Meter Technician

Salary: $70.70 Hourly

Location : Port Townsend

Job Type: Full-Time

Job Number: 202445

Department: Metering/Substation

Opening Date: 10/18/2024

Description

This position is represented by IBEW
The Meter Technician is responsible for installation, inspection, testing, maintenance and repair of electric metering and equipment in a manner that ensures economical use of materials and equipment to achieve the District's mission. Interact with customers in the field and collaborate with other utility departments to ensure consistency in data and interactions with customers.
Examples of Duties

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES include but are not limited to the following:

• Wiring, construct, operate, inspect, test, and maintain metering and SCADA equipment.
• Assist substation department with low voltage relay wiring.
• Install, test, repair and maintain all types, sizes and voltages of meters, including polyphase meters.
• Operate all test equipment, programming, software interface with electronic meters and meter database support.
• Maintain meter, CT and other related stock in partnership with the Warehouse crew. Monitor, report and stock inventory as related to Meter Department.
• Perform installation, inspection, testing, programming, maintenance and repair of electric meters, metering equipment and other meter related equipment.
• Perform testing and repair of meter-related electrical test equipment and other meter-related apparatus as required.
• Assist with the installation and maintenance of our AMI meter reading system including gateways, repeaters, and software to interface with NISC and meters.
• Ensure accurate and timely information from the meters is reflected in
• Work closely with meters into metering software and NISC. Work closely with customer service and billing to ensure data is accurate. Work with Customer Service Representatives and CIS/Billing Department to resolve account problems.
• Perform remote disconnects and physical disconnect for customers.
• Responsible for use, care and security of tools, vehicles, equipment and materials utilized.
• Train other personnel in job-related operations.
• Meet and work with the public effectively and courteously.
• Use computer for related programs including NISC.
• Assist the substation department with the Installation and maintenance of control systems and electrical apparatus on District facilities as directed. (Melanie - where to add low voltage?)
• Complete paperwork and record keeping associated with job functions in a neat and timely manner.
• Operate equipment such as aerial lift trucks and other equipment as needed.
• Program, install and download voltage, current and disturbance recorders on customers' or District equipment.
• Assist and work with Substation personnel as needed.
• Attend safety, planning and training meetings as required.
• inspect electrical contractors when working on District metering projects.
• Analyze new meter equipment or systems for applicability to District operations.
• Organize and maintain meter equipment records.
• Perform and assist in duties related to SCADA operation, and electric dispatch.
• Other duties as assigned.

Standard Workplace Expectations:

• Contribute to a successful work group by listening to and taking time to understand suggestions and concerns of co-workers. Offer constructive suggestions and ideas that help the team to meet or exceed objectives and goals by accepting and supporting team decisions.
• Maintain a positive and collaborative attitude in the workplace.
• Determine appropriate priorities to balance workload when deadlines compete. Seek assistance when needed.
• Respond quickly and appropriately to inquiries, requests, or concerns.
• Review own work for accuracy and routinely detect or prevent errors or mistakes that would prove costly or could jeopardize the operations of the PUD.
• Work additional hours as necessary to achieve departmental goals as directed by the supervisor.
• Review and follow District employee policies and procedures.
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance.

Typical Qualifications

EDUCATION ANDEXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Successful completion of a Meter person apprenticeship or completion of equivalent journey level apprenticeship (i.e. wiring or substation).
• 3 - 5 years' experience performing journey-level polyphase metering, substation, dispatching, and/or SCADA system operation with an electric utility preferred.
• Must have, or obtain within six months of employment, a valid Washington State-approved Industrial First Aid/AED card and Washington State Flagging and Traffic Control card.
• Valid Washington State driver's license required.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

• Knowledge of software such as Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Knowledge of all phases of the meter reading function with ability to meet work schedules.
• Knowledge of methods, equipment and materials used in meter reading.
• Ability to program meters.
• Ability to use handheld tools including hammers, pilers, screwdrivers.
• Ability to operate district vehicles safely.
• Ability to meet position record-keeping requirements.
• Ability to safely enter and exit customer private property in various weather conditions.
• Ability to learn the district's service area, specific meter reading routes, route complexities and constraints with ability to reroute when necessary.
• Ability to learn District policies, procedures and regulations relating to property access, theft or tampering of service, dog, etc.
• Ability to maintain good public relations and represent the District in a courteous manner.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective customer relations and to respond to others in a professional manner
• Ability to work outdoors and walk long distances on varying terrain, to physically perform other tasks of the position, maintain confidentiality of customer information, and handle animals in a manner that will protect self and the district.

