Metering Technology Coordinator

To apply, please go to Medford Water's website. Position open until filled; candidate first review is 2/29/2024. 

Salary Range: $77,561 - $104,077   Full time, Non-Exempt position

The Metering Technology Coordinator is responsible for coordination, planning and leading daily operations and activities of the metering team, including the monitoring and performance of the Automated Metering Infrastructure (AMI) system. Position has extensive contact with contractors and customers, handles field research, inquiries and complaints. Provides leadership of meter service operations, ensures operations run efficiently, supplies accurate billing information to Customer Service Supervisor in a timely manner, and delivers excellent customer service to the public and audits processes.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Coordinates activities for the meter reading team to include assigning, evaluating, scheduling, reviewing, and prioritizing work, providing regular guidance, and training. Performs assistance to meter reading team; reading, collections, hydrant device placements, coordinating responses to customer inquiries and requests for water service; recommend action plans to meet departmental goals; preparing and submitting statistical reports; responding to requests for information and service from the general public, supervisors and other staff. Responsible for updating supervisor regarding all meter reading activities, and processing paperwork. Manages and maintains the AMI system; configures changes to optimize system performance, develops preventive maintenance programs for AMI network equipment, configures, updates and maintains AMI system handhelds; ensures all meters are programmed and reporting accurately, validates meter installation status to identify and resolve discrepancies. Monitors health and performance of AMI system, reviews related systems and reports for alarms, events and abnormalities; ensures service and read levels are archived, uses and monitors a variety of software systems tools and portals, troubleshoots and resolves communication issues and failures with the AMI system by issuing commands to equipment, remotely querying equipment, checking the status of system networks and securing endpoint information. Manages and analyzes the data from the AMI system; prepares reports on network and meter incidents, develops dashboards and key performance indicator views to monitor the system, responds to and resolves inquires and concerns with the AMI system, works with field personnel, customer service representatives, and others to ensure system operates as designed and provides technical assistance and training to staff. Active Communication and Respectfulness of co-workers and the public are skills required for this position, as are incorporating Medford Water Commission Values into daily activities.

EXAMPLES OF WORK (Illustrative Only)

• Schedules and participates in daily work assignments for meter reading, turn on/offs, trim requests, leak response, and new meter installs.
• Maintain AMI system, equipment, meters, and AMI endpoint communication status.
• Acts as the liaison between Metering and Customer Service/Billing departments.
• Coordinates the transfer of cycles to the AMI system for reading, ensure cycles are read and reading schedules set by Customer Service Supervisor are met.
• Coordinates collection schedules on past due accounts.
• Recommends strategies and implementation of metering technologies.
• Coordinates temporary fire hydrant device placements, meter reads, addresses, and maintenance needs.
• Organize routes, maintain records and fire hydrant device placements.
• Ensure all water meters are tested in accordance with AWWA recommendations, except for large meters to which the Metering Specialist will test.
• Provides input regarding performance evaluations of meter readers.
• Monitors supply of customer door hangers and other forms and submits printing requests to administrative support.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of: municipal water distribution operations, meter services and related technology/systems used in operational aspect of meter reading; AMI system infrastructure, configuration, and data characteristics (alarms, water usage, RF function tower base station status, etc.); Data gathering, analysis, and research; Materials, methods, tools and the principles of scheduling, training, workplace safety, customer services, and recordkeeping.  Skill in: Coordinating and assigning work; working with customers; use of mechanical tools and other related equipment; performing preventative and corrective maintenance on equipment; skilled use of computer, communications equipment and related software applications, work prioritization; multitasking; preparing and maintaining records; and making mathematical computations.  Ability to: work independently; maintain flexibility in meeting changing schedules, requirements and deadlines; exercise discretion in handling confidential and sensitive matters; accurately record data; ability  to express oneself clearly, concisely, orally and in writing and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, contractors, and  the public. Knowledge of the Water Commission’s distribution system, operating policies, and procedures.

COMPETENCIES

Organizational Skills, Communication Proficiency, Technical Capacity, Collaboration, Time Management, Results Driven, Teamwork and Ethical Conduct

TRAINING, EXPERIENCE, LICENSING REQUIRED

Associates Degree in Computer Technology, Automation or related field, (3) three years of AMI related field work, plus, strong water distribution system knowledge, or an approved equivalent combination of experience and training providing the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed above. Valid Oregon Driver’s License and acceptable driving record. Oregon Water Distribution Level 1 Certification, or ability to obtain within (18) eighteen months.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Work performed includes a combination of office and field activities that many involve exposure to noise, hazardous materials, confined spaces and adverse weather conditions. Incumbents may be subjected to moving mechanical parts, electrical currents, vibrations, fumes, limited ventilation, chemicals, extreme temperatures, low level lighting, workspace restrictions and intense noises.

Positions in this class typically requires stooping, climbing, balancing, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, vehicle travel and repetitive motions.

Heavy Work Required:  Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

This position will work both in the field and in an office setting. This is not a remote position.