Senior Meter Reader/Service Technician - City of Copperas Cove

General Purpose:

Leads, trains, mentors and counsels meter reader/service technicians on a daily basis. Utilize and navigate a work order system. Updates and completes work orders, turn water service on or off as required. Inspects meters and connections for defects, damage and unauthorized connections and reports problems to Supervisor. Investigate leaks and coordinates with Water Distribution department. Monitors list of pulled meters for tampering.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:

Receives direct supervision from the Meter Technician Supervisor, Utility Administration Manager.

Exercises supervision over Meter Reader/Service Technicians in cooperation with the Utility Administration Manager, and Meter Technician Supervisor.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Organize, assign and distribute daily work order routes and other duties to the meter reader/service technicians.

Carries out supervisory responsibilities at the direction of the Meter Technician Supervisor, Utility Administration Manager and in accordance with the City's policies and applicable laws. Responsible for training employees, planning, and addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Maintains harmony among workers, and, in cooperation with the Meter Technician Supervisor/Utility Administration Manager, addresses performance and disciplinary issues in a timely, consistent and professional manner in accordance with established City and departmental policies. Must have the ability to work professionally with all fellow employees, customers and all other internal and external stakeholders and maintain a professional and open attitude at all times. Performs or assists subordinates in performing duties.

Determines with the Meter Technician Supervisor work procedures, prepares work schedules, and expedites workflow; studies and standardizes procedures to improve efficiency and effectiveness of operations.

Lead and train service technicians on connect/disconnect for move in/out work orders.

Lead and train technicians on disconnect/reconnect processes resulting from non-payment for services.

Lead and train technicians on trouble shooting for meter leaks, readings and accuracy.

Responsible for operating and maintaining equipment for manual meter reads.

Utilize and navigate a workorder system using a desktop computer and tablet.

Monitor, update and complete work orders using an electronic tablet or desktop computer.

Verifies readings to locate abnormal consumption and records reasons for fluctuations.

Inspects meters and connections for defects, damage and unauthorized connections and reports problems to Supervisor.

Pulls meters and resets meters at City's request.

Delivers notices to customer service addresses.

Maintains groundskeeping and equipment for Utility Administration.

Perform routine maintenance on vehicles as required and ensure subordinates are completing the same to assigned vehicles.

Cross-training in other department areas.

Maintains and develops knowledge regarding federal, state and local laws of general and specific applicability to local government and Utility Administration operations, including interpreting City ordinances relating to services and offering suggested updates to City ordinances and Utility Administration processes when necessary.

Regular and timely attendance (report to work on time, work scheduled hours, utilize leave responsibly ensuring sufficient coverage to maintain operations, etc.) and responding to after-hours emergency calls are essential job functions.

Must be able to follow directions.

PERIPHERAL DUTIES:

May serve as a member on other committees as assigned.

May assist with interviews.

Other duties as assigned.

DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

High school diploma or GED equivalent;

Required two (2) year experience in meter reading, data entry, word processing, or general office preferred or related area.

Actively involved in obtaining Class D Water Distribution Operators license, preferred but not required.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must possess a Valid State class "C" Driver's License, or ability to obtain one prior to employment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Strong organizational and interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively with public and co-worker in written and verbal form.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, city officials and community stakeholders/customers.

Ability to provide excellent customer service utilizing effective and active listening skills in a professional manner, and to train and monitor the provision of the same from subordinates.

Ability to provide direction and gain support of subordinates and coworkers by including subordinates and coworkers in planning, taking responsibility for subordinates' activities, making self-available to subordinates and coworkers, providing regular performance feedback, and developing subordinates' skills and encouraging growth.

Good mathematical ability required in order to provide accurate information on meters.

Knowledge of meter reading procedures.

Accurate typing and data entry skills.

Ability to undertake more than one task at a time.

Knowledge of City streets.

Ability to read, understand and navigate using maps.

Ability to perform routine vehicle maintenance.

SELECTION GUIDELINES:

Formal applications, rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference check; job-related tests may be required.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED:

Water meters, hand tools, meter data system, work order systems, telephone, copier, dispatch radio, electronic tablets, office computers, vehicles, lawn equipment and miscellaneous office equipment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work is performed mostly in field settings. Considerable outdoor work is required in the inspection of various land uses and other matters. Hand to eye coordination is necessary to operate computers and various pieces of office equipment.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; talk or hear; use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Outdoors/Indoors. Weather, domestic animals and wildlife, insect bites, reptiles, rodents, disgruntled customers, traffic, general office and computer.

The employee must have the ability to work well with others and have a good/pleasant attitude.