Meter Reader

Job Description

Meet Santa Margarita Water District 

Santa Margarita Water District is a dynamic, forward-thinking agency dedicated to delivering high-quality potable water, recycled water, and wastewater services to its 200,000 customers across Southern Orange County. As one of the region’s largest and most impactful utilities, we are committed to the highest standards of transparency, innovation, and environmental stewardship.

Our people drive our progress, innovation, and results. Our collaborative, human-first culture fosters the sense of fun, comradery, and a rewarding sense of purpose as we do work that matters.

Dynamic teams of intelligent individuals work collaboratively to achieve SMWD’s goals and solve challenges with a common aim that fosters a unique bond that is not often found in governmental agencies.

 

Santa Margarita Water District’s values include: 

• Exemplary service excellence 
• Intelligent innovation that is forward-thinking and adaptive 
• Ethical fiscal responsibility and transparency 
• Environmental and resource stewardship 
• Employee development and leadership training 
• Building relationships that strengthen communities 

The Santa Margarita Water District is looking for an individual who is customer focused and has excellent communication skills. Detailed information regarding essential functions, requisite abilities and additional information regarding this exciting job opportunity are listed below.

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, reads water meters on an assigned route and records readings in hand-held computer; performs routine customer service duties to ensure quality customer service to consumers, and performs a variety of maintenance tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility.

 

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

Incumbents require a general knowledge of water system operations. Assignments are limited in scope, contain routine tasks, and are performed within a procedural framework established by higher level employees

Essential Functions

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following is a non-exclusive list of essential functions.

 

1. Reads meters on an assigned route, enters readings into hand-held computer, re-reads meters as necessary. 
2. Operates hand-held and office computers; enters and retrieves data; uploads and downloads hand-held equipment. 
3. Investigates unusual readings and customer complaints regarding high bills, taste and odor pressure and related problems; resolves problems or prepares work orders for follow-up. 
4. Inspects meters and lines for damage or leaks; replaces meter lids; reports inoperative or damaged meters, bypassed meters and related problems; clears or reports meters obstructed by landscaping; orders parts and supplies. 
5. Inspects tracts/developments for correct installation of water meters; records information on meters to set up new accounts and provides data to Customer Relations. 
6. Completes all service orders such as turn on, turn off, reads and re-checks; posts notices of service; prepares incident reports. 
7. Identifies meter types and makes recommendations to supervisor when incorrect type is being used.
8. Provides information to customers or refers customer to supervisory staff as appropriate; maintains good public relations, notifies customers as required. 
9. Operates vehicles in performing assignments; ensures assigned vehicle is checked for proper fuel and fluid levels; inspects and fuels vehicle; reports any inoperable deficiencies through daily trip logs. 
10. Prepares work orders as necessary. 
11. Assists in training new employees.
12. Reports any unsafe conditions observed in the field and provides recommendations for resolving unsafe conditions.
13. Operate a vehicle and a variety of hand tools and test equipment related to the work.
14. Operates vehicles in performing assignments; ensures assigned vehicle is checked for proper fuel and fluid levels; inspects and fuels vehicle; reports any inoperable deficiencies through daily trip logs. 
15. Observes safe work methods and safety practices related to work; cones and flags work sites to secure from traffic; shores trenches; uses appropriate safety equipment; operates and maintains a wide variety of hand tools related to the work, including spaders, tampers, breaking guns, jackhammers, concrete saws, etc.; learns to operate a variety of trucks and equipment; inspects vehicles and performs minor maintenance, reports needed repairs.
16. Attends safety meetings as required.
17. Performs other duties as required.

Requisite Abilities/Qualifications & Guidelines

• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Identify meter irregularities and recommend how to correct.
• Deal tactfully and courteously with the public, often in difficult or strained circumstances and establish and­ maintain effective relation­ships with the community at large.
• Understand and carry out written and oral directions.
• Work independently while implementing District safety procedures.
• Maintain and keep accurate records.
• Principles and practices of customer service
• Follow safe work practices and work safely.
• Read gauges and meters accurately.
• Understand, explain and apply policies and procedures.
• Ability to differentiate between meter types.
• Repair meters.
• Perform mathematical computations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.
• Follow an assigned meter reading route in a prescribed period of time.
• Read and interpret maps and plans.
• Operate a computer and hand held meter reading devices.
• Safely operate a District vehicle on city streets and freeways. 
• Meet the physical requirements established by the District.

Additional Information

Education and/or Experience

Any combination of education and/or experience that has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for acceptable job performance. Example combinations include equivalent to graduation from high school; one year of customer service experience is desirable.

 

Knowledge and Skill Level

Basic mathematical skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division); general computer programs related to the work; safe work methods and safety precautions related to the work.

 

Physical Requirements

Employees must meet the following requirements which are necessary to successfully perform the essential functions of this class: sufficient mobility to work in a field environment, work out of doors in all weather conditions on a variety of terrain with exposure to dust, dirt, stinging and biting insects, and hostile dogs; have strength and stamina sufficient to walk long distances, to stand for extended periods of time; bend, stoop, crouch, twist, stand, and kneel repeatedly; lift and carry objects weighing up to 90 pounds; communicate orally face-to-face and over the telephone and radio and have hearing and vision within normal ranges.

 

Special Requirements

Possession of, or ability to obtain, a Class C California driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record.