Water Meter Technician

Join the City of Paso Robles Water Division and play a key role in supporting reliable water service for our community. As a water meter technician, you'll work in the field installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), responding to customer service requests, and ensuring accurate water usage data that supports billing, conservation, and efficient utility operations. Every day brings a mix of hands-on technical work, problem-solving, and opportunities to make a meaningful impact for our customers.

About Paso Robles

Nestled in the heart of California’s scenic Central Coast, Paso Robles—short for El Paso de Robles, or “The Pass of the Oaks”—offers a unique blend of small-town charm, natural beauty, and modern opportunity. Originally founded around its famous mineral hot springs and rich agricultural heritage, Paso Robles has grown into a dynamic and thriving community. The region enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm, sunny days and cool evenings, ideal for both outdoor living and agricultural innovation. With its rolling hills, majestic oak trees, and panoramic vineyard views, Paso Robles provides a truly inspiring setting for work and life.

Paso Robles’ central location within San Luis Obispo County offers residents easy access to a wide array of cultural, educational, and recreational attractions. Just a short 30-minute drive south lies California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly), a nationally ranked institution known for its hands-on learning and innovation. This proximity fosters strong connections to cutting-edge research, continuing education, and a highly educated talent pool. To the west, scenic Highway 1 leads to the iconic Hearst Castle in San Simeon, a historic landmark that draws visitors from around the world with its stunning architecture and sweeping coastal views. Within the county, residents can also enjoy the vibrant coastal towns of Morro Bay, Cambria, and Pismo Beach, as well as the eclectic energy of downtown San Luis Obispo. From wine tasting and hiking to art galleries, surf spots, and farmers’ markets, San Luis Obispo County offers an exceptional quality of life. 

Today, Paso Robles is best known as a premier wine region, home to over 200 wineries producing world-class Zinfandels, Cabernet Sauvignons, and Rhône varietals. But wine is just the beginning. The city boasts a vibrant downtown filled with boutique shopping, award-winning restaurants, and a bourgeoning local arts scene. Cultural highlights include the Paso Robles Wine Festival, California Mid-State Fair, and a variety of community events that bring residents together year-round. A wide array of housing options, good schools, a welcoming business environment, and proximity to outdoor destinations make it an ideal place to live and work. Whether you’re a young professional, a growing family, or someone looking to make a lifestyle change, the City of Paso Robles offers the perfect balance of opportunity, community, and California charm. 

The Organization

The City of Paso Robles was incorporated in 1889 as a general law city and operates under the Council-Manager form of government. As of January 1, 2025, the City's population has grown to approximately 31,061, reflecting consistent growth over recent years as more residents are drawn to the City's high quality of life, strong community identity, and comprehensive municipal services.

The City is a full-service municipality, meaning it provides a wide range of essential public services directly to its residents. These include police and fire protection, emergency medical response, water and wastewater utilities, parks and recreation, planning and development services, public works, and community enrichment programs. The City is committed to delivering responsive, effective, and efficient services that enhance the well-being of its residents and support a safe, sustainable, and vibrant community.

The governing body consists of a five-member City Council: the Mayor, elected at large by the voters of the City; and four Councilmembers elected by district. Voters also elect one City Treasurer at-large. All six elected positions are non-partisan. The City Manager, appointed by the City Council, serves as the Chief Executive Officer and is authorized to appoint all non-elected employees, with the exception of the City Attorney.

The City operates with a total annual budget of $148.5 million for fiscal year 2026-27 and employs 311.97 full-time equivalent positions across the departments of Administrative Services, City Manager’s Office, Community Development, Community Services, Fire and Emergency Services, Police, Public Works, and Utilities.

The Department

Within the Utilities Department, the Water Division provides a reliable, high-quality water supply to approximately 9,200 residential, 800 commercial, and 400 irrigation customers. The Division operates and maintains the City's water distribution system, including wells, treatment facilities, reservoirs, pipelines, and advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), while ensuring customers receive dependable service and safe drinking water.

The following duties are typical of this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the duties set forth below and/or may be required to perform additional related duties to address City needs and evolving business practices.

• Installs, programs, configures, tests, inspects, diagnoses, repairs, replaces, and maintains residential and commercial water meters, AMI meters, and related metering equipment for new and existing service connections. 
• Monitors and troubleshoots AMI system performance, including communication failures, connectivity issues, inaccurate readings, and meter malfunctions. 
• Operates computer software, handheld devices, electronic testing equipment, and AMI technologies related to automated meter reading, meter programming, and customer service operations. 
• Retrieves, reviews, analyzes, uploads, and verifies meter data for billing, asset management, and work order systems to ensure accurate water usage records and customer billing. 
• Reviews meter readings and consumption data to identify irregularities, high or low usage, leaks, non-operational meters, and other service-related concerns; performs re-reads and corrective actions as necessary. 
• Responds to customer service requests and field investigations involving leaks, stuck or broken meters, pressure concerns, high or low usage complaints, and other water service issues. 
• Performs water service turn-ons, shut-offs, transfer readings, and final readings in accordance with assigned schedules, routes, and departmental procedures. 
• Investigates customer billing and service concerns; provides customers with information regarding water usage, consumption trends, service interruptions, and conservation-related matters. 
• Uses independent judgment to identify service issues, recommend corrective actions, and coordinate resolutions related to customer water service and metering systems. 
• Delivers delinquency and past-due notices and disconnects water service for non-payment in accordance with established policies and procedures. 
• Locates buried or obstructed meters; adjusts meter box elevations; repairs or replaces damaged boxes and lids; and maintains vegetation and access around meter locations. 
• Performs valve maintenance, leak detection activities, and minor service line maintenance; reports service defects, unauthorized water use, unusual flow conditions, and mainline leaks for repair. 
• Reports illegal water usage, unauthorized hydrant use, and water-use violations in accordance with City policies and regulations. 
• Interprets maps, blueprints, diagrams, utility records, and electronic locating tools to identify meter locations and underground infrastructure. 
• Coordinates work activities, service installations, repairs, and timelines with other City departments, contractors, and utility personnel. 
• Completes forms, prepares reports, maintains electronic records, and documents completed inspections, repairs, service requests, and field assignments. 
• May perform work in confined spaces.

