The Water Meter Reader interprets, translates, and reads all residential, commercial, industrial, and park water meters for accurate billing of customers for the Dallas Water Utility1 Reads residential, commercial, industrial or park water meters to ensure accurate billing; uses hand-held computer to input data about meter reads, invalid addresses, code violations, repairs needed, sequence changes, and hazardous conditions to ensure corrective actions are taken by the appropriate group.

2 Reports repair work needed in and around meter boxes and hazardous conditions to eliminate problem areas; performs various activities in and around meter boxes such as cleaning and replacing clock glass and gasket, replacing clock lid, replacing water valve covers, and inspecting meter register and gears to ensure proper functioning of meters.

3 Communicates with business owners and maintenance engineers to determine why fire lines are being used; checks fire lines for leaks and works with water billing staff to change billing codes for meters that are not being used as fire lines.

4 Checks previous day's meter readings to confirm unusually high or low readings are accurate and ensures that all water meters on assigned route are read.

5 Assembles or disassembles retrieval device and operates according to guidelines to ensure safety of person in meter vault; calibrates and operates portable gas detector to test for presence of toxic gases and acceptable levels of oxygen in large meter vaults.

6 Operates and drives city or personal vehicles and other equipment to perform the work; adheres to safety regulations and effectively navigates around the City.

7 Reads and interprets 200 to 500 water meters on a daily basis.

8 Trains and educates employees in the field and other meter reading personnel to ensure accuracy and transparency in reporting.

9 Performs any and all other work as needed or assigned.

A Day in the Life of a Water Meter Reader!!!

EDUCATION:

• High school diploma or GED.

EXPERIENCE:

• One (1) year of general work experience.

LICENSE :

• Valid driver's license with good driving record; own transportation with required liability insurance.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS :

• Ability to stoop, bend and walk five (5) miles per day
• Ability to lift twenty-five (25) pound meter vault lids
• Must pass the background investigation and drug screening test

Knowledge and Skills

1 Knowledge of meter reading or related work.

2 Ability to correctly read water meters.

3 Ability to operate hand-held computer and accurately record meter reading.

4 Ability to operate 2-way radio.

5 Ability to deal effectively with diverse customers.

6 Communicating effectively verbally and in writing

7 Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.

The salary listed on this job posting is the starting salary range; amount offered will depend upon qualifications.

For evaluation purposes, acceptable qualifying experience for all positions must have been in a paid capacity unless noted otherwise in the minimum qualifications for the posted position.

Additionally, 30+ hours per week will be counted as full-time employment and will receive full credit for the amount of time employed. A minimum of 15 through 29 work hours per week will be counted as part-time employment and will receive half credit for the amount of time employed.