Meter Foreman

Job Summary:

Responsible for performing the meter related duties and for leading of operators while performing duties related to meter reading maintenance repair installation calibration replacement testing reading and backflow in compliance of OSHA and PUC rules and regulations.

Essential Duties:

Group Leader Duties

Provides general direction to operators readers and technicians on assigned tasks.

• Trains and mentors new and existing staff in job skills use of tools new technology and equipment and safety practices and procedures.
• In conjunction with Supervisor coordinates and monitors the work of other operators and technicians within assigned group.
• Provides supervisor with timely updates regarding field conditions work progress and/or problems.
• Ensures staff works in compliance with Company policies and safety practices and protocols. As situations arise advises supervisors of unsafe working conditions or practices on a timely basis.
• Maintains harmony within assigned group. Keeps supervisor apprised of issues which impede effective completion of assignments.
• Works with other company departments on special projects and assists with contractor activities.
• In coordination with supervisor troubleshoots and resolves customer complaints and/or responds to customer inquiries regarding meter related issues.

Meter Technician Duties

Perform a variety of duties relating to meter reading calibration installation removing replacing testing repairing and backflow.

• Interface with customers inside customers premises regarding meter related issues. Determine if meter is working properly and if not identify nature of malfunction. Repair remove and replace meters as appropriate.
• Remove and replace defective outside receptacles.
• Test and calibrate meters. Document results.
• Install and replace cellar fittings.
• Test repair and/or install backflow preventers.

Meter Reader Duties

Travel assigned routes to read water meters manually or by using automatic readers. Accurately record results of readings.

• As necessary interact with customers inside customer premises to access meters.
• Notify supervisor if readings indicate the meter is in need of maintenance or repair.
• Follow safe driving protocols and traffic laws.

Vehicle and Equipment Readiness

Ensure that assigned vehicle equipment and inventory are maintained at a level ready to perform assigned tasks.

• Check vehicles to ensure that gas oil and tire pressure levels are sufficient. Refuel or replenish as necessary. Refer problems to mechanic.
• Monitor parts inventory on vehicle and complete paperwork to request additional parts needed to maintain inventory or to perform assigned task.

Inventory

Participate in inventory counts as required or requested.

General Administrative Requirements

Accurately and fully complete and return all administrative reports on a timely basis. This includes timesheets work orders service records and inspection reports.

Additional Duties:

Meter Testing

Perform meter testing and calibration on PWW test benches to ensure water meters meet AWWA and PUC standards.

• Enter test results into database. Run reports as necessary.
• Prepare meters for shipment to factory designated testing location or customer.
• Monitor inventory levels. Should inventory fall below pre-determined levels advise Supervisor that inventory is required.
• Receive inventory create bar codes and label meters as required per supervisor instructions.
• Create bar codes and label meters returning from field per supervisor instructions.
• Repair clean and rebuild meters as required.

Technician Support

Perform a variety of tasks to support and assist co-workers in their work.

• Assist co-workers with service related work. This includes but is not limited to large meter removals and installations safety support during confined space entries and record keeping.
• Deliver materials to technicians working in the field as requested.

General Distribution Duties

Under supervision of working foreman install replace or repair water mains services hydrants and gate and services valves.

• Locate inspect operate and record gate valve information.
• Locate inspect repair and raise gate boxes for street pavement overlays.
• Install and operate tapping equipment on water mains
• Set up and operate emergency pump and bypass lines
• Pressure test chlorinate clean out and flush water mains and services.
• Detect and locate leaks on water mains and services.
• Locate inspect and maintain fire hydrants. This includes periodic wet and dry tests.
• As required thaw frozen water mains services meters and hydrants.
• Repair sewer and drain lines.
• Drain and clean water storage tanks and intake stations.
• Perform ancillary duties such as the cutting of pavement excavation backfill caulking yarning heating and pouring of metal compounds and pipe joining.
• Perform emergency repairs as necessary.
• Follow proper traffic protocols to ensure safety of Pennichuck employees and public while working on public roads.
• Follow safe driving protocols and traffic laws.
• Transport materials and equipment to construction sites. This includes trench boxes equipment and materials.
• Notify customers of planned or emergency shut off of water.
• As necessary landscape; cut form and pour concrete sidewalks; excavate; and fabricate curb box extensions.

General Maintenance

Perform a variety of general maintenance duties to support the efficient operation of the Company. This includes but is not limited to:

• Shovel and plow snow at company facilities.
• Clear hydrants of snow or debris.
• Wash and wax vehicles exterior. Clean interior as needed.

Customer Disconnects

Disconnect customer services for non-payment.

• Deliver disconnect notices to customers
• Collect payments for disconnected accounts.
• Reconnect services for customers as authorized by revenue and customer operations personnel.

Other duties as required or requested.

Qualifications:

Knowledge of

• OSHA safety practices and procedures federal and state regulations American Water Works Association (AWWA) Standards and PUC Standards which are applicable to area of assignment.
• Test benches common tools materials equipment and vehicles used in the maintenance and repair of a water distribution system.
• Pumps valves and backflow devices.
• Basic principles of water distribution maintenance & repair.
• Basic mathematical principles.

Ability to

• Train and direct the work of other staff in the area.
• Communicate clearly concisely and courteously both orally and in writing.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Work from plans and specifications.
• Operate automatic meter readers laptops or tablets.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Ensure work is in compliance with safety and work practices. Notify appropriate manager if aware of non-compliance.
• Respond promptly to off hour emergency requests as needed
• Work overtime as required
• Perform semi-skilled maintenance duties.
• Perform heavy labor.
• Physically able to perform the essential functions of the job.

Education and Experience

Position levels are determined by certification experience and collective bargaining contract.

• Proficiency as a Meter Technician I Utilities Technician I Construction/Maintenance Technician I or equivalent grandfathered position.
• Deemed to be fully qualified by means of training and experience.
• Minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience strongly preferred.

Licenses Certifications and Other Requirements:

• Valid state drivers license in good standing.

• First Aid Training.
• NH DES Grade 1 Distribution certification.
• NEWWA Backflow Certification.
• OSHA 10 Hour Safety Card.

Physical Requirements

See the Functional Job Analysis for this position.