Water System Operator I - Meters

Salary  $49,129.60 - $69,097.60 Annually

Closing
12/30/2022 11:59 PM Pacific

General Purpose
Under close supervision of the Meter Supervisor, to install, test, maintain, repair and read water meters in an assigned area; to turn water service on and off; to perform a variety of other field tasks associated with customer service including interacting with customers regarding service issues or complaints; to perform a variety of water system repairs and maintenance; and to perform other related duties as required.

This is the entry level class in the Meter Service Operator series.  Incumbents in this class perform a limited range of the less complex or specialized work tasks at a semi-skilled and skilled level under closer supervision, with less latitude for independent action.  This class is distinguished from the Meter Service Operator II in that incumbents in the higher level class are experienced, skilled journey level workers, who perform under general supervision and assist in training others. 
 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The duties and responsibilities listed below are intended to provide a representative list of the various types of work that may be performed. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job class, and incumbents may expect to perform other related similar duties.  

• Reads water meters in an assigned area using handheld reading devices and/or an Automated Meter Reader (AMR).Responsible for providing the collected information to the Billing Department for processing. 
• Installs, tests and calibrates new or replacement water meters and ensures they are registering properly; assigns sequencing number for new installations to place in right order on meter reading route. 
• Retrofits and replaces meters as part of meter replacement program; cleans in and around meter boxes; performs re-builds and routine maintenance on meters; repairs service line leaks, repairs meter leaks and replaces meter box lids.
• Repairs and replaces shut-off valves and angle valves; performs main line shut downs with supervisor approval.
• Turns water service on and off for customers and hangs tags, both during normal working hours and after hours; explains District policy on late or non-payment of water bills.
• Responds to customer inquiries at their home or business, including answering questions regarding meter leaks, water pressure, water quality, or high consumption readings; performs water audits to assess water utilization patterns of customers.
• Inspects installation and operation of water meters at construction sites.
• Exercises safety precautions in the course of obtaining meter readings.
• Performs initial on-site inspection of suspected tampering or unauthorized use of water meter and reports such activity.
• Repairs and replaces shut-off valves.
• Assists Engineering Department with underground service alerts.
• Performs a variety of semi-skilled water system repairs and maintenance, as needed or assigned.
• Serves "on call" on a rotating basis and remains subject to overtime with fellow field workers. 
• Cross-trains in other department job duties.
• Maintains assigned District vehicle including servicing and periodic safety checks.
• Participates in District safety meetings.
• Performs other related duties, as assigned.

Qualifications
Knowledge of:

• Operational characteristics of water meters and meter reading equipment.
• Meter reading procedures.
• Basic procedures for installing, removing, calibrating and testing the operation of water meters.
• Principles and practices of good customer service.
• Geography and street locations of the District.
• Routine record keeping.
• Basic mathematics.
• Safe work practices.

Ability to:

• Read a variety of water meters quickly and accurately, and turn-on and off service.
• Perform entry level general maintenance and calibration of water meters and learn to diagnose malfunctions.
• Explain District policies to customers, and deal with them in a tactful and courteous manner.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with customers under difficult conditions.
• Inspect water services and detect tampering or diversion.
• Perform entry level semi-skilled/skilled responsible water system maintenance duties.
• Repair, install, and maintain water mains, services, hydrants, meters and valves.
• Maintain basic accurate records of work performed.
• Perform heavy physical labor.
• Communicate clearly and concisely.
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Observe proper safety precautions.
• Work overtime as required.
• Operate a vehicle observing legal and defensive driving practices.
   

Minimum Qualifications
Any combination of education, training, and experience that would likely provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform in the position is qualifying.  A typical combination includes:

Education:   
A high school diploma or satisfactory equivalent and the completion of four (4) college level courses in water distribution, water treatment, wastewater treatment or collections systems.

Experience:
A minimum of one (1) year of experience in either meter service or distribution system operations and/or related construction and utility work such as sewers, storm water, gas and electricity.

Must possess an appropriate valid, Class "C" Driver's License issued by the California State Department of Motor Vehicles, and a good driving record.
 
Must possess a Grade I Water Treatment Operator's Certificate and Grade I Water Distribution Operator's Certificate, issued by the State Water Resources Control Board – Division of Drinking Water. 

Physical Demands:
 
The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions on a case-by-case basis. 

While performing the duties of this classification, an incumbent is regularly required to stand; use hands and fingers to handle, or feel; and talk and hear.  The employee is frequently required to walk and to reach with hands and arms.  The employee is occasionally required to sit, climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.  The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to ten (10) pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to fifty (50) pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to one-hundred (100) pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. 

Article 3.306
Advancement in salary is not automatic.  It should be considered a reward for meritorious service.  The General Manager may authorize the advancement of an employee who has performed twelve (12) months continuous satisfactory service.
 
An employee who furthers his/her knowledge in the field or employment may become eligible for consideration of a salary review by the General Manager.  The General Manager may authorize reimbursement to the employee for cost of tuition, registration fees, required text books, certification costs and other related charges upon proof of receiving a passing grade, and /or certificate, whichever may be appropriate or both.

THIS POSITION MAY BE ELIMINATED, OR THE DUTIES, QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING REQUIRED CHANGED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND/OR THE GENERAL MANAGER, WHEN IN THEIR JUDGEMENT, IT IS CONSIDERED NECESSARY AND PROPER FOR THE EFFICIENT OPERATION OF THE DISTRICT. 

Information

• Location: Rialto, United States

Taxonomy

• Smart Meters
• Meters
• Operations Management