Meter Services Specialist

Job Description:

Meter Services Specialist

Description

Position Description

Step up your career: Lead our field team as a Water Meter Specialist!

Are you an experienced utility professional ready to transition into a leadership role? The City of Tulare is seeking a skilled, proactive leader to serve as our Water Meter Specialist. In this role, you will be the ultimate subject matter expert, balancing advanced technical fieldwork with the responsibility of guiding and mentoring our field crew. If you excel at data troubleshooting, thrive in a dynamic outdoor environment, and are ready to lead by example, this is your next career milestone!

Why This Role Matters

As a Water Meter Specialist, you are the backbone of our utility operations. You won't just oversee daily field routes; you will manage our cutting-edge Automated Metering Infrastructure (AMI), reconcile critical database discrepancies, and solve complex field customer service issues. This position bridges the gap between field technical accuracy and high-level team coordination.

Key Responsibilities

• Team Leadership & Training: Plan, schedule, assign, and review the daily work of the field crew. Provide hands-on training and mentorship to lower-level Meter Readers.
• Advanced AMI Troubleshooting: Utilize advanced AMI software networks to program, calibrate, diagnose, and replace complex residential and commercial water meters and transmittal endpoints.
• Data Reconciliation: Review field route progress to meet strict billing timelines. Reconcile technical database discrepancies with real-world physical readings.
• Advanced Field Maintenance: Install, test, and repair water services, meter boxes, and backflow assemblies. Relocate hydrant meters and monitor hydrants to prevent unauthorized water use.
• Community Relations: Step in to resolve complex customer complaints, investigate leaks or system tampering, and coordinate water shutoff operations safely.

Ready to take the next step? Apply today!

If you are a motivated professional with a strong technical background and a passion for community service, we invite you to apply.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is the advanced journey and lead-level class in the Meter series. The incumbent serves as the subject matter expert and lead worker for the unit, with responsibility for scheduling, coordinating, and auditing the daily field activities of assigned Meter Readers. This class is distinguished from the entry-level Meter Reader by its expanded oversight responsibilities, advanced proficiency in Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) diagnostic troubleshooting, reconciliation of technical data discrepancies, and higher level of independence in resolving complex field customer service issues. It is further distinguished from the Water Utility Maintenance Worker series in that the latter is responsible for performing the installation, repair, construction, and maintenance of the City’s water distribution system and related appurtenances.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from the Water Utility Supervisor. Exercises technical and functional direction and provides operational oversight and training to lower-level Meter Reader staff.

Examples of Essential Functions

(IllustrativeOnly) Management reserves the rights to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job. The duties listed below represent the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them if the work is related or a logical assignment to this class.

• Plans, directs, and participates in the reading, recording, and reporting of water consumption data; and monitors progress on field routes to ensure completion within established billing timelines
• Coordinates and performs the installation, testing, maintenance, and repair of water services, meters, boxes, and backflow assemblies.
• Oversees and assists with installing, maintaining, and repairing meter communication modules and network infrastructure.
• Performs a variety of skilled duties in support of the Automated Metering Infrastructure (AMI) including reading, building, programming, installing, activating, calibrating, inspecting, diagnosing, replacing, and routing AMI meters and/or registers.
• Utilizes AMI software to install, program, read, troubleshoot, diagnose, inspect, and replace AMI meters and transmitting devices.
• Activates, programs, and troubleshoots handheld meter reading devices; loads meter reading routes and maps with meter locations onto devices; performs computer data input/output by uploading and downloading data to and from handheld meter reading units.
• Reconciles discrepancies between computer database records and physical meters in the field; ensures that customer issues related to the AMI and metering system are investigated and addressed in a timely manner.
• Disconnects and connects customer services by turning meters and service valves off or on using a list of delinquent accounts, payments, and new service requests; posts non-payment notices, sign-ups, or shut-down notices.
• Assists in coordinating and scheduling water shutoff operations for non-payment.
• Assigns new meters to established routes and updates the sequential or chronological order of meters within routes to maximize efficiency.
• Checks for leaks or broken meters, reports water use violations and evidence of tampering, and assists customers in resolving water volume and pressure problems.
• Reads water meters in varied terrains and in all weather conditions; records figures using handheld computers or in meter books; observes condition of meters or other unusual conditions relative to the need for repair; maintains meters, boxes, lids, and landscaping directly surrounding meter boxes.
• Operates a variety of hand and power tools and equipment used in the maintenance and repair of water meters; makes field repairs to water meters and performs routine maintenance; generates requests to Maintenance and Operations for larger structural repairs.
• Responds to customer complaints and requests for service; maintains simple records and logs; reads and interprets maps and diagrams in the performance of the work; completes technical field reports as necessary.
• Assists in maintaining a parts inventory.
• Installs, relocates, and repairs hydrant meters.
• Monitors City hydrants to detect and prevent unauthorized water use.
• Performs safety and service inspections of assigned truck and equipment.
• Responds to emergency service calls as needed.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Qualifications / Requirements

