*CURRENT SAWS EMPLOYEES ONLY* Senior Meter Technician bei San Antonio Water System, TX

About the Department

Grade 17 - Starting hourly rate: $23.40. Rate of pay depends on qualifications.

Position Duties

JOB SUMMARY

The Senior Meter Technician performs a variety of duties in the installation, testing, field rebuilding and repair, replacement and servicing of residential, industrial and commercial standard or automated water meters while promoting safety awareness in the day-to-day performance of duties. Additionally, the Senior Meter Technician may function as a resource to Meter Technicians, to respond to and resolve internal and external customer issues or concerns.  

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Conducts field investigations and site evaluations to identify conditions and assess needed repairs.
• Repairs or replaces standard and automated meters, including parts like valves, lenses, and fittings, tests meters for performance.
• Turns on/off large meters and performs preventive maintenance.
• Responds to emergency/routine work orders (e.g., leaks, broken meters, pressure issues); replaces meters up to 12” in diameter.
• Establishes safe work zones and traffic control at job sites.
• Conducts inspections of meter technician work, provides feedback and documents findings.
• Performs inventory checks on vehicles, tools, and equipment.
• Conducts inspections of meter/module installations for compliance and safety.
• Collaborates with AMI-related vendors and office teams on field issues.
• Conducts water conservation audits and provides efficiency recommendations.
• Investigates and reports water theft and property damage.
• Tests fire hydrants, water mains, and meters; collects payments for flow tests.
• Reviews and investigates consumption data and meter reading reports.
• Fields test meters for accuracy and troubleshoots automated meter issues.
• Investigates complex field issues (e.g., billing, pressure, cross connections, illegal connections).
• Terminates or reinstates service as needed. 
• Informs customers on SAWS policies, billing adjustments, and conservation programs.
• Addresses difficult customer relations situations with sensitivity and sound judgment.
• Provides information on SAWS systems and services.
• Performs administrative support for field activities (i.e., submitting follow-up repair requests and tracks work order status and enters data into work order systems) and creates correspondence for acknowledgement and follow-up.
• Compiles and analyzes data to resolve billing issues.
• Identifies  and researches discrepancies in customer accounts. 
• Recommends enforcement actions based on inspection results.
• Assists Foreperson with daily work assignments and scheduling and acts as team lead in the absence of the Foreperson.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

DECISION MAKING

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• High School Diploma or GED. 
• 18 months’ experience troubleshooting and repairing mechanical problems.
• Valid Class “C” Texas Driver’s License.
• Pass position specific physical testing.
• Ability to report to work on time, maintain a good attendance record, and work all designated work schedules.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Two years’ experience troubleshooting and repairing large water meters from three to ten inches in size.
• 12 months’ experience as a SAWS Meter Technician.
• 18 months’ experience troubleshooting and repairing water meters.
• Bilingual in English/Spanish.

JOB DIMENSIONS

• Ability to communicate complex information and responds to customer inquiries.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective public relations and working relationships.
• Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.
• Ability to exercise extreme caution and understanding of safety policies and procedures.
• Basic PC skills to include Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Access.
• Proficient skills and knowledge in utilizing the Hansen Work Order System.
• Proficient skill in the use of materials, tools, and equipment commonly used in water meter maintenance or repair.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

Physical requirements include lifting/carrying up to 20 pounds frequently and up to 55 pounds occasionally.  Subject to standing, sitting, walking, climbing, bending, crawling, squatting, kneeling, and working in cramped and strained positions for long periods of time to perform job scope.

Working conditions are primarily in extreme outside weather conditions, exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, wastewater, mechanical, electrical, chemical, confined space, slippery, uneven surfaces, excessive noise; heavy traffic; deep excavations; and animals, snakes and poisonous insects. Operates company vehicle on a daily basis. 

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