Water Meter Technician I/II

We're Hiring – Water Meter Technician I/II

Join the City of La Verne's Public Works team and play a vital role in delivering safe, reliable water service to our community. We are seeking motivated, customer-focused individuals who enjoy working outdoors, solving problems, and making a positive impact every day

Additional Incentives:
In addition to a competitive salary and benefits package, qualified candidates may be eligible for additional salary incentives based on job-related certifications, education, and professional development, including:

• Up to 2.5% incentive pay for approved job-related certifications.

• 5% incentive pay for completion of at least five (5) job-related college courses, with a minimum of three (3) courses completed while employed with the City.

• Up to 10% incentive pay for obtaining applicable State Water Resources Control Board certifications in Water Distribution or Water Treatment.

These incentives recognize employees who continue to expand their knowledge, skills, and professional qualifications. Whether you're beginning your career in utility operations or bringing years of field experience, this is an excellent opportunity to join a collaborative team dedicated to exceptional public service.

To perform a variety of field duties related to water meter reading and meter service activities, including reading water meters for water services and other municipal services; entering meter reads into a hand held computer, tablet, or related system; locating covered, obstructed, or difficult-to-access meters; responding to field customer requests for information and complaints relative to water service; and participating in the installation, inspection, maintenance, exchange, and removal of water meters and related equipment. Duties may also include turning water service on and off for authorized service actions, investigating abnormal usage, leaks, and meter operation issues, and completing related field documentation and service orders.

The Water Meter Technician series is a flexibly staffed field classification series. Incumbents maybe assigned duties ranging from routine meter reading and service-related field work to more advanced field investigations, meter service activities, and technical support duties, depending on the level of classification and assignment. Positions in this series are expected to work safely, provide courteous service to the public, and coordinate field information with Customer Service/Billing staff and other City personnel.

Water Meter Technician I

This is the entry-level class in the Water Meter Technician series. Positions in this class are generally filled from the outside through open-competitive examinations. Incumbents work under close and continuous supervision while learning and performing meter reading, service orders, meter inspections, water service turn-ons and shut-offs, and related field service duties in accordance with established procedures. As experience is gained, employees are expected to develop working knowledge of meter reading procedures, field safety practices, meter maintenance activities, and customer service expectations.

Water Meter Technician II

This is the journey-level class in the Water Meter Technician series. Positions in this class maybe flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the level, or, when filled from the outside, require prior related field experience. Incumbents are expected to perform the full range of assigned duties with minimal supervision and to exercise independent judgment with in established guidelines. Work at this level includes more complex field assignments, such as investigating abnormal consumption, identifying and documenting leaks or meter irregularities, performing meter exchanges and related service work, trouble shooting AMR/AMI issues, and providing technical and functional guidance to lower-level staff.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal Water Meter Technician is dependable, self-motivated, and enjoys working in a fast-paced outdoor environment. They possess excellent attention to detail, strong problem-solving skills, and a commitment to providing exceptional customer service while representing the City with professionalism.

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• A strong work ethic and the ability to work independently while managing daily routes and assignments.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills with the ability to interact courteously and professionally with residents and coworkers.
• The ability to identify and troubleshoot water meter issues, leaks, abnormal consumption, and service concerns.
• Experience using handheld devices, tablets, or field technology to accurately collect and document information.
• A commitment to workplace safety and the ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and around traffic, uneven terrain, and other field hazards.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to maintain accurate records, complete service orders, and prioritize multiple assignments.
• A collaborative mindset with the willingness to assist team members and support other Public Works operations as needed.

For the Water Meter Technician II level, the ideal candidate will also have demonstrated experience performing advanced meter services, investigating water usage irregularities, troubleshooting AMR/AMI systems, and providing technical guidance and mentorship to less experienced staff.

If you're looking for a rewarding career where your work directly supports the community and helps ensure reliable water service for our residents, we invite you to become part of the City of La Verne team.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES- Depending upon assignment, duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Read water meters on assigned routes as required; enter meter reads into a hand held computer, tablet, or related system; review reads for accuracy and report exceptions, irregularities, and access issues in accordance with established procedures.
• Locate water meters, including covered, obstructed, or difficult-to-access meters; clean and maintain meter boxes and surrounding areas by removing debris and vegetation as needed; tag doors or leave appropriate notices and access reminders as required.
• Conduct meter rereads and field verification as assigned; document findings, identify potential causes of irregular usage patterns, and report results in accordance with established procedures.
• Inspect locations that show high and low water consumption; investigate and document potential causes or reasons for abnormal usage, including leaks, meter malfunction, unauthorized water use, or other conditions; provide findings to appropriate City staff.
• Turn water service on and off at designated locations for account starts, stops, transfers, maintenance needs, and delinquent accounts as authorized; restore or reconnect service when approved; document completion and related service order information.
• Turn off water at designated locations to inspect for leaks, damage, and improper meter operation; properly assess and repair minor service leaks as assigned; report conditions requiring additional work, specialized repair, or follow-up by other City staff.
• Participate in the installation, inspection, maintenance, exchange, and removal of water meters and related equipment; assist with replacement of meter components such as lids, covers, boxes, registers, and related parts as assigned; inspect meter operation and report needed repairs or replacements.
• Assist with conducting flow tests and pressure checks; document readings, observations, and results; report abnormal conditions or findings in accordance with established procedures.
• Assist with trouble shooting automated meter reading (AMR/AMI) equipment and related field devices as assigned; identify and report "no read," communication, programming, or equipment-related issues; update meter asset information, including meter location and identifying information, as required.
• Respond to citizen inquiries and complaints in the field in a tactful and courteous manner; provide general information regarding water service and field processes; coordinate with Customer Service/Billing staff by providing field findings, reread results, service confirmations, and documentation to support customer resolution; refer billing-specific questions to appropriate staff as required.
• Receive, prioritize, and complete service orders and field service requests as assigned; maintain accurate field logs and documentation; update work order and service request systems with status, notes, and completion details in accordance with established procedures.

