Meter Worker

Role Overview

The Meter Worker position focuses on installing, maintaining, and testing water meters within the municipal water distribution system. Duties include accurately reading meters, inspecting water service connections and repairs, investigating irregular water usage, collecting distribution water samples, replacing meters, performing service shut-offs for repairs, and conducting utility locates.

Essential Duties

• Diagnose causes of water meter malfunctions through testing.
• Disassemble, clean, adjust, and repair water meters both onsite and in the meter shop when feasible.
• Install and retrofit meters according to department procedures.
• Conduct home inspections for cross-connection control and lead service lines, documenting findings.
• Manage inventory of meter department stock, organize supplies, and deliver scrap metal to recycling.
• Stock meter cages with delivered meters and parts; maintain orderly placement of seasonal meters and equipment.
• Use handheld devices and laptops to read, collect, and download meter data; ensure devices are charged and route data uploaded.
• Investigate customer concerns including high water consumption, pressure issues, and quality complaints.
• Assess potential service line or main breaks and collect bacteriological and other regulatory water samples; conduct field chlorine and temperature tests.
• Locate utility services and mains; install and remove backflow preventer boxes and hydrant meters.
• Enter confined spaces to service or replace meters when required.
• Collaborate with other Utility departments during emergencies and assist with plant or distribution projects.
• Update computerized records and prepare customer notifications.
• Adhere strictly to all water utility safety procedures and regulations.

Skills and Qualifications

• Strong mechanical aptitude demonstrated by prior work experience.
• Ability to analyze, diagnose, and correct mechanical failures using specialized tools.
• Proficiency interpreting blueprints, diagrams, meters, gauges, manuals, charts, and related technical documents.
• Effective oral and written communication skills for interacting with utility personnel, public customers, contractors, and regulatory representatives.
• Capability to work independently with minimal supervision while maintaining professional relationships.
• Sound judgment, tact, diplomacy, and ethical decision-making in all interactions.
• Physical capability to handle manual labor including lifting up to 50 lbs, climbing ladders, and entering confined spaces.
• Ability to work outdoors year-round under varying weather conditions and exposure to noise, dampness, and confined or unpleasant environments.
• Familiarity with computer software such as Microsoft Office suite, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and time management tools.

Education and Experience

Applicants are encouraged to reside in the City of Racine, as city residents receive a 4% pay differential on top of the stated hourly wage.
Minimum requirements include a high school diploma and at least two years of municipal water utility experience involving meter or field service work, preferably including water service lateral installations and meter repairs. Equivalent combinations of relevant knowledge, skills, and abilities may also be considered.
Possession of a valid state motor vehicle operator's license is mandatory.
Preferred qualifications include mechanical or electro-mechanical training and certification, experience in automotive maintenance, pipefitting, plumbing, and certifications such as Wisconsin DNR Waterworks Operator Distribution license and Cross-Connection Control Device Tester license.

Compensation and Benefits

Starting hourly pay ranges from $28.90 to $31.45, with a differential for city residents.
Employment is full-time and onsite at Racine, WI.

Additional Information

The City of Racine is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to providing reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Applicants and employees are encouraged to discuss accommodations as needed.
Work equipment includes computers, calculators, mobile communication devices, electronic instrumentation, personal protective gear, vehicles, meters, hand and power tools, hoists, and other maintenance equipment.