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City of Burlington, Vermont

Water Meter Working Foreperson

VTFull-time

1mo

General Purpose

This position is responsible for providing leadership, direction and technical expertise to Water Meter Field Technicians and coordinating all field based meter management functions to ensure accurate billing of residential and commercial accounts. This position acts as a direct liaison between Water Resources and Burlington residents regarding water metering systems.

Union Affiliation: American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME)

Pay Grade 16: $29.59 - $32.98 Hourly

Remote Tier 1: Zero (0) days remote/month

Essential Job Functions

  • Required to perform all essential tasks of the Meter Field Technicians, as needed.
  • Coordinate and provide technical oversight and review the work of the Meter Field Technicians in daily work assignments and projects including:
    • meter installations, repair, replacement
    • meter reading, verifications
    • all meter related work orders and troubleshooting
    • responding to Dig Safe work orders.
    • addressing any resource needs or resource requests with the Water Distribution Field Manager.
  • Maintain a high level of professionalism and work to establish a positive rapport with each customer when communicating by phone, email or in person.
  • Review all meter asset work orders completed by subordinates and remit for inventory accounting, meter attribute update and customer billing.
  • Complete required paperwork accurately, including but not limited to confined space permits, crew schedules, first report of accident and all computer based asset tracking application.
  • Assist Water Resource Engineers with obtaining necessary information for the purposes of sizing and selecting meter and verifying back flow prevention device type in accordance with American Water Works Association (AWWA) standards.
  • Responsible for ensuring compliance with meter installation standards including lay length, strainers, fitting and backflow preventers.
  • Assist the Customer Care and Finance Manager with any needed meter to bill forensic analysis in cases of error identification.
  • Ensure meter asset inventory is appropriate, accurate and reorders as needed.
  • Collaborate with the Customer Care and Finance Manager on development and changes to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and departmental policies related to utility billing, revenue assurance and customer care.
  • Ensure meter vehicles are scheduled for and obtain routine maintenance.
  • Report and coordinate repair or replacement of non-functioning curb/gate boxes with Water Distribution Working Foreperson.
  • Respond to meter related See Click Fix requests.
  • Assist Customer Care and Finance Manager with the supervision, coaching and training of Water Meter Field Technicians.
  • Assist Customer Care and Finance Manager with the development and implementation of a meter replacement program.
  • Participate in the recommendation of future metering and meter reading technology.
  • Comply with and promote adherence to all departmental safety policies, protocols and procedures and OSHA regulations, including but not limited to ensuring a safe work area, wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment, and stopping work if there is any question of safety. Oversee compliance with and track safety training of subordinates related to these requirements.
  • Maintain control over progress and quality of work in accordance with departmental goals, objectives and standards.
  • Participate in the hiring process including but not limited to interviewing, evaluating and recommending applicants.
  • Review and coordinate collection of asset information for the various categories of infrastructure through the use of applicable technology.
  • Act as “Ambassador” for the City and DPW by carrying out work and interacting with co-workers and the public in a respectful, professional manner.
  • Represent Water Resources at community events to promote departmental initiatives and programs.
  • Plow City streets and sidewalks with the Street Division in accordance with the provisions of the Union contract.
  • Provide on-call coverage as assigned, including after-hours, nights, weekends and holidays
Non-Essential Job Functions:

  • Performs other duties as required.

Qualifications/Basic Job Requirements

  • Ability to actively support City diversity, equity, and cultural competency efforts within stated job responsibilities and work effectively across diverse cultures and constituencies. This includes ongoing trainings and professional development.
  • Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion as evidenced by ongoing trainings and professional development.
  • High School diploma or equivalent required.
  • Three (3) years’ experience in, installation, maintenance and repair of meters and meter data management with at least one (1) year of supervisory experience required. Additional experience with underground water infrastructure installation, maintenance and repair is preferred.
  • Possession of a Commercial Driver’s License B at time of application, and must obtain and maintain a Commercial Driver’s License Class A within one (1) year of date of hire required.
  • Vermont State Operator Classification, Class D required or the ability to obtain certification with one (1) year of date of hire required.
  • Ability to direct work activities of a small work crew and lead by example.
  • Ability to select and assign staff to each task.
  • Ability to determine and demonstrate appropriate methods, procedures and techniques for tasks assigned.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of the internal works of plumbing, fixtures and water meters with residential and commercial properties required.
  • Ability to learn, understand and teach advanced technical/engineering concepts related to meter technology and installation, water supply and subsurface water resources utilities, including appropriate AWWA standards.
  • Knowledge of the water distribution system, connectors, including but not limited to locating underground service lines such as gas and power supply, principles of water pressure and hydraulic engineering.
  • Knowledge of water main installation and repairs, water main valve installation and repairs, water service installation and repairs, and fire hydrant installation and repairs.
  • Knowledge about and ability to operate power and hand tools related to metering and water distribution.
  • Ability to read and understand blue prints to identify and locate water shut offs and water lines.
  • Ability to use computers, smart phones, iPads, email and the internet effectively.
  • Strong problem solving and decision making skills required.
  • Strong communication skills, both oral and written required.
  • Ability to train, motivate and coach subordinate workers.
  • Ability to safely operate vacuum unit, blow wand dump truck, front end loader, sidewalk plows, jackhammer, backhoe, pick, shovel and other related equipment.
  • Ability to complete work projects in a timely manner to avoid extensive disruption of service for water users.
  • Ability to operate wheeled and tracked snow plow equipment on City streets and sidewalks to plow, remove snow and ice, salt and sand.
  • Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
  • Physical ability to perform manual labor required for water distribution work.
  • Ability to lift up to 60 lbs chest high, frequency 2-3 times daily on average.
  • Ability to work in confined spaces and in moving traffic areas required.
  • Ability to work after-hours, nights, weekends and on call as required.
  • Ability to work effectively with field service members, leaders, other divisions, and the general public.
  • Regular and timely attendance is necessary and is essential to meeting the expectations of the job functions.
  • Ability to understand and comply with City standards, safety rules and personnel policies and Chapter 31 of the City ordinance.
  • Ability to create and maintain an environment that embraces the 6 operating principles; Customer Service, Fiscal Responsibility, Good Labor Relations, Employee Empowerment, Cooperation and Constant Improvement.

Additional Information

Promoting a culture that reveres diversity and equity.

The City of Burlington is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and we are strongly committed to creating a dynamic and equitable work-force that mirrors the population and world that we serve. We do not discriminate on the basis of political or religious affiliation, race, color, national origin, place of birth, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, crime victim status, veteran status, disability, HIV positive status, or genetic information in employment or the provision of services.

In addition to being an equal opportunity employer we actively encourage applicants who can contribute to our growing diversity to apply.

Applications for our employment opportunities are only accepted online through our Government Jobs website.

For accessibility information or alternative formats, please contact Human Resources Department at 802-540-2505 or [email protected] .