life – City provides a $20,000 life insurance policy.
Long Term Disability – City provides a long term disability plan.
RETIREMENT
All new regular employees become members of PERS. Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) 2% @ 62 (3 year average). Prior PERS membership may affect retirement formula. Employees contribute 9.75% of their salary to PERS on a pre-tax basis. An employee is vested after 5 years of membership. No Social Security is withheld.
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS (not all inclusive)
457 Deferred Compensation Plan
Accident Protection Insurance
Bilingual Pay if required by position
Cancer and Critical Illness Insurance
Direct Deposit
Discount Bus Pass Program
Flexible Spending Plans for Health & Dependent Care
Longevity Pay (after 10 years and 15 years)
In lieu Medical Reimbursement of $200 /month (if not participating in City offered Medical Plan)
Shift Differential
Supplemental Life Insurance
Tuition Reimbursement
The information included in this listing is subject to change and does not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Leaves and most Insurance contributions are pro-rated for part-time benefited employees.

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