Meter Reader

The City of Oxnard's Public Works Department is seeking Meter Readers with strong technical and customer service skills to be part of the Water Division team. The ideal candidate will be  a reliable individual who can work independently and communicate well with the public while providing the highest quality of customer service.   This position will be responsible for gathering accurate data, reporting, assisting with issues, and displaying courtesy and tact when dealing with customers. 

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

• Provide excellent customer service to the community

• Check unusual or irregular usage spikes and re-read meters to prevent billing errors

• Maintain Automated Metering Infrastructure (AMI) meters and connections for damage, leaks, or signs of tampering

• Turn utility services on or off for occupancy changes, maintenance, or non-payment

• Work independently in the field utilizing a city vehicle 

PAYROLL/CLASSIFICATION TITLE: 
Utilities Field Technician 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: 

This classification is distinguished from the Utilities Field Technician, Senior in that it performs semi-skilled work in obtaining and recording meter readings and providing routine customer service. 

SUPERVISION EXERCISED / SUPERVISION RECEIVED: 

Receives close supervision and specific direction regarding assignments and deadlines. 

WORK SCHEDULE: The normal work week is Monday through Thursday, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, and alternating Fridays 8:00 am-5:00 pm. Depending on the work assignment, staff may be assigned to a shift that is outside the standard work hours. In addition, this position may be required to be available to work additional hours in response to peaks in workloads and changes in department needs.

This class specification represents only the core areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the needs of the Department.

• Takes and records meter readings on assigned routes; reviews consistency of meter readings and reports unusual incidents or inconsistent readings; maintains meter boxes and reports defects in water meters.

• Delivers notices regarding delinquent accounts and returned checks; closes and locks meters on delinquent accounts.

• Reports rules and regulations violations related to water consumption; reviews and reports conditions that require a rate change for utility services.

• Identifies addresses for new service and provides notice related to service application process; turns water service on for new customers; obtains weekly route information from the system.

• Performs data entry; assists in updating and maintaining meter account information and related files.

• Receives and responds to inquiries and concerns from the public; provides general information on procedures and processes; refers complex inquiries and requests to appropriate resources.

• Performs any maintenance-related task associated with the Automated Metering Infrastructure (AMI)

• Performs other duties of a similar nature and level as assigned.

The following are minimum qualifications necessary for entry into the classification:

EDUCATION:

• High School Diploma or GED 

EXPERIENCE:

• One year of related customer service experience 

LICENSE/CERTIFICATION: 

• Valid California Class C Driver’s License with a satisfactory driving record.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS: 

• Must be able to effectively communicate in English, both orally and in writing

• Bilingual in Spanish 
  

APPLICATION PROCESS: 

• Submit NEOGOV/Government Jobs on-line application. 

• Complete and submit responses to the supplemental questions, if required. 

• Upload resume, cover letter, proof of degree (transcript), or other requested documents.

Your application may be rejected as incomplete if you do not include the relevant information in the online application and include the information only on the resume. Applications and/or Supplemental Questionnaires that state "see my resume" or "see my personnel file" are considered incomplete and will not be accepted. Cover letters and/or optional resumes are not accepted in lieu of a completed application. 

The list of qualified candidates established from this recruitment will be used for this position only. There are currently two (2) full-time vacancies within the Public Works Department, Water Division. 

Selected candidate(s) must pass a thorough reference check and background investigation. Some positions that work with or have access to the Police Department may require a polygraph exam. Select positions may require candidates to undergo a pre-employment medical and/or psychological evaluation. 

UNION MEMBERSHIP:

Positions in this classification are represented by the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE).

NOTE: 

For most positions, the City of Oxnard relies on office automation (Microsoft Office/Google) and web-based enabled tools, therefore candidates must be proficient and comfortable with computer use to perform functions associated with on-going work.

Regular and reliable attendance, effective communication skills, and development of effective working relationships are requirements of all positions.

Employees are required to participate in the City's direct deposit plan and are paid on a bi-weekly basis.

This position requires a 12-month probationary period. Internal applicant probationary periods will be governed by the applicable MOU.

Pursuant to California Government Code Section 3100, all public employees are required to serve as disaster service workers subject to such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them.

If a candidate accepts a conditional job offer with the City of Oxnard, any and all pending applications for active recruitments with the City of Oxnard will be withdrawn and no longer considered.

This position is governed by the overtime provisions of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act and is eligible for overtime pay.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY: 

The City of Oxnard is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes applications from all qualified applicants.  We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, medical condition, disability or sexual orientation.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION: 
The City of Oxnard makes reasonable accommodation for individuals/people with disabilities. If you believe you require special arrangements to participate in the testing process, you must inform the Human Resources Department in writing no later than the filing date.  Applicants who request such accommodation must document their request with an explanation of the type and extent of accommodation required.

LEGAL REQUIREMENT:
On the first day of employment, new employees must provide proof of citizenship or documentation of legal right to work in the United States in compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, as amended. The City participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, this employer is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before the employer can take any action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers can only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9. For more information on E-Verify, please contact DHS. 888-897-7781 dhs.gov/e-verify 

If you have any questions regarding this recruitment, please contact Vivian Morales at [email protected]. 

NOTE: The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract.  Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice