JOB
Hourly Rate: $25.00
There is one (1) position available, and applications will be accepted until the position is filled. This position is represented by the Teamsters union. If you have technical difficulties, please feel free to call our office at (253) 856-5270 and we will do our best to assist you.
Hours of Work: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 7:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
This is a Limited Hour position; up to 27 hours per week
Temporary employees with the City of Kent do not receive insurance or time off benefits outside of those which are legally mandated. In certain instances, temporary employees may be eligible for retirement benefits through the State of Washington’s Department of Retirement Systems.
GENERAL PURPOSE:
Under the direction of the Customer Services Manager, or designee, perform accurate water meter readings; maintain meter records; and repair and replace defective meters.
Work is characterized by a substantial volume of semi-skilled maintenance and technical tasks involved in performing accurate readings of water meters. The Incumbent also performs a moderate volume of clerical duties in the data entry of meter data and maintenance of meter records and reports. Incumbents of this classification operate a variety of specialized hand, power, and automotive equipment necessary in the performance of daily duties. All assignments involve the responsibility for safe use of tools and equipment and the safety of others in the immediate area.
Work is performed under continuing supervision. The supervisor indicates what is to be done, limitations, quality, and quantity of the work expected, deadlines, and priority of assignments. The supervisor provides additional, specific instructions for new, difficult, or unusual assignments. The incumbent will carry out recurring assignments independently but refers deviations from procedures to the supervisor for help or decision. Work is reviewed for technical accuracy and compliance with instructions or established procedure.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Read residential, commercial, and industrial water meters on an assigned route and record readings using handheld meter-reading devices.
Locate water meters that may be hidden under water, construction materials, dirt, or mud.
Load meter readings into PC base system for processing of utility billings.
Check for leaks, mis-readings, and non-functioning meters; prepare a list of defective meters; repair and replace meters from 3/4" to 2" in size; and replace broken meter box lids.
Notify customers of possible service leaks; perform emergency turn offs; and perform delinquency notification and service turn offs.
Provide a full range of customer service activities by interacting with the general public as well as internal customers in person, by telephone, and through written correspondence.
Maintain City right-of-way to meters by clearing debris, clearing brush, grass, etc., and removing rocks and dirt from meters as needed.
Perform meter audits.
Prepare necessary records and reports concerning vehicle operation and maintenance.
Drive City vehicle in a safe manner to meter routes.
Actively support the vision, mission, values and behavior statements of the department and the City.
PERIPHERAL DUTIES:
Perform related duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
KNOWLEDGE OF:
Meter sizes, types, and functions
Proper and safe use of water meter reading tools and equipment
Utility billing process
Municipal government policies, procedures, and structure; and applicable local, state, and federal laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances
Modern office practices, procedures, and equipment including, but not limited to, personal computers and related software such as word processing and spreadsheet programs
Recordkeeping techniques
Correct usage of English grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary
SKILLED IN:
Accurately reading and recording meter readings into handheld computers
Effective interpersonal relations using tact, patience, and courtesy
ABILITY TO:
Learn the geography and street locations of the City
Safely operate a motor vehicle
Effectively deal with aggressive dogs and other animals in a manner that will not result in injury
Develop and maintain effective relationships with other employees and the public
Operate standard modern office equipment including a personal computer, related software, and other office machines and equipment
Plan and organize work to meet schedules and timelines
Use proper telephone etiquette and techniques to properly assist a diverse assortment of inquiries and persons
Interpret, apply, and explain general regulations, policies, and procedures related to area of work
Read, write, and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos
Add, subtract, multiply, and divide; and compute fractions, rate, ratio, and percent
Apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form; and deal with problems involving several variables in standardized situations
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
Education: High school diploma, general education degree (GED), or equivalent; and
Experience: One (1) year experience in meter reading and repair work at a level equivalent to a Meter Reader 1.
Or:
In place of the above requirement, the incumbent may possess any combination of relevant education and experience which would demonstrate the individual's knowledge, skill, and ability to perform the essential duties and responsibilities listed above.
LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
Valid Washington State driver's license, or the ability to obtain within thirty (30) days of employment
Successful completion of the City's Defensive Driving Course within six (6) months of employment
Valid First Aid/CPR Card, or the ability to obtain within six (6) months of employment
New employees must successfully pass the City's pre-employment driver's records check; and all employees must maintain an excellent driving record
MACHINES, TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED:
Standard and specialized hand and power machines, tools, and equipment used in meter reading including, but not limited to, pipe wrenches, screw drivers, socket wrenches, crescent wrenches, meter keys, pry bars, meter reading hooks, rakes, shovels, clippers, loppers, hedge trimmers, edgers, bilge pumps, water scopes, and metal detectors/locators.
Other equipment used includes, but is not limited to, rain gear, canvas gloves, safety boots, and outdoor reflective vests.
Typical business office machinery and equipment including, but not limited to, personal computer, telephone, cellular phone, pager, fax machine, copy machine, and calculator.
The incumbent may also be required to operate a City vehicle to travel to and from meter routes.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an incumbent to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the incumbent is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk; and hear. The incumbent is occasionally required to sit, climb or balance, and type on keyboard. The incumbent must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 75 pounds.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close, distance, color, and peripheral vision; depth perception; and the ability to adjust focus.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Work is usually performed in an outdoor environment, subject to emergency call-outs, and may be exposed to individuals who are irate or hostile. While performing the duties of this job, the incumbent is frequently exposed to a variety of hostile and unfriendly animals. The incumbent is occasionally exposed to risk of electrical shock and occasionally works near moving mechanical parts. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud.
The City of Kent is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
