Water Meter Technician

Position Information

Working Title:

Water Meter Technician I

Department:
Public Utilities

Location:

432 Shea Drive, Chesapeake, VA

Job Type: Full Time

Reports To:

Public Utilities Division

Pay Grade: GE02 (Pay Basis Semi-Monthly)

Salary: $35,528 – $52,848 annually (based on qualifications and experience)

Monday‑Friday 6:00 am‑2:30 pm (Summer)
Monday‑Friday 7:00 am‑3:30 pm (Winter)
Occasional overtime required on Saturdays; some Saturdays mandatory.
Employees may be required to work beyond scheduled hours in response to short‑term department needs and/or city‑wide emergencies.

• Read water meters on assigned routes and enter readings into a handheld computer.
• Walk all day with constant bending and kneeling; be able to walk over 10 miles per day in all weather.
• Visually read meters that may be flooded, muddy, scratched, or cloudy.
• Maintain accuracy in reading water meters.
• Lift meter box lids weighing up to 15 lbs and operate a city vehicle.
• Use municipal equipment such as a city vehicle, handheld computer, screwdriver/pry bar, pump, two‑way radio, sight tube, and small hand trowel.
• Respond to dog, bee, snake, spider, and other wildlife encounters.
• Use problem‑solving skills for unexpected incidents while reading meters.

• High school diploma or GED and at least one year of college education in accounting or a closely related field.
• Minimum of one month of related, full‑time equivalent experience.
• Valid driver's license with a driving record compliant with City Driving Standards.
• Physical fitness for walking over 10 miles per day, lifting up to 20 lbs repeatedly, and working in various outdoor conditions.
• Availability to work occasional overtime and respond to emergencies.

• Experience with water meters and hand tools.
• Outstanding customer service skills.

This position is deemed safety‑sensitive. Applicants are required to undergo pre‑employment drug/alcohol testing after a conditional offer and may be subject to random testing. Testing includes marijuana; possession of a medical marijuana card does not exempt an applicant unless the position requires a commercial driver’s license or is a sworn law‑enforcement officer.

Overall Physical Strength Demands:
Light – exerting up to 20 lbs occasionally, 10 lbs frequently; walking or standing to a significant degree.

Standing:
Frequently – from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Sitting:
Occasionally – up to 1/3 of the time.

Walking:
Continuously – 2/3 or more of the time.

Lifting:
Continuously – 2/3 or more of the time; lifting up to 20‑50 lbs.

Carrying:
Occasionally – up to 1/3 of the time; carrying up to 20 lbs.

Pushing/Pulling:
Occasionally – up to 1/3 of the time; up to 20 lbs.

Fine Dexterity:
Frequently – from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Kneeling, crouching, bending, and twisting:
Frequently – from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Climbing, balancing, walking, and using sight tubes:
Rarely – less than 1 hour per week.

Noise, vibration, and exposure to weather:
Daily.

Hazards:
Mechanical (daily), extreme temperatures (seasonally), noise and vibration (daily). No chemical, electrical, fire, explosive, or communicable disease hazards.

Work environment:
Outdoors, city vehicle, and hand tools. Protective equipment required: safety shoes and vest.

The City of Chesapeake offers a comprehensive benefits package. Please review the Benefits Brochure for full details.