Meter Reader

Position: Meter Reader I
Salary: $36,493.00 Annually
Location : New Bern, NC
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 10952
Department: Water
Opening Date: 01/12/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Non-Exempt

Primary Purpose

Performs field technical work for the County Water Department reading water meters and recording consumption, checks to see that meters are functioning, and initiating and terminating service. An employee in this class performs unskilled to semi-skilled work reading and recording water meters to determine consumption of water, report leaks.
Essential Functions

• Reads water meters on an assigned route and records readings; makes special readings or re-readings as required; searches for leaks, as warranted; activates or deactivates meters, according to a cutoff list; checks to see that meters are functioning properly, and reports defects not otherwise resolved to a supervisor.
• Repairs damaged or malfunctioning meters or meter boxes, as necessary; clears mud, debris and other matter from meter boxes; installs or replaces meter boxes, as necessary. Locates and identifies water meters; reports illegal hookups.
• The employee drives a vehicle on an assigned route to determine meter readings and performs connects/disconnects.
• Work is performed independently within established policies, rules and procedures.
• Work is performed under the general supervision of the Customer Service Supervisor and is evaluated by accuracy and efficiency of meter readings and general quality of work.
• May be required to serve during times of disaster.
• May be required to assist field technicians and plant operators.
• Performs other related work as required.

Minimum Education and Experience

Graduation from high school; or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
Working knowledge of the geographic layout of the County and the Water system service area.
Possession of a valid North Carolina driver's license and clear driving record.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Working knowledge of the methods and procedures involved in reading water meters and recording consumption.
• Some knowledge of the principles of plumbing and mechanical maintenance as applicable to water distribution systems.
• Ability to use equipment and tools necessary for locating and unearthing water meter boxes.
• Ability to use and care for tools, equipment, and materials used in the maintenance and repair of water meters.
• Ability to perform routine mathematical computations with speed and accuracy.
• Ability to prepare and maintain simple logs and forms.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to exercise tact and courtesy in frequent contact with customers.
• Ability to perform manual labor for extended periods of time, possibly under extreme hot, cold & inclement weather.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments.

Additional Information

Physical Requirements
Lift 50 pounds & fulfill physical job requirements as necessary.
Craven County offers regular full-time employees a wide variety of employee benefits including:

Health Insurance
Health Insurance is provided by ACS Benefits Services and covers a wide variety of healthcare services. Craven County pays 100% of Employee Only premium cost. Employees have the option to add child and spouse dependent coverage at their own cost.

Dental Insurance
Dental Insurance is provided through the Delta Dental PPO and Delta Dental Premier network administered by ACS Benefits Services. It covers a percentage of basic to major dental procedures, including orthodontia for children. Craven County pays 100% of Employee Only premium cost. Employees have the option to add child and spouse dependent coverage at their own expense.

Life Insurance and AD&D
Craven County provides eligible employees with $10,000 life insurance and accidental dealth and dismemberment coverage through One America AUL. Employees have the option to purchase additional coverage and/or dependent coverage at their own expense.

Disability Insurance
Craven County provides eligible employees with $50.00 per week in disability insurance through One America AUL. Employees have the option to purchase additional disability insurance at their own cost.

North Carolina Local Governmental Employees' Retirement System
Eligible employees are automatically enrolled in the retirement system and must contribute 6% of their gross salary each pay period. Once eligibility requirements are met, employees will be able to receive monthly payments for life based on their salary, age, and years of service credit.

NC401k
Craven County contributes 2% of eligible employees' gross salary into the 401(k) account regardless of the employee's deferral amount. In addition, the County matches employee deferrals up to an additional 3%.

Annual Leave
Regular full-time employees earn annual leave based upon years of service. Eligible employees begin to accrue annual leave as soon as they start but must complete a six…