The Meter Technician, under limited supervision, performs journey-level operation, maintenance and repair of water system equipment and components for the Union County Public Works Department. Work involves investigating leaks, responding to complaints, locating meters, replacing meters and meter boxes, recording water/wastewater meter readings and performing meter cut-on and cut-off as directed. Employee must exercise initiative and independent judgment while performing the essential job functions. Employee must exercise tact and courtesy while dealing with the public. Employee will be required to perform preventative maintenance and ensure all safety policies and procedures are followed. Other duties may require attending training and providing assistance to other areas as needed.

Read/record all residential and commercial water meters on an assigned route; records water consumption data using a hand-held field computer.

Downloads daily meter readings to computer and completes daily work log.

Connects and disconnects water meters as directed, for nonpayment and payment.

Records beginning readings and restores water service to new customers; Records ending readings and disconnects water service to previous customers.

Changes meters that have rolled over or run backwards causing an incorrect read.

Rereads meters that show high usage due to actual usage or incorrect ERT readings.

Reports outages, leaks, hazards, and unusual or suspicious meter conditions to a supervisor; disconnects meters as directed.

Performs minor repairs within scope of authority and training including repairing broken meter boxes, replacing faulty meters; which often requires hand-digging.

Conducts new meter installs, records initial meter start reading, and provides pertinent information to Customer Service to commence customer's account.

Restores yards after pipe installation or repair work.

Assures that meters are registering properly, and verifies irregular meter readings.

Installs new meters for new construction, to replace faulty meters and for well to county hook ups.

Checks for water leaks and damage around the meter and meter box; keeps meter box and valve areas clean and unobstructed by clearing overgrowth and debris.

Removes and replaces meters with temporary meters for meter testing.

Performs meter testing as required to confirm accuracy or detect failure.

Reports hazards, outages, and leaks to customer service.

Communicates with builders and inspects water taps, water valves, and county sewer cleanouts to make sure they meet county specs.

Contacts customers as required and responds to customer inquiries and complaints and reports information to supervisor.

Reports and stops any water theft in county.

Conducts leak investigations, determines the priority, and ensures utility locate has been called in to replace or repair water line.

Utilizes proper safety precautions in all work performed including confined space entry, PPE, etc.; reports problems and emergency situations; attends and completes all required safety training.

Operates and maintains vehicles and equipment in accordance with all safety regulations and procedures; identifies and reports mechanical problems requiring additional repair.

Takes inventory on truck every day (meters, erts and expansion wheels).

Follows departmental policies and procedures; reports code violations to supervisor.

Pulls data for high usage accounts, move in and move out readings and weekly readings from master meter.

Boxes and ships ERTs and damaged meters for warranty credits.

Performs on-call duty to provide after hours and weekend support.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:
Requires a High School Diploma or an acceptable equivalency diploma (GED).

Licenses or Certifications:
Must have a valid Driver's License and be able to maintain a safe driving history as defined by the Union County Vehicle Use Policy.

Employment pre-placement Drug and/or Alcohol test required for this position.

Education and Experience:
High School Diploma or an acceptable equivalency diploma (GED) and six (6) months of experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Licenses or Certifications:

NC Water Distribution Grade C Operator Certification.

NC Water Meter Technician Certification.

Must have a valid Driver's License and be able to maintain a safe driving history as defined by the Union County Vehicle Use Policy.

Employment pre-placement Drug and/or Alcohol test required for this position.

Special Requirements:
Excellent verbal and written communications skills required in English and Spanish.