Meter Reader

Position Description

RECRUITMENT OVERVIEW:

Come Grow with Us!

We are currently recruiting to fill one immediate vacancy, and an eligible list will also be established to fill future vacancies in this classification for a period of up to six months.

In this role, the selected candidate will perform a variety of routine to skilled work in the installation, repair and maintenance of the City’s water meter boxes and related equipment; read water meters and record amounts consumed for billing purposes; connect/disconnect services per customer request or City policy; and perform related work as required.

The City of Tulare is a vibrant and steadily growing community with a population of 70,693 located in the heart of California's Central Valley. The organization, staffed with 400 full-time employees, enjoys a culture of fiscal conservatism, collaboration, teamwork and dedication to public service and our community.

To be considered for this position applicants must submit an application with detailed information in each section of the application: Education, Work Experience, Certificates and Licenses, and Skills. In addition to submitting a detailed application, applicants are required to respond to the supplemental questions associated with the application. Your responses to the supplemental questions will be used to help us evaluate your qualifying knowledge, skills, and abilities. Resumes may be attached but will not be accepted in lieu of a complete, detailed application or in lieu of detailed responses to the supplemental questions

WRITTEN EXAM:

If we determine that you meet the minimum requirements for the position you will be invited to take the written exam (multiple choice format), which is the first phase of our recruitment process.

The exam will be administered in the afternoon of: WEDNESDAY, JULY 16th. The exam will consist of a multiple-choice format with the following content categories:

*Oral Communication

*Reading and Applying General Information

*Knowledge of Tools and Equipment

*Safe Work Practices

For planning purposes, we are including reference to the written exam. Additional details regarding the exam will be sent via email, to qualified applicants after our screening process is completed no later than Friday, July 11 th at 5 p.m. Applicants that achieve a minimum passing score of 70% on the written exam will be eligible to participate in the interview phase.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is a skilled level classification responsible for connecting and/or disconnecting water services, setting, maintaining, repairing and reading meters, collecting delinquent bills, and inspecting consumer property for leaks and other billing related issues. Responsibilities require the use of tact, discretion, and independent judgment and interaction with the public. Responsibilities include inspecting and attending to assigned areas in a timely manner and performing a wide variety of tasks in the installation, maintenance and repair of water meter boxes and related equipment. This class is distinguished from Water Utility Maintenance Worker series in that the latter is responsible for performing the installation, repair, construction, and maintenance of the City’s water distribution system and related appurtenances. This class is further distinguished from the Accounting Technician I in that it is required to work in the field obtaining readings and maintaining the meters.

Examples of Essential Functions

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only) Management reserves the rights to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Reads water meters in varied terrains and in all weather conditions; records figures using handheld computers or in meter books for billing purposes.
• Performs a variety of skilled duties in support of the Automated Metering Infrastructure (AMI) including reading, building, programming, installing, activating, inspecting, diagnosing, replacing, and routing AMI meters and/or registers.
• Utilizes AMI software to install, program, read, troubleshoot, diagnose, inspect, and replace AMI meters and transmitting devices.
• Activates, programs and troubleshoots handheld meter reading devices; loads meter reading routes and maps with meter locations onto device.
• Reconciles discrepancies between computer records and physical meters in the field.
• Disconnects/connects customer services by turning meter and or service off/on using a list of delinquent accounts, payment, and new services.
• Ensures that customer issues related to the AMI and metering system are investigated and addressed in a timely manner.
• Assists in assignment of new meters to routes and updates sequential order of meters within routes.
• Performs input/output to the computer; uploads and downloads data to/from hand-held meter reading units.
• Checks for leaks or broken meters, reports water use violations, evidence of tampering, and assists customers in resolving water volume and pressure problems.
• Observes condition of meter or other unusual conditions relative to need for repair; maintains meters, boxes, lids and landscape around meter boxes.
• Operates a variety of tools and equipment used in the maintenance and repair of water meters.
• Makes field repairs to water meters and performs routine maintenance.
• Generates requests to Maintenance and Operations for larger repairs.
• Performs safety and service inspections of assigned truck and equipment; steam clean, wash, and fuel vehicle.
• Responds to customer complaints and/or requests for service; maintain simple records and logs; complete reports as necessary.
• Reads and interprets maps and diagrams in the performance of the work.
• Posts non-payment notices, sign-ups or shut-down notices.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Qualifications / Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Knowledge of meter reading devices as well as sizes and types of water meters.
• Knowledge of methods and procedures for installing, testing, maintaining, and repairing water meters.
• Utility billing procedures.
• The operation and minor maintenance of a variety of hand and power tools, vehicles, and power equipment.
• Maintenance principles, practices, tools, and materials for maintaining and repairing water distribution systems, storm and sanitary wastewater collection systems, and other related facilities and equipment.
• Basic traffic control procedures and traffic sign regulations.
• Shop arithmetic.
• Safety equipment and practices related to the work, including the handling of hazardous chemicals.
• Safe driving rules and practices.
• Basic computer software related to work, including handheld computer devices for meter reading purposes.
• English usage, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service to public and City staff, in person and over the telephone.

Ability to:

• Install, read, and repair a variety of styles of water meters.
• Post data accurately on forms and prepare simple records.
• Read and interpret street maps.
• Troubleshoot maintenance problems and determine materials and supplies required for repair.
• Make accurate arithmetic calculations.
• Safely and effectively use and operate hand tools, mechanical equipment, power tools, and equipment required for the work.
• Perform routine equipment maintenance.
• Maintain accurate logs, records, and basic written records of work performed.
• Follow department policies and procedures related to assigned duties.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone and in writing.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.

REQUIREMENTS

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience which would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth (12th) grade and one (1) year of experience in the maintenance or repair of water meters, including public contact, or any combination of training and experience that provides the desired knowledge and abilities.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Class C California driver's license.

Additional Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess mobility to work in the field; strength, stamina and mobility to perform medium to heavy physical work, to work in confined spaces, around machines and to climb and descend ladders, and operate varied hand and power tools and construction equipment; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone or radio. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate above-mentioned tools and equipment. Positions in this classification bend, stoop, kneel, reach and climb to perform work and inspect work sites. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 20 pounds and heavier weights with the use of proper equipment.

ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS

Employees work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives, and contractors in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

• Members of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). In accordance with the California Public Employees Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA), the City of Tulare will offer the following retirement benefit (2.0% at 62) to new PERS members beginning January 1, 2013 with three (3) years final compensation. Existing PERS members with no break in service will receive the 2.5% at 55 formula with single highest year.
• City pays a portion of the employee and dependent coverage costs of group medical, dental and vision insurance. An opt-out plan is also available.
• Life insurance - $20,000 coverage.
• 10 working days vacation per year. Additional days based on years of service.
• 12 days sick leave per year.
• 15 holidays annually: 12 city observed holidays, plus birthday credit and 2 in-lieu holidays.
• Flexible benefit program - IRS Section 125 Plan.
• Deferred compensation plan - 457 Plans available.
• City sponsored employee health care clinic - Services include: general medical care and health and wellness coaching. No deductibles, co-pays, or out-of-pocket expenses.

Closing Date/Time: 7/6/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

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• City of Tulare

• 559-684-4204

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