Knowledge of:

• Basic principles and practices of technical and functional lead supervision, workflow scheduling, and field training.
• Principles, tools, and materials for water distribution repair, including hydraulics, valves, and piping.
• Advanced techniques, methods, and procedures for installing, testing, maintaining, programming, and repairing water meters, registers, and transmitters.
• Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) software networks, Automated Meter Reading (AMR) workflows, and the sizes and types of residential and commercial water meters.
• Utility billing systems, reconciliation procedures, and route optimization techniques.
• The operation and minor maintenance of a variety of hand and power tools, vehicles, and power equipment related to meter services.
• Maintenance principles, practices, tools, and materials for maintaining and repairing water distribution systems and related components.
• Basic traffic control procedures and traffic sign regulations in accordance with safety standards.
• Shop arithmetic and billing calculations.
• Safety equipment and practices related to the work, including confined spaces and the handling of hazardous chemicals.
• Safe driving rules and practices.
• Basic computer software related to the work, including database uploads, downloads, and handheld computer data loggers.
• English usage, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service to the public and City staff, in person and over the telephone.

Ability to:

• Plan, organize, schedule, assign, and review the field work of lower-level staff.
• Train, mentor, and provide constructive technical feedback to personnel.
• Install, program, read, diagnose, and repair a variety of styles, sizes, and brands of water meters and AMI transmitting devices.
• Troubleshoot specialized maintenance problems and determine materials and supplies required for field repair.
• Post data accurately on electronic or physical forms and prepare clear, simple records and logs of work performed.
• Read, interpret, and navigate using physical and digital street maps, plat maps, and system diagrams.
• Make accurate arithmetic calculations to reconcile database discrepancies with physical readings.
• Safely and effectively use and operate hand tools, mechanical equipment, power tools, and equipment required for the work.
• Perform routine vehicle and equipment maintenance inspections.
• Follow department policies and procedures related to assigned duties and water enforcement protocols.
• Understand and follow complex oral and written instructions.
• Organize own work, set unit priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
• Operate modern office equipment, including computer equipment.
• Use word processing, database, spreadsheet, and meter-reading software application programs.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.

Education and Experience: Any combination of training and experience which would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth (12th) grade and two (2) years of increasingly responsible experience in public agency water distribution system operations and the maintenance, data tracking, or repair of water meters, including significant public contact, with at least one (1) year of experience performing work equivalent to Water Utility Maintenance I, at the City of Tulare. Additional coursework or certifications in water technology, electronics, or smart utility networking may substitute for up to one (1) year of the required experience.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Class C California driver’s license by time of appointment.
• Possession of, a State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) Water Distribution Operator Certificate, Grade D1.

Probationary Period/Certification:

If, at the conclusion of the initial probationary period, the employee has met all other performance and probationary requirements but has not yet obtained the required certification solely because the employee is awaiting the opportunity to complete the required State examination or testing, the Department shall request an extension of the probationary period in accordance with the Personnel Rules. The extension shall remain in effect only for the period reasonably necessary to allow the employee to complete the required examination or testing and obtain the certification. An extension shall not be granted when the employee has failed to satisfy any other performance, probationary, eligibility, or certification requirement. Failure to satisfy all the requirements within the applicable probationary period, including any authorized extension, may result in termination of employment.

Additional Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess mobility to work in the field; strength, stamina, and mobility to perform medium to heavy physical work, to work in confined spaces, around machines, and to climb and descend ladders, and to operate varied hand and power tools and construction equipment; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone or radio. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate above-mentioned tools and equipment. Positions in this classification bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and climb to perform work and inspect work sites. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 75 pounds and heavier weights with the use of proper equipment.

Environmental Elements

Employees work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives, and contractors in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

• Members of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). In accordance with the California Public Employees Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA), the City of Tulare will offer the following retirement benefit (2.0% at 62) to new PERS members beginning January 1, 2013 with three (3) years final compensation. Existing PERS members with no break in service will receive the 2.5% at 55 formula with single highest year.
• City pays a portion of the employee and dependent coverage costs of group medical, dental and vision insurance. An opt-out plan is also available.
• Life insurance - $20,000 coverage.
• 10 working days vacation per year. Additional days based on years of service.
• 12 days sick leave per year.
• 15 holidays annually: 12 city observed holidays, plus birthday credit and 2 in-lieu holidays.
• Flexible benefit program - IRS Section 125 Plan.
• Deferred compensation plan - 457 Plans available.
• City sponsored employee health care clinic - Services include: general medical care and health and wellness coaching. No deductibles, co-pays, or out-of-pocket expenses.

Closing Date/Time: 9/27/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$53,814.00 - $65,411.40 Annually