Meter Reader

JOB SUMMARY

Under the supervision of the Field Services Supervisor, performs field clerical work accurately reading water meters and recording water consumption on established meter reading devices for proper billing. The Meter Reader follows designated routes and receives instructions from the supervisor.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Reads water meters on an assigned route and records readings with the aid of handheld and/or laptop computer processors, makes special readings as required, checks to see that meters are functioning properly, and reports defective meters to his/her supervisor. Clears mud, debris, insects and other vegetation from the meter boxes for accessibility. Checks to determine consistency of meter readings, reports and records unusual circumstances and events to his/her supervisor, and prepares diagrams showing locations of meters in relation to newly built houses. Reads 320 water meters per day, on average, on a walking route. Operate and maintain small service vehicles. The majority of position duties are required to be performed on-site. Handles customer inquiries about meter reads in an efficient and professional manner. Essential Employees may be required to work during a declared or undeclared emergency. Performs other related job duties as assigned. Knowledge of the geographical area of the City of Cocoa and central Brevard County area. Ability to observe accurately and write legibly. Knowledge and ability to practice basic math skills. Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions Ability and skill to use appropriate tools, equipment and maps associated with water meter reading. Ability and skill to accurately read a minimum of 320 water meters per day, on average, on a walking route. Ability to operate a vehicle in a safe manner. Ability to establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with city officials and employees, the general public and representatives of other agencies toward the accomplishment of assigned projects. Ability to gain the trust and cooperation of others to effectively communicate concepts and ideas. Ability to deal tactfully and courteously with the public and maintain composure in difficult and/or stressful situations.

Education and Experience:

High school diploma or GED certificate with one (1) year of experience; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Special Qualifications:

For positions requiring the operation of City vehicles, must possess a valid current Florida driver's license, or be able to acquire one within 45 days of hire. The work is generally medium and may require exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and up to 30 pounds of force frequently to move objects. Additionally, the following physical abilities are required:

Balancing:

Maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling while walking, standing or crouching on narrow, or slippery surfaces.

Climbing:

Ascends or descends ladders, stairs, scaffolding, or ramps.

Crawling:

Ability to move about on hands and knees or hands and feet.

Crouching:

Ability to frequently bend the body downward and forward by bending leg and spine.

Feeling:

Ability to perceive attributes of objects by touch.

Dexterity:

Primarily with fingers, as in picking, pinching, or typing

Grasping:

Applying pressure with the whole hand.

Handling:

Picking, holding, or otherwise working, primarily with the whole hand.

Hearing:

Ability to hear and understand at normal speaking levels with or without correction.

Kneeling:

Ability to frequently bend at the knee to come to a rest on knee or knees.

Lifting:

Ability to frequently lift and move objects.

Mental Acuity:

Ability to make rational decisions. Pulling /

Pushing:

Ability to occasionally move objects up to 50 pounds.

Reaching:

Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.

Repetitive Motion:

Substantial movements (motions) of the wrist, hands, and/or fingers. Speaking /

Talking:

Ability to communicate clearly, accurately and concisely through speech.

Standing:

Particularly for sustained periods of time.

Stooping:

Ability to frequently bend body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist.

Visual Acuity:

Ability to perform activities such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; and/or extensive reading, operating motor vehicles; including color, depth perception, and field vision.

Walking:

Ability to move on foot for long distances or moving from one work site to another.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed primarily in an out-of-doors environment with exposure to the wind, rain, cold and heat for extended periods and distances. Work is performed in most cases on uneven ground, where errors can lead to physical injury, and may periodically have unpredicted requirements or demands.