Meter Reader I

Job Description

Performs responsible skilled and routine field clerical work in reading electric and water meters; does related work as required.

Essential Tasks

* Reads electric and water meters on an assigned route and records usage on handheld recording device.
* Keeps records of meters read and reports meters not accessible for reading.
* Checks to see that the meters and visible connections are correctly installed and functioning properly and
* reports defects or tampering to a superior for further actions.
* Performs re-reads.
* Cleans out meter boxes.
* Drives meter readers to and from assigned routes.
* Makes special readings as required and reads compound meters.
* Ensures that all work is performed in accordance with OSHA and City Safety Standards and Policies.
* Assists meter readers as required.
* Maintains records on meter readings.
* Cleans and maintains vehicles, tools, and equipment.
* Ensures that all work is performed in accordance with OSHA and City Safety Standards and Policies.

Qualifications

* Formal Education
* High School Diploma or GED equivalent.



Experience in meter reading preferred but not required.

* Must have the ability to deal with irate customers in a tactful manner; ability to follow oral and written directions.
* Must have mechanical aptitude and skill in the use of mechanical equipment and tools.
* Must be able to perform manual labor for long periods of time in all weather conditions.
* Must be able to lift 50 pounds.
* Must have good driving record.
* Valid North Carolina Driver's License.

Preferred Qualifications

* Computer experience preferred.

Special Requirements

Physical Requirements

Hearing/Speaking - Expressing and/or receiving information by means of spoken word are both necessary to converse with internal and external customers including co-workers, citizens, and supervisor.

Visual Abilities - the ability to perceive via eyesight is required for this position:

* Acuity, far - clarity of vision at 20 feet or more.Must be able to see meter locations at the next building on reading schedule and any animals or traffic in vicinity.
* Acuity, near - clarity of vision at 20 inches or less.Must be able to see meters at close range to read consumption, install or repair meters.
* Depth perception -Three-dimensional vision. Ability to judge distance and space relationships to see objects where and as they are. Must be able to judge distances to use both hands in performing different tasks at the same time.
* Field of Vision -Area that can be seen up and down or to right or left while eyes are fixed on a given point. Must be able to see wide span of area to observe activity of people or animals.
* Accommodation -Adjustment of lens of eye to bring an object into sharp focus. This is especially important when doing near-point work while glancing up to check the entire work area. Must be able to adjust the eye lens to glance quickly from equipment/meters to people, traffic or animals who are located at varying distances.

Physical Strength - degree of physical demands typically associated with this position include:

* Medium to Heavy Work
* Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally; and/or
* Exerting up to 10 pounds of force frequently; and
* Exerting considerable force constantly in lifting meters and lids. Physical demand requirements usually require walking, standing, bending, stooping, squatting, lifting, stretching, and sitting. There is significant use of arms, hands, legs, and feet.



Type of Physical Demands

* Reaching - Extending the hand(s) or arm(s) in any direction.
* Handling - Seizing, holding, grasping, turning, or otherwise working with hand(s).
* Fingering - Picking, pinching or otherwise working with fingers primarily rather than the entire hand or arm.

Mental Activity/Requirements

Reasoning

* Ability to apply principles of logical thinking to work tasks and practical situations and requests made by supervisor or members of the public; to comprehend and respond to a variety of situations in an expedient manner. Good judgment is important.

Mathematics Ability

* Using Arithmetic: Ability to read and record mathematical figures when determining the amount of electricity and water/sewer consumed.

Language Ability

* The ability to speak, read and write the English Language are required for this position. Ability to be conversant in voice and diction to participate in discussions with supervisor and other employees in person or on two-way radio, and the public in person when answering questions or requesting they restrain their animal(s).

Environmental Conditions

Physical Surroundings

* The Meter Reader is subject to working outside. Exposed to the various weather conditions and temperatures. Combining the type of work performed with the weather conditions, the worker should be one who can work outside in a hot, cold, or wet environment. The position is best suited for someone who doesn't mind getting wet, dirty, and sweaty.

Hazards

* The Meter Reader may be exposed to weeds, grass, shrubs, trees, hills and unlevel terrain, spiders, snakes, lizards, cats, and dogs. Work is subject to final standards of OSHA on bloodborne pathogens.

Machinery/Tools/Work Aids/Other Equipment

* Service vehicle, handheld computer, two-way radio, reading stick, screwdriver, Personnel Resolution, pen, scheduled log, re-read log, gloves, rain gear, and various meters.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must be able to lift to 50 pounds. Must be able to perform manual labor for long periods of time in all weather conditions.

Disclaimer

This job description may not be all-inclusive, as jobs evolve over time to meet the ever-changing needs of the City of High Point's workforce. This job description is not intended to and does not create a contract or offer of employment to any individual. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, it is possible that requirements may be modified to reasonably accommodate disabled individuals. However, no accommodation will be made which may pose serious health or safety risks to the employee or others or which impose undue hardships on the City of High Point. Candidates selected for employment must pass a background screening as well as a pre-employment physical to ensure medical clearance to perform the essential functions of the job prior to receiving a full offer of employment.

The City of High Point is an at-will employer and employees may be terminated or may terminate their employment at any time with or without reason for any reason not prohibited by law.