Water Distribution Meter Worker I/II

Role overview

This is a hands-on utility field position reporting to a Lead Supervisor or another senior leader. The role focuses on maintaining, testing, repairing, replacing, calibrating, relocating, programming, and activating water meters, AMI meter transmission units, valves, boxes, vaults, lids, and related piping or appurtenances. The position does not include supervisory responsibility.

Meter Worker I - Core duties

• Carry out preventive maintenance on 5/8" to 2" water meters and related equipment to keep them accurate and dependable.
• Look into customer concerns about the condition or accuracy of 5/8" to 2" metering equipment and connected infrastructure.
• Switch individual water service accounts on or off at the meter as required.
• Identify and take action at meter sites to help stop unauthorized water use.
• Document the location and details of completed work.
• Keep supervisors, coworkers, and customers informed about work status and findings in a clear manner.
• Drive a City vehicle each day to reach different work locations.
• Maintain a safe, efficient, and productive job site.

Meter Worker II - Core duties

• Perform bench-based and field-based accuracy checks on 5/8" to 10" water meters.

Additional work responsibilities

• Support other non-meter assignments when directed.
• Provide manual meter readings when needed to assist billing operations.
• Complete other work-related duties assigned to the role.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities

The position calls for working knowledge of positive displacement, ultrasonic, and electromagnetic water flow meters, along with basic plumbing tools, methods, and safety-driven driving practices. The job also requires the ability to handle tools, vehicles, equipment, materials, and field technology responsibly; operate a vehicle safely; pay close attention to detail; meet required productivity levels; write and speak clearly; and build cooperative working relationships across internal and external contacts. Employees are expected to reflect the City of Abilene values of respect, integrity, service above self, and excellence in all work, while contributing as a team member in a respectful and professional manner.

Experience and education guidelines

For multi-level roles, the qualifications listed for the lower level also apply to the higher level. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered if they provide the needed knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Meter Worker I qualifications

• At least 6 months of experience in laborer, utility worker, or a similar type of work is required.
• Prior exposure to minor plumbing tasks is preferred.
• A high school diploma or GED is required.
• A valid Texas driver’s license is required, or the ability to obtain one within 90 days of hire, or a military waiver.
• The ability to obtain a TCEQ D Water License within 1 year of employment is required.

Meter Worker II qualifications

• Two years of experience similar to the duties of a Meter Worker I with the City of Abilene is required.
• A valid Texas driver’s license is required, or the ability to obtain one within 90 days of hire, or a military waiver.
• A valid TCEQ Class C Water Distribution License is required.
• A valid Texas Class A commercial driver’s license is preferred.

Special requirements and working conditions

• Bloodborne Pathogens training and HazCom training must be completed within 60 days of hire.
• The work environment may include exposure to cold, heat, noise, outdoor conditions, vibration, confined spaces, chemicals, explosive materials, mechanical hazards, and electrical hazards.
• The role requires the ability to travel between multiple sites.
• Employees must be available for an 8-hour shift during normal business hours and may also need to remain on standby or on call outside standard hours as operational needs require.
• The position is classified as Heavy work, meaning lifting up to 100 pounds and carrying up to 50 pounds.
• Typical physical demands include frequent standing, walking, lifting, pushing/pulling, fine dexterity, kneeling, crouching, and bending; moderate carrying, twisting, vision, hearing, and talking; infrequent sitting, climbing, and balancing; and almost no overhead work or crawling.