Job Description:

JOB DESCRIPTION

GENERAL INFORMATION

JOB TITLE

PAY GRADE

DEPARTMENT

Meter Reader

IBEW Article 14 Wage Rates

Electric

CLASS CODE NUMBER

EFFECTIVE DATE

REPLACES JOB DESCRIPTION DATED

4010

April 12, 2024

March 2018

FLSA DESIGNATION, SELECT ONE

IF UNION-REPRESENTED, SELECT ONE

☐ EXEMPT ☒ NONEXEMPT

☐ ASEA ☐ PSEA ☒ IBEW ☐ IAFF

PRIMARY PURPOSE OF JOB

Provides the day-to-day reading of electric meters on regularly scheduled routes to record manually the kilowatt consumption of the customer on a hand-held computer for billing purposes.

The work is performed under the direct supervision of the T&D System Manager, but works independently on their assigned duties and responsibilities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

* Walking assigned routes, reading electric meters inside and outside of residential, commercial, industrial and public properties after driving a utility-owned vehicle to various locations along the scheduled day's route.
* Visually reads and records accurate meter readings for residential and commercial customers using (handheld) computerized meter reading system
* Downloads daily the meter reading data to the centralized billing system
* Inspects meters and connections for defects, damage, and unauthorized connections; reports irregularities to Meter Technician
* Enters all customers lots or premises; some entries require the use of keys to go inside a property or to go into restricted areas like behind counters in banks
* Reports meter locations that are hazardous or difficult to read or maintain such as dangerous meter locations, vicious or dangerous animals, abnormal conditions, exposed electrical wiring, or open meter boxes to supervisor so that condition can be remedied
* Establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with supervisor, co-workers, customers, building occupants, and the public
* Responds to customer inquiries and complaints, sometimes confrontational or stressful in a courteous and professional manner, or refers to other appropriate staff when appropriate
* Performs other related duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

* Geography of Sitka and street locations of the CBS service area
* Knowledge of meter reading equipment, methods, procedures and practices, desired
* Potential or actual occupational hazards of semi-skilled personnel including OSHA standards, desired

Skills in:

* Operating Microsoft Office programs such as Word, Excel, and Outlook
* Basic mathematical calculations
* Diagnosing defects in metering equipment and computerized meter reading equipment, desired

Ability to:

* Read and record detailed and accurate meter numbers reflecting the consumption of electricity
* Learn new computerized systems or software to input accurately manual meter reads
* Walk and work in all weather conditions on a daily basis
* Communicate well with others, both orally and in writing, using both technical and non-technical language
* Understand and follow oral and written policies, procedures and instructions
* Prepare and present accurate and reliable reporting of the meter reads
* Use logical and creative thought processes to develop solutions according to written specifications and oral instructions
* Perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines
* Quickly learn and put to use new skills and knowledge

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

* HS Diploma or GED, and
* Experience in customer or billing services, and
* Specific education and training in electric meter operation, desired; or
* Any equivalent combination of experience, education and training which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the work

OTHER JOB REQUIREMENTS OR EXPECTATIONS

* Background check, successfully completed before hire
* Possession of a driver's license issued by the State of Alaska

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Working Conditions:

* Majority of the work is performed outdoors and often in adverse weather conditions including ice, freezing rain, rain, snow, high wind, darkness, walking on steep slopes; sometimes dealing with aggressive dogs and property owners
* Some work is done in an office setting

Specific Physical Requirements:

* Walking long distances (up to 11 miles) on a daily basis on steep and uneven ground
* Stooping, squatting, balancing, kneeling, and reaching on a daily basis

General Physical Requirements:

* Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities which permits the employee to communicate easily with other department personnel and the general public
* Sufficient vision or other powers of observation which permits the employee to read small numbers sometimes in low lighting or poor weather conditions and to maintain computerized records
* Sufficient manual dexterity which permits the employee to operate computer equipment, including a hand-held computer, and small tools
* Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes which permits the employee to walk meter routes in all weather conditions, access obscure or difficult to reach meter locations