SAN PATRICIO ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC.

SINTON, TEXAS

POSITION DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: / Meter Technician / POSITION CODE:
SALARY GRADE: / 20C
NE-06
DEPARTMENT: / Administrative/Billing Services Dept. / FLSA STATUS: / Non-Exempt
APPROVED BY: / ______
General Manager Date
______
Human Resources Official Date

I. Position Function SUMMARY:

The mission of San Patricio Electric Cooperative (SPEC) governs the work of all SPEC employees, and as stated is:

To supply the present and future electrical service needs of its consumers in an efficient and economical manner; and to have a sound financial base in order to provide the highest reliability of service and meet present financial requirements, to attract future capital and provide for the eventual return of member’s contributed capital.

Under the direction of the Meter Technician Supervisor, the Meter Technician is responsible for accurately reading consumer’s meters on established routes in a timely manner, and observing and reporting meter tampering. Tests, repairs, cleans and calibrates meters. Records data and keeps log on all system metering, and connects and disconnects meters. Is responsible for using and maintaining computerized meter reading equipment and various pieces of meter testing and computer equipment.

II.PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

  1. Reads, records, and reports consumers’ meters and records kilowatt-hour use in a timely and accurate manner.
  1. Conducts meter test and maintenance; records and notifies the appropriate supervisor of any line or meter, owned or operated by the Cooperative, which is in need of repair, or if meter tampering is suspected.
  1. Records and reports any potential hazards to the service coordinators/dispatcher.
  1. May install meters for new service and verify that meters are energized.
  1. Removes improperly functioning meters, replaces them with appropriate meters, and repairs or discards the malfunctioning meters.
  1. Constructs and maintains special metering installations.

7. Monitors and maintains all automated meter reading systems and meters. Responsible for

troubleshooting malfunctioning meters and in-accurate meters.

8. Maintains records, which are used to support data for trouble reports and high bill complaints as

required. Completes and submits required cooperative, RUS, and other reports to the Meter

Technician Supervisor concerning metering operations, materials, and equipment.

9. Maintains current and job-appropriate knowledge of equipment, RUS specifications, OSHA

regulations, mapping system, and other operational and regulatory systems related to the

responsibilities of the position.

10. Provides customer service as needed and appropriate. Includes listening and responding courteously

to consumers’ comments and complaints, effectively resolving any problems within the scope of this

position and referring specific problems and inquiries to the appropriate Cooperative personnel.

11. Promotes electric use by taking every opportunity to acquaint the consumers with the productive uses

of electricity; obtaining increased member and public understanding of the Cooperative’s objectives,

plans and programs, and of rural electrification in general.

12. Other duties may be assigned in the Emergency Restoration Plan.

13. Other duties as required.

.

OTHER INFORMATION: Within the parameters dictated by managers and foremen, Cooperative policy and applicable RUS, OSHA, DOT, and other regulatory requirements, this position has limited autonomy and latitude to identify and solve problems and make decisions necessary to manage the operation of the electric distribution system dependent on training, experience, and certification.

  1. WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:

DEPARTMENT: Administrative Services: This department is responsible for the development and implementation of a comprehensive customer services program which facilitates growth within the cooperative system; maintains positive public relations and communications with the membership; and promotes standards of customer service excellence throughout the cooperative

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS: The Meter Technicianhas no supervisory authority within the department. The Meter Technician may retain functional authority over specific projects or areas of responsibility as specified in this position description or otherwise delegated by the Administrative/Billings Services Manager.
Supervisor’s Supervisor:
Administrative/Billing Services Manager
Immediate Supervisor:
Meter Technician Supervisor
This Position:
Meter Technician
Immediate Subordinate Positions:
None / Other Positions Reporting to the Immediate Supervisor:
  • None

Coordinates or Cooperates with:

A)Internal

  • Meter Technician Supervisor – Requests advice and assistance and confers on operational and personnel problems; provides advice, assistance and information on employee development, work planning, policy planning, and other areas as assigned.
  • Administration – Coordinates work with all administrative personnel, particularly with those positions directly involved in billing and collections and customer service.
  • Other Employees - Maintains harmonious, courteous, and understanding relationships, while fostering a collaborative teamwork environment.

