City of Tampa

Employees in this class are responsible for performing clerical and/or field tasks of more than average difficulty in Meter Reading and Service Response. Work performed is distinguished from that of lower-level Water Meter Service Attendant in that employees serve in a lead capacity.  Under general supervision, the employee provides training, guidance and assistance to lower-level Meter Service Attendant in difficult or unusual situations. Considerable knowledge of the services, functions and established policies and procedures of the assigned area is required. The ability to establish effective relationships with the general public, team members and leadership, remaining tactful and courteous even when customers or co-workers express dissatisfaction. Although established, well-defined operating policies and procedures govern work performance, reasonable initiative and independent judgement are required in contact with customers, contractors and/or co-workers and in solving problems posed by lower-level employees. Work is reviewed while in progress and upon completion through conferences, oral and written reports, observation, and results obtained.

Acts as a lead worker and assists in the assigning and/inspection of tasks of subordinate staff; assists the supervisor with identifying training needs and resources; trains Water Meter Readers on related duties/tasks; explains and demonstrates work procedures; maintains records of work performed and prepares and submits reports of field activities.  

Dispatches service orders, monitors and updates various computer systems to ensure work productivity is being met. 

Generates and distributes validation and/or reader activity reports. 

Responds and diagnoses email requests or phone calls to ensure proper action is taken. 

Performs tasks of lower class, including re-reading of water, sewer, and private well meters when consumption amounts are disputed, performing meter service activities, and recording consumption figures. 

May work alone or in conjunction with Planner Scheduler to meet the overall goals and objectives of the Department. 

Assists meter reading personnel in locating meters that are difficult to find by using computer systems to locate; validates skipped meters and/or returned work orders, mismarking of information or customer complaints; answers customer questions and resolves complaints or refers to supervisors; explains city policies and procedures to the public when necessary. 

Performs meter service activities when required; makes visual checks for water leaks; uses hand tools to turn water on or off, and to remove, replace or install blind washers, meters covers, curb locks, and water meters; notifies supervisors of any leaks or unlawful water usage detected; installs meters, governors and timers to facilitate operation of a water or wastewater facility.

Oversees and trains new meter service personnel on a task basis.

Performs related work as required.

Working knowledge of: office records keeping practices and methods; standard office practices, procedures and equipment usage; the services, functions and established policies and procedures of the department or areas to which assigned and the ability to make routine decisions in accordance with same; the city and its geography, street locations, and meter locations; tools, processes and procedures employed in servicing and reading meters.

Ability to: serve in a lead capacity over lower-level personnel, providing guidance and advice in unusual or difficult situations; communicate effectively with persons of diverse socio-economic backgrounds; understand and follow oral and written instructions; establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the general public; operate a computer.  Communicate with the public and workforce tactfully and courteously; keep accurate account records; perform work requiring physical exertion; drive a light motor vehicle skillfully and safely in municipal traffic; establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and officials.

Skill in: computer programs/software, the use and care of meter servicing tools and equipment.

Graduation from an accredited high school and three (3) years of experience in water meter reading and/or servicing to include one (1) year of experience in an office/clerical environment using a computer for data entry and record keeping; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.