The purpose of this classification is to perform field work functions associated with reading and recording water usage data from meters.

The following duties are normal for this classification. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned. Specific duties listed may not be required for all positions within this classification, but are determined by the normal requirements for the particular position.

Locates and reads residential, commercial and industrial water meters on an assigned route; records water meter data utilizing a portable computerized meter reading device.

Cleans meters and checks for malfunctions; performs basic repairs; reports problems or defects to supervisor; removes defective meters and/or installs new meters as directed.

Operates a motor vehicle to conduct meter reading activities; inspects assigned vehicle for proper operations; performs minor vehicle maintenance as needed.

Cuts off delinquent accounts; prepares and/or receives various forms, reports, work orders, or other documentation; completes, processes, and/or forwards as appropriate; maintains records.

Inspects visible plumbing for water leaks; repairs service line; replaces curb stops.

Conducts special readings to verify excessively high or low water consumption as required.

Communicates via telephone and/or two-way radio; provides information; takes and relays messages; responds to requests for service.

Trims weeds/shrubbery around meter boxes.

Cleans truck bays.

Recommends policies and procedures that guide and support the provision of quality services by the Department.

Incorporates continuous quality improvement principles in day to day activities.

Must accomplish the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations, in a timely manner.

Must meet regular attendance requirements.

Must be able to maintain good interpersonal relationships with staff, co-workers, and managers.

Performs other related duties as required.

High school diploma or GED required; no previous experience required. Must possess and maintain a valid Alabama driver's license. This job classification is considered to be safety-sensitive and is subject to pre-employment and random drug screens.

The following requirements are normal for this classification. Specific requirements may not apply to all positions within this classification, but are determined by the normal requirements for the particular position.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be able to operate a variety of machinery, equipment and tools, including a motor vehicle, portable meter-reading computer, shovel, water pump, mechanic tools, plumbing tools, hand tools, two-way radio, and telephone. Physical demand requirements are at levels of those for heavy work.
DATA COMPREHENSION: Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable functional, structural, or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people, or things which may include forms, reports, maps, reference materials, and operation manuals.
INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION: Requires the ability to speak with and/or signal people to convey or exchange mechanical and public utilities-related information, including giving/receiving assignments and/or directions to/from co-workers, assistants, managers, or supervisors as well as communicating with the general public.
LANGUAGE ABILITY: Requires ability to read a variety of mechanical and public utilities-related documentation, directions, instructions, and methods and procedures. Requires the ability to write basic job related documentation and reports with proper format, punctuation, spelling and grammar, using all parts of speech. Requires the ability to speak with and before others with poise, voice control, and confidence using correct English and well-modulated voice.
INTELLIGENCE: Requires the ability to learn and understand basic mechanical and public utilities-related principles and techniques, to understand departmental policies and procedures, to make independent judgments in absence of supervision, and to acquire and be able to expound on knowledge of topics related to primary occupation.
VERBAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, and to follow verbal and written instructions.
NUMERICAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to add and subtract totals; multiply and divide totals; determine percentages; and determine time and weight.
FORM/SPATIAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to visually inspect items for proper length, width, and shape using job related equipment.
MOTOR COORDINATION: Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes in using mechanical and public utilities-related equipment which includes operating a motor vehicle.
MANUAL DEXTERITY: Requires the ability to handle a variety of items, mechanical equipment, control knobs, switches, motor vehicles, portable meter-reading computer, etc. Must have the ability to use one hand for twisting motion or turning motion while coordinating other hand with different activities. Must have average levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.
COLOR DIFFERENTIATION: May require the ability to discern color.
INTERPERSONAL TEMPERAMENT: Requires the ability to deal with and relate to people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be able to adapt to and perform under minimal stress when confronted with an emergency.
PHYSICAL COMMUNICATION: Requires the ability to talk, express, or exchange ideas by means of spoken words and/or hear and perceive nature of sounds by ear.

The City of Tuscaloosa offers a comprehensive benefits package to full-time permanent employees that includes retirement, vacation and illness leave, paid holidays, medical and dental insurance, flexible spending account, life insurance, and other supplemental insurances and deferred retirement saving plans.

For a more detailed overview of our benefits package, please visit the Employee Benefits Summary within our website or contact the Human Resource Department at (205) 248-5230.