• Methods, materials, tools, and equipment used in the installation, programming, testing, maintenance, repair, and servicing of residential and commercial water meters and Automated Metering Infrastructure (AMI) systems.
• Principles, practices, and operational characteristics of AMI, meter communication systems, electronic meter components, and automated meter reading technologies.
• Methods and techniques for retrieving, compiling, analyzing, and validating water consumption and meter usage data for billing and operational purposes.
• Operational characteristics, maintenance requirements, and repair procedures for a variety of water meters, valves, service lines, regulators, and related water distribution components.
• Methods and techniques used to investigate and resolve customer service issues related to water consumption, pressure complaints, leaks, billing discrepancies, and meter malfunctions.
• Applicable codes, ordinances, regulations, policies, and procedures related to water meter installation, repair, utility services, and customer account servicing.
• Leak detection methods, water conservation practices, and procedures for identifying unauthorized or illegal water use.
• Safe operation and maintenance of hand tools, power tools, testing devices, vehicles, and equipment used in meter and utility service work.
• Basic traffic control procedures, work zone safety practices, and applicable traffic sign regulations.
• Geographic layout of the City’s water service area, including streets, utility infrastructure, meter locations, and service routes.
• Principles and practices of recordkeeping, report preparation, and electronic documentation.
• Modern office practices, methods, computer systems, mobile devices, software applications, and communication tools related to meter operations, billing systems, work order management, and customer service.
• Occupational hazards and applicable safety practices, procedures, rules, and regulations related to utility maintenance and field operations, including confined space awareness.
• Techniques for providing effective customer service and maintaining positive working relationships with the public, contractors, vendors, and City staff.
• English usage, spelling, grammar, punctuation, and business communication methods.

• Install, program, test, inspect, maintain, diagnose, repair, and replace a variety of residential and commercial water meters, AMI devices, and related equipment.
• Troubleshoot AMI communication failures, meter inaccuracies, connectivity issues, and other metering system problems.
• Read, interpret, and apply maps, blueprints, utility records, specifications, diagrams, manuals, and related technical documents.
• Investigate and respond effectively to customer service issues involving water usage, leaks, pressure concerns, billing discrepancies, and meter malfunctions.
• Identify leaks, unauthorized water use, abnormal consumption patterns, and defective meters, and take appropriate corrective action.
• Perform arithmetic calculations accurately and maintain precise meter readings, service records, and related documentation.
• Safely and effectively operate vehicles, hand tools, power tools, testing equipment, electronic devices, and other equipment required in the performance of assigned duties.
• Organize, prioritize, and independently perform assigned duties and fieldwork with minimal supervision.
• Understand, interpret, and follow oral and written instructions, policies, procedures, and safety regulations.
• Coordinate work activities effectively with other departments, contractors, and utility personnel.
• Prepare clear, accurate, and concise reports, records, correspondence, and electronic documentation.
• Use computer systems, handheld devices, software applications, and modern business technologies related to meter operations and customer service functions.
• Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, with customers, coworkers, contractors, and the public.
• Exercise sound independent judgment, initiative, and problem-solving skills within established guidelines.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive, cooperative, and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Handle difficult, sensitive, emotional, or confrontational customer interactions with professionalism, tact, and diplomacy.

Human Relations and Communications Skills
Requires frequent internal and external contact to carry out organizational programs, explain specialized matters, or enforce laws, ordinances, policies, and procedures. May include occasional contact with higher-level officials requiring cooperation, explanation, and persuasion.

Education and Experience
A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

• Graduation from high school or possession of a General Educational Development (GED) certificate; and
• One year of experience in water meter, installation, maintenance, or repair; utility service operations; or a related field involving customer service, field investigations, and/or the use of electronic or automated metering systems.

Experience with Automated Metering Infrastructure (AMI), meter data collection systems, and water utility operations is desirable.

Licenses and Certifications
Requires possession of a valid California Class C driver license, a satisfactory driving record. 

Must obtain a Grade I Water Distribution Operator certification within one year of appointment.

To be considered for this exceptional career opportunity, please submit an employment application by Monday, August 31, 2026 at 10:00 AM.

This is a confidential recruitment and will be handled accordingly throughout the various stages of the process. Candidates should be aware that references will not be contacted until mutual interest has been established.