WATER METER SERVICE WORKER

GENERAL DEFINITION

This is water meter repair work investigating, installing and troubleshooting residential Automated Meter Reader (AMR) water meters. Employees in this class work independently and travel to remote sites to inspect residential properties for meter installation and perform investigations to troubleshoot and replace damaged residential water meters to ensure accurate billing. Assignments are stable in nature and are carried out in accordance with instructions and established meter shop routines. Communicating in the field with water customers, department representatives, and the general public to resolve problems is a significant aspect of the work. Work assignments involve some disagreeable aspects and some physical effort. Work is performed under the supervision of a Water Meter Repair Supervisor.

TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF WORK (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY)

Installs and troubleshoots Automated Meter Reader (AMR) meters to automatically collect consumption, diagnostic, and status data from water metering devices; performs home and plumbing inspection to determine compliance with PWD regulations and to identify existing water meter damage; troubleshoots non-functioning water meter chambers, registers and AMR devices; caps and seals water meters with a theft deterrent wire seal; installs remote metering devices when Radio Frequency device does not transmit outside of the residential property.

Performs tests to calibrate equipment and ensure water meters are functioning accurately at varying rates of water flow; tests meters for leaks; changes register and post gears to adjust meter for proper operating accuracy.

Responds to service orders concerning residential customers including stopped meters, rereads of meters, illegal connections, high bill complaints, etc; performs investigations and troubleshoots to ensure accurate customer billing; determines if meter components are functioning properly and initiates corrective action as necessary; shuts off water service to the property at the curb box in response to meter non-compliance, as necessary.

Issues non-compliant notices and schedules re-inspection for assignments that cannot be completed; updates customer, property occupancy and meter information electronically post installation; inspects properties for Fire Service, Backflow Protection and type of service line providing water to the property; field tests for lead with a test kit if service type is suspected to be a lead line.

Drives a truck to designated locations; interacts with the public to answer questions and provide information pertaining to the operation of the meter device and Philadelphia Water Department metering standards; assists customers in identifying water leakage; refers customers to proper authorities regarding complex water system issues.

May assist a higher level repair worker engaged in the investigation, repair or installation of commercial property water meters.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

KNOWLEDGE OF:

· the methods, materials, tools and practices used in the installation, repair and removal of small water meters

· the American Water Works Association (AWWA) standards and regulations for Metering

· the public relations techniques necessary in providing services to the general public

· the rules and regulations regarding water shutoffs and customer notifications

· investigation methods and techniques pertaining to theft of water and billing disputes

· City of Philadelphia Plumbing codes, regulations and ordinances pertaining to water and sewer services

· types of plumbing material including lead, copper, and galvanized steel used in water services

SKILL IN:

· the use of standard bench and plumbing tools used for replacing water meter equipment in the field

· communicating effectively with customers and the general public

ABILITY TO:

· test meters for leakage and accurate measurement of water flow

· understand and follow oral and written instructions

· use hand held computers and other field equipment

· communicate clearly, both orally and in writing, with associates and the general public

· utilize computer hardware and software relating to work

· learn and apply the rules and regulations regarding water shutoffs and customer notifications

· learn investigation methods and techniques

MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE (The following statement represents the minimum training and experience standards which will be used to admit or reject applicants for tests. Applications submitted by candidates for this class will be reviewed based on training and experience requirements as approved on 12/12.)

EDUCATION:

Education equivalent to completion of the twelfth school grade.

AND

EXPERIENCE:

One year of experience disassembling and repairing utility meters and using hand held computer devices to install and program automated meter reading (AMR) devices for a public utility.

OR

Any equivalent combination of education and experience determined to be acceptable by the Office of Human Resources.

PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND/OR CERTIFICATES

Possession of a valid proper class motor vehicle operator's license as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania prior to appointment if required by work assignment.

Class Established - 1/53

Spec. Revision - 9/84

Spec Revision:

CSC: 11/12

Ad Board: 12/12

Latest Spec Revision:

CSC: 6/15

Ad Board: 6/15