• Operate City vehicles and field equipment as required; maintain assigned tools and equipment in safe working condition; ensure vehicles are stocked with basic field supplies; regularly update vehicle log book and report needed repairs or materials.
• Work safely in the public right-of-way, around traffic, and in active neighborhoods; follow safety policies and safework practices, including use of required PPE; work around common field hazards such as uneven terrain, confined meter boxes, insects, animals, and access limitations.
• Work well with others in emergency situations and in all types of inclement weather.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Physical Activities / Requirements

Physical activities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Communicate orally with management, coworkers, and the public.
• May use telephone or two-way radio for communication.
• Drive City vehicles to and from assigned job sites; regularly update vehicle log book.
• Walk for extended periods of time over varied terrain.
• Bend, stoop, kneel, twist, reach, and climb as necessary to access and service meters and related equipment.
• Lift and carry equipment and materials associated with meter services and field work.
• Work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, and rain.
• Hearing and vision within normal ranges.

Water Meter Technician I Knowledge of:

• Safe work practices.
• Basic meter reading methods and procedures.
• Basic principles of water service delivery and meter function (as applicable to assigned duties).
• Principles and practices of customer service.

Ability to:

• Learn procedures and policies affecting municipal services and field service requests.
• Read meters accurately and enter information in to a hand held computer or related system.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records, logs, and service order documentation.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Respond to public inquiries, requests for services, and complaints in a tactful and courteous manner.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.
• Work well with others in emergency situations and in all types of inclement weather.

Water Meter Technician I

In addition to the qualifications of Water Meter Technician I:

Knowledge of:

• Meter reading systems, field data collection practices, and related recordkeeping procedures.
• City policies and procedures related to service orders, water service turn-ons and shut-offs, delinquent account field actions, and meter service activities.
• Water meter installation, inspection, maintenance, exchange, and related field service practices.
• Automated meter reading and/or advanced metering infrastructure systems and related field equipment, as applicable to assigned duties.
• Principles and practices of providing technical and functional guidance to staff.

Ability to:

• Work independently in the absence of close supervision.
• Analyze and investigate abnormal usage, leaks, meter irregularities, no-read conditions, and related field service issues.
• Inspect, document, and report field conditions accurately and recommend appropriate corrective action or follow-up.
• Perform more complex meter reading, service order, and meter service assignments in accordance with established procedures and safety requirements.
• Provide technical and functional guidance and training to lower-level staff.
• Skill fully use hand held computers, field data collection devices, AMR/AMI equipment, and related software or systems.
• Coordinate field findings and service information with Customer Service/Billing staff and other City personnel.
• Read and interpret service orders, route information, meter records, and related field documentation.

Experience and Education

Any combination equivalent to experience and education that could likely provide the required knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Water Meter Technician I

Experience: One year of field work involving water meter reading, utility services, public works 

maintenance, or related customer service field work.

Education: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by college level course work or specialized training in general business practices and procedures.

Water Meter Technician II

In addition to the qualifications for Water Meter Technician I:

Experience: Three years of progressively responsible experience in water meter reading, meter services, utility field operations, or related public works field work.

Education: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by college level course work or specialized training in general business practices and procedures.

License and Certificate

Possession of or ability to obtain an appropriate, valid California driver's license.

Possession of a valid Grade I (D-1) Water Distribution Operator Certificate issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board.

THE CITY

The City of La Verne strives to maintain a full range of efficient municipal services to preserve our hometown charm and quality of life while being responsive to the community's current and emerging needs. La Verne is a city of more than 30,000 residents and a well-balanced community with a good mix of residential, commercial, and industrial features. La Verne maintains a council-manager form of government. Residents in five districts elect their district council member to represent them and oversee a total annual budget of over $71 million. The five council members select a mayor amongst themselves. La Verne is a close-knit community that is home to many fine institutions and facilities which include the University of La Verne (founded in 1891), Brackett Field Airport, and public and private schools. As one of the more desirable communities in metropolitan Southern California, La Verne is a progressive city that has retained much of its small town charm. The City is interested in hiring an individual who exemplifies the values that make La Verne a safe, desirable, and engaged place to live. 

SELECTION PROCESS

The City reserves the right to select applicants for further consideration who demonstrate the best qualifications match for the position. Meeting the required minimum qualifications does not guarantee an applicant an invitation to the next step(s) in the selection process. Those candidates whose experience and training most closely match the City's needs may be invited to participate in the selection process, which may include a combination of written exercise, panel interview, or other testing deemed appropriate. 

Prior to hire, successful candidates will also be required to undergo a medical examination (including drug screen), and credit and criminal reviews. Appointments are subject to a 12-month probationary period.

Primary communication regarding applicant status relative to this recruitment will be by e-mail; applicants are solely responsible for monitoring their e-mail communication messages and systems. Applicants are solely responsible for informing the City of changes in contact information, including but not limited to e-mail addresses, mailing addresses, post office boxes, and telephone numbers. 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

As required by state law, the City provides consideration for veterans who served during military actions. Eligible veterans should notify Personnel in writing at the time of application. 

Under Federal law, employees must contribute 1.45% of their gross monthly earnings for Medicare coverage. The City will match the employee's contribution. 

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if special assistance to participate in this recruitment is needed, contact the Personnel Office. 

The City recruits and hires without regard to race, color, religion, physical ability or condition, sexual orientation, gender, age, or national origin, except in those specific instances whereby a bona fide occupational qualification demands otherwise. 

The City of La Verne hires only United States citizens or lawfully authorized aliens. 

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