CITY OF KALISPELLJOB DESCRIPTIONAN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERClass Title:Meter Reader Department: Public WorksDivision:WaterUnion:AFSCME Union Salary:$21.60 hourBenefits:100% paid health insurance for employee and reduced rates for dependents. State retirement plan, 3-weeks’ vacation, paid sick leave, 10 State and Federal holidays. This position may be participating in a *VEBA program.FSLA:Non-ExemptDate: January 22, 2024A.GENERAL PURPOSE: Performs routine clerical and semi-skilled utility work primarily stationed with the Water Meter Division shop. The role entails reading and operation of utility meters and may be required to assist with duties such as meter changeouts and field visits requiring Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Responsibilities require computer and electronic troubleshooting skills. Position also requires exceptional diplomatic and customer service skills in representing City water and sewer policies and working effectively with the public to resolve problems with water service, consumption, and bills for service. B.SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Works under the general supervision of the Water Meter SupervisorC.ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (85%):a.Travels assigned routes gathering data from meter reading devices by manual and automated means, records reading on portable computer, downloads data into utility billing system; notes any unusual changes in consumption, or malfunctions such as leaks or damaged meters, and advises billing clerks or issues work orders as appropriate.b.Maintains metering database(s), including adding meters to system, monitoring daily for leaks and irregularities in usage, contacting customers if there are issues concerning usage or mechanics, and assisting public with setting up account to monitor their own water usage. c.Rechecks readings as needed to determine abnormal consumption patterns and analyze possible causes for fluctuation or consumption.d.Calculates water consumption.e.Completes meter change outs daily in utility billing and cellular/radio software databases.f.Collects final readings on meters as assigned.g.Creates processes and maintains a variety of data and records related to meters, including meter maintenance, meter and curb cock locations, and meter inventory. Prepares radio communication errors, leak detection, and backflow reports.h.Sets up new water and sewer accounts in City’s utility billing software database.i.Send maintenance letters to accounts with noncompliant metering issues or for meters that are not registering reads.j.Assists in the utility billing office when necessary, including answering in-coming calls and routes callers or provides information as required. Receives the public and rings up transactions on cash register. Appropriate attire required for office environment.k.Frequently work with the public to resolve water related issues. l.Supports the Water Meter Maintenance Division and schedules meter maintenance appointments/work orders.m.Occasionally assists in the maintenance and repair of meters. Including inspection of meters and connections for defects, damage and unauthorized connection or use; reports finding to supervisor. n.Interprets and carries out City of Kalispell Water Department Rules and Regulations policies as directed by the Water Meter Supervisor.o.Maintains assigned tools and equipments.p.Performs all duties in conformance to appropriate safety and security standards.q.Performs other duties as assigned.D.PERIPHERAL DUTIES (15%):a.As may be otherwise assigned according to demonstrated skill and training.b.Other duties as assigned.E.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (Education and Experience): a.Graduation from a high school or GED equivalent, and;b.One year experience in meter reading or similar utility related tasks.F.Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:a.Working knowledge of data entry; Ability to perform and record arithmetic computations accurately and quickly.b.Knowledge of personal computers, automated meter reading and utility billing software, and systems.c.Skilled in operation of basic hand tools and equipment required to perform duties of job.d.Ability to accurately read and record data from various types of meter dials. e.Ability to work in inclement weather.f.Requires superior organizational skills to establish priorities and an ability to work independently with minimal direction. g.Ability to work with angry or difficult customers.h.Ability to work safely. i.Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, and other departments; ability to understand and carry out written and oral instructions.j.Ability to effectively meet and deal with the public; ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.G.SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS Valid State of Montana Driver’s LicenseH.TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USEDMotorized vehicle, pencil, pen or micro computing device, desktop PC, laptop computer, hand and power tools, calculator, portable or mobile radio, electronic meter reading equipment, utility billing and meter reading software, phone, copy and fax machine.I.PHYSICAL DEMANDS:a.The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.b.While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use the hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to stand, talk, hear, walk, sit, stoop, kneel or crouch, and smell. The employee is required to climb or balance and crawl.c.The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.J.WORK ENVIRONMENT:a.The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. b.While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works in outside weather conditions where temperatures vary from hot to very cold winter conditions. c.Shift Schedule: The regular weekday 40-hour schedule is 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with a one-hour lunch but can be subject to change based on business reasons.K.SELECTION GUIDELINES:a.Formal application analysis, rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference check; other job-related tests may be required.b.The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.c.Kalispell is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the American with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.d.The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change. *VEBA (Voluntary Employee Benefit Association) is a tax-exempt health reimbursement account used by employees and their eligible dependent to pay for eligible medical expenses. The plan is funded by an employee’s sick and/or vacation banked hours upon leaving City employment.POSTED: January 23, 2024CLOSES: Open until filledNOTICE!ONLY CANDIDATES SELECTED FOR INTERVIEWS WILL BE CONTACTED.A City application can be obtained from:•The Human Resource Department with the City of Kalispell, 201 1st Ave East, Kalispell, MT. Phone (406)758-7774 or (406)758-7757; or•Kalispell Job Service, 427 1st Ave E, Kalispell, MT 59901. Phone (406)758-6200; or• Online at the City of Kalispell website: https://www.kalispell.com/236/Human-ResourcesApproval: __________ Date: ________ Department Head/SupervisorApproval: __________ Date: ________ HR Director Approved: __________ Date:_________ City Manager/HiringRevised: 1/22/24