Meter Services Supervisor Vallecitos Water District

Applications will be accepted until there are a sufficient number of highly qualified applicants from which to make a selection. Candidates should submit their materials no later than November 10 to ensure consideration. However, interviews may be conducted throughout the recruitment process and this opening may close at any time. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

$93,674.00 – $125,533.00 per year

DEFINITION

Under direction, plans, assigns, supervises, and reviews the work of staff performing meter service and field customer service duties; personally performs work supervised; responsible for all computerized meter reading systems and reporting; oversees the cross-connection control and backflow programs; makes recommendations for action and assists in policy, procedure, and budget development and implementation; performs related work as assigned.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is the first line supervisory level in meter service functions responsible for supervising all activities related to meter reading, the maintenance of meters, cross connection control, and backflow devices, and participating in work related to water services. This class is distinguished from the Finance Manager, which oversees all functions of the Finance department.

Essential FunctionsEssential functions include, but are not limited to, the following:

Plans, assigns, supervises, reviews, and evaluates the work of assigned staff; provides staff training and development; assists in the selection of staff; reviews work for accuracy and compliance with department standards; studies and standardizes procedures to improve department efficiency; participates in necessary disciplinary actions; writes performance appraisals; ensures high level of customer service; provides assistance to staff in resolving problems; ensures safe work methods are followed and appropriate safety precautions and equipment are utilized; and conducts safety meetings;

Plans and makes work assignments related to reading, recording, and reporting water usage; installation, repairs, maintenance, and testing of water services including pressure regulators, water meters, meter boxes, backflow devices and associated appurtenances; responds to escalated customer service inquiries regarding customer water use and water service issues;

Oversees computerized meter reading systems and reporting; analyzes projected new routes; reads maps and plans; loads and unloads data from automatic meter reading computers and devices; reviews logs and printouts to identify problems; re-reads meters as necessary; handles the more serious complaints regarding water leaks, pressure, or water loss; evaluates situation, explains findings to property owners, and notifies appropriate personnel;

Enters information into meter reading and billing systems for new water accounts; responds to requests from other District departments for changes to water accounts; prepares database queries; creates database reports; and researches records for use in billing rate and classification analysis;

Monitors and implements the Cross Connection Program required by State and District codes and ordinances; inspects, tests, and certifies new and existing commercial and industrial businesses, new construction and fire prevention systems for compliance with cross connection control/backflow prevention device regulations; installs, repairs, cleans, rebuilds, and tests water meters to American Water Works Association (AWWA) standards;

Communicates with customers regarding cross connection/backflow program and devices, including contact regarding installation and maintenance requirements, warnings, and final notices; investigates and documents water ordinance violations; authorizes discontinuance of water service to any premise violating local or state cross connection/backflow device regulations;

Evaluates work methods and operations; estimates time and material costs; requisitions supplies and equipment; evaluates and institutes changes in work methods and priorities; institutes changes to increase effectiveness to meet department objectives; participates in the preparation of the budget and monitors expenditures;

Directs staff to turn services on and off as required by Customer Service department; prepares incident reports; maintains good public relations; notifies customers as required; responds to emergency situations;

Operates computers; enters and retrieves data; prepares a variety of written records and reports related to the work, including work orders; troubleshoots malfunctioning meters; recommends repair work; performs minor repairs and maintenance; orders parts and supplies required;

Operates copiers and a variety of office equipment;

Performs duties in a professional manner and works well with others or in a team setting;

Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with co-workers, outside agencies, and the public;

Regular attendance and adherence to prescribed work schedule to conduct job responsibilities;

Observes safe work practices and safety methods; performs other duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications

Ideal Candidate

The ideal Meter Services Supervisor has supervisory experience and is interested in mentoring subordinates in their careers. Strong oral and written communications skills are key; candidates must be able to communicate successfully with a variety of people, both inside and outside the organization. The successful candidate has strong computer skills and is capable of working with a variety of software related to the work. Experience with Maximo or NorthStar is desirable. Knowledge and experience in AMR is required, and experience with AMI and meter testing is highly preferred. This position oversees the District’s Cross-Connection program and the preferred candidate has performed backflow and cross-connection inspections or repairs, and is already familiar with relevant regulations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

Principles and practices of employee supervision including selection, training, work evaluation, and discipline;

Common water utility billing procedures;

Methods and techniques of reading water meters, including automatic meter reading systems; operation of water meters; methods and techniques of troubleshooting and testing meters, installing and replacing meters, and repairing minor leaks; operation and maintenance of a wide variety of hand and power tools used in work;

Principles, practices, equipment, and procedures of the following trades: backflow and cross connection devices, water metering devices;

Relevant occupational health and safety regulations and guidelines; safe work methods and safety precautions related to the work;

Computer applications related to the work; business arithmetic;

Applicable laws and regulations related to meter reading, cross connection, and backflow; safety and public health rules, codes, and regulations.

Ability to:

Plan, organize, assign, supervise, review, and evaluate the work of others;

Prepare and maintain a variety of accurate written and computerized records and reports pertaining to the work;

Read and interpret plans, maps, specifications, and manuals; perform mathematical computations;

Operate and maintain tools and equipment used in the work;

Determine new routes and assign account numbers for new services; identify and implement effective courses of action to complete assigned work; estimate labor, material, and equipment needs;

Deal tactfully and courteously with the public, often in difficult or strained circumstances;

Diagnose malfunctions and repair meters;

Operate a computer and meter reading devices;

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work;

Understand, interpret, explain, and apply Federal, State, local and District ordinances, rules, regulations, policies and procedures;

Exercise independent judgment and initiative within established guidelines.

Education & Experience

Any combination of education or experience that would likely provide the necessary knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain these knowledge and abilities would be: high school graduation or equivalent, and two years of experience in reading and servicing utility meters, with at least one year in a lead role preferred. An Associate’s degree, or extensive coursework toward an Associate’s degree, in Water Distribution or related field is desirable.

Licenses, Certificates, and Special Requirements

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Must submit copies of any required certifications with application.

Possession of, or ability to obtain, a Class C California driver’s license, and a satisfactory driving record;

Possession of a current Cross Connection Control Specialist Certificate from either the American Water Works Association (AWWA) or American Backflow Prevention Association (ABPA) is required;

Possession of State Water Resources Control Board Water Distribution Grade 2 (D2) Certification or above is highly preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Employees may be required to wear and/or use personal protective and other safety equipment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, employees are regularly required to sit, stand, and walk; use hands and fingers to grasp and feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear; and taste or smell. Employees 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, distance, color, and peripheral vision; depth perception; and the ability to adjust focus.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions. The employee is frequently exposed to fumes or airborne particles and toxic or caustic chemicals. The noise level in the work environment ranges from moderate to very loud.

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