B)External

  • Members – Establishes the recognition and acceptance of ownership benefits and responsibility, to encourage and promote the effective and efficient use of electric energy. Provides helpful, courteous assistance and service to resolve billing and service problems.
  • General Public - Presents a friendly, courteous image for the Cooperative.

IV.AUTHORITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES:

General Authority: The Meter Technicianhas no line responsibility. Decisions and duties are regularly reviewed and have a limited impact on Cooperative operations; errors usually affect you only. Work is routine; problems are relatively simple and methods and procedures are well defined. The Meter Technician is required to secure approval of the Meter Technician Supervisorin making decisions when policies are not clear or adequate or require interpretation. Recognizes the need to understand that the Cooperative’s best interests can be directly affected by his/her actions.

Budget and Asset Accountability:

  • Responsible for a minimum level of impact on the department operating budget.
  • Responsible for line crew assets, furniture, equipment, and supplies valued at approximately $100,000.

V. POSITION SPECIFICATIONS:

A) Fair Labor Standards Act Provisions

This position is non-exempt under the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is subject to the Cooperative’s policies and procedures pertaining to overtime hours and premium pay.

B)Personal Requirements of Position

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

This position requires a high school diploma; two years prior experience in distribution cooperatives is preferred. Must have or be able to obtain certification in metering installations, testing and repairs.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

This position requires basic math skills, and strong customer service and communications skills, including problem-solving and conflict resolution. Familiarity with the RUS Specification book is preferred. Training in spotting hazards both on the lines owned and/or operated by the Cooperative and around Cooperative-owned property as well as training in spotting meter tampering is preferred. This position also requires strong computer skills, data base management skills, technical utility knowledge, as well as the ability to follow directions and work with other employees.

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Performs the essential functions and elements of this position competently, following an initial orientation period. Work may be varied; problems are difficult and methods and procedures are defined, and judgement is required to apply them to work. Personal characteristics to include: a team player, high integrity, good personal habits, regular work attendance, courteous and friendly, able to work well with diverse groups of people, and gain and maintain respect of others, both inside and outside the Cooperative.

VI.PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS/WORKING CONDITIONS

Work may be varied and a person in this position has sufficient time to complete most tasks without a feeling of pressure. There are frequent opportunities to relax from any physical exertion or to change position in work activities.

Physical Effort and Dexterity: Frequent physical activity, to include walking, stooping,bending, frequent lifting up to 50 lbs., occasional lifting in excess of fifty lbs., climbing, kneeling, reaching, stooping, crawling, pushing, and working in awkward positions and enclosed spaces is normal.

Machines, Tools, Equipment required to be operated: Operates fleet vehicles when driving to the various meter sites. Work with voltmeters, meter test equipment, and amp meters, hand tools computers and meter reading equipment.

Visual Acuity, Hearing, Speaking: Must be able to communicate clearly and accurately for work and safety compliance. Visual color discrimination is required to differentiate wire and part colors.

Environment/Working Conditions: Work is mostly in varying weather conditions; and is exposed to the hazards associated with weather conditions and consumer’s animals. Position requires travel throughout the service area. Work regularly scheduled Monday-Friday, although weekends and after hours may be required to meet deadlines or address distribution problems.

Employee Requirements:

This position requires employee to possess and maintain a working telephone number.

A current Texas driver’s license is required; and, must have and maintain an insurable driving

record.

VII.REMARKS:

The foregoing position description is not all-inclusive of the duties to which the employee may be assigned. In order to ensure maximum flexibility and efficiency and to encourage cross training, employees will be assigned additional duties as are deemed necessary or desirableby the management of San Patricio Electric Cooperative.

I have read my Position Description and understand my assigned responsibilities, and have been given a copy of this Position Description. I have also received a copy of the Personnel Policies and Procedures Handbook, and understand that I am responsible for reading and following all relevant policies and procedures outlined in it. I also understand that the Board of Directors and management of San Patricio Electric Cooperative, Inc. cannot guarantee my employment, and that SPEC can change compensation, benefits, and conditions of my employment at any time and at its full and sole discretion. I also certify by my signature below that I am able to perform the essential functions of this position description either with or without a reasonable accommodation.

Accepted by:

EmployeeDate

Approved by:

General ManagerDate

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