Supplemental Information

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTSMust successfully complete a standard criminal background check. A standard Monday through Friday work schedule is expected to be maintained and the incumbent may be required to work hours in excess of 40 hours per week. Responds to after-hours phone calls or call-outs, including day, night, and weekend.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDSThe job functions will be performed in indoor and outdoor environments, subject to adverse weather conditions and noise. The job functions require working with persons who exhibit many types of personalities and behaviors. The job functions will be done in areas covered by brush and trees or in trenches and where footing is poor and the ground uneven and/or water soaked. Job functions on and around mechanized equipment will present the need for alertness and safety awareness. Job functions will require work on ladders, structures and equipment. The job functions require work with de-energized conductors and equipment rated up to 15kv. The work requires the ability to lift and carry up to 70 pounds. Materials, equipment, etc. will be lifted to and from trucks, equipment, warehouse shelves and the ground. The work requires the ability to climb ladders and structures; to climb on, off and around trucks and other equipment; and to work in elevated positions up to 45 feet. The work requires the ability to operate tools, equipment, vehicles and machinery. The work requires the ability to perform detailed work on meters and equipment; to work in limited light; and to differentiate among colors. The work requires the ability to answer questions and communicate with coworkers, customers and others in person, via email and on telephones and mobile radios. The work requires the ability to see and hear in order to detect problems and ensure the safety of employees and others in response to exposure to the hazards associated with this position. Work activities involve combinations of walking, kneeling, climbing, pulling, bending, lifting and carrying and standing for extended periods. The work requires physical strength and agility necessary to perform heavy manual labor.

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT
This position requires the employee to reside at their primary residence within sixty (60) minutes legal driving time of their assigned headquarters located west of the Hood Canal Bridge. The residency requirement must be met within 6 months of the hire date.

NOTE: Jefferson County PUD is a Rural Utilities Services (RUS) borrower.

Jefferson County PUD provides a robust benefit package to all full-time employees. The following summary describes typical benefits available. Actual benefits may vary by position type. Please reach out to our Human Resources team for specific benefit information.

Medical, Dental, Vision and Rx Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental and vision insurance plans provided by Public Risk Utility Management Services (PURMS). Employees pay 5% of the monthly premium, regardless of the number of dependents covered.

Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA VEBA): HRA VEBA plan is a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA) for employees to use for qualified health care expenses of the employee and eligible dependents while employed and upon separation of employment. Employees contribute, through payroll deduction, tax-free contributions of $25.00 per month. The PUD contributes $75 per month.

Retirement: The District is a member of PERS and participation is mandatory for employees in eligible positions. Both the employee and the employer make contributions to the PERS system. Employee contributions are made on a tax-deferred basis. New employees may choose between PERS Plan 2 and PERS Plan 3.

The PUD participates in the Washington State Deferred Compensation Program (457 plan). DCP allows employees to defer a portion of their paycheck for investment for retirement similar to a 401(k). The PUD matches employee deferrals at 50 cents per dollar, up to a total match of 4.5% from the PUD.

Paid Time Off: The PUD utilizes a PTO program. New employees are offered 20 days of PTO each year. PTO accrues at 6.15 hours per biweekly pay period. Accruals increase with longevity of service after 3 years.

Holidays: The PUD recognizes 11 holidays and provides two floating holidays each year. The second floating holiday is available for use after six months of employment. Floating holidays must be taken during the calendar year in which the floating holiday is earned. At 5 years of employment, employees are offered 3 floating holidays each year and 4 floating holidays each year after 10 years of employment.

Observed Holidays:

• New Year's Day
• Martin Luther King Day
• Presidents' Day
• Memorial Day
• Juneteenth National Independence Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Veterans' Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Day after Thanksgiving
• Christmas Day

Disability Insurance: The PUD offers a short-term disability policy, beginning on the 41st hour you are unable to work, that pays 70% of your salary for up to 180 days. A separate long-term disability insurance applies after 180 day waiting period.

Life and AD&D Insurance: $10,000 through Standard Insurance.

Wellness Reimbursement: The PUD offers up to $300 per year in expenses related to wellness activities and items such as exercise equipment, massage therapy, gym memberships, etc.

Please note that all provisions in this summary are subject to change.

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