Utility Field Agent; CD

The Hanover County Department of Public Utilities is seeking a dedicated and reliable individual to join our Customer Service division as a Utility Field Agent. In this position, the incumbent plays a key role in customer billing operations by accurately and efficiently reading customer water meters, as well as performing meter-related tasks.

General Description
: This is a skilled technical field position in the Customer Service Division of the Department of Public Utilities. The incumbent performs routine tasks that support the efficient and timely billing of customers for utility services, including the monitoring and reading of water meters.

Organization: The Utility Field Agent position is part of Hanover County's Career Development Program (CD). The Utility Field Agent has three (3) levels. The Utility Field Agent reports to the Customer Operations Manager and supervises no staff.

Essential Functions:

Utility Field Agent - 1

• Completes service requests and/or work orders for initiation and termination of water and sewer service.
• Checks for water leaks.
• Reads water meters utilizing a hand-held computer.
• Performs related work as assigned.

Utility Field Agent - 2

• Serves as back-up to the Utility Field Agent III and Utility Field Agent I.
• Completes service requests and/or work orders for initiation and termination of water and sewer service.
• Installs in-ground water meters.
• Repairs and/or replaces meter boxes, lids and meters.
• Reads water meters utilizing a hand-held computer.
• Identifies and repairs minor water leaks.
• Assists in the maintenance and conditioning of meter boxes.
• Assists with system maintenance, operation, and water line location.
• Performs related work as assigned.

Utility Field Agent - 3

• Oversee the work of Utility Field Agent I / II as needed, coordinating daily/monthly workflows.
• Meets with customers upon request to discuss meter function and process.
• Completes service requests and/or work orders for initiation and termination of water and sewer service.
• Installs, replaces, and repairs in-ground water meters.
• Assists with tracking meter inventory.
• Reads water meters utilizing a hand-held computer.
• Identifies and repairs minor water leaks.
• Assists in the maintenance and conditioning of meter boxes.
• Assists with system maintenance, operation, and water line location, as needed.
• Performs related work as assigned.

Working Conditions:

• Hazards
• Prolonged exposure to sunlight
• Occasional exposure to severe weather and noise
• Occasional contact with disgruntled customers
• Occasional contact with pets, other animals and insects
• Environment
• Field – Must be able to drive to work sites
• Physical Effort
• Infrequent lifting of objects weighing at least 25 pounds
• Significant walking across variable terrain
• FLSA
• Non-Exempt

Knowledge,

Skills and Abilities

:Knowledge of handheld reading devices, preferred. Meter reading skills, desired. Must be able to follow verbal and written instructions.

Education, Experience and Training:

** All Career Development Levels**

High school diploma or equivalent required with related experience in similar work environment desired. Experience in meter reading and/or use of handheld computer devices preferred – OR – any equivalent combination of education, experience and/or training sufficient to demonstrate the knowledge, skills and abilities is acceptable.

Utility Field Agent - 1

• Entry level, 0 to 1 year of experience in water meter reading practices.

Utility Field Agent - 2

• Two (2) years of experience, minimum, required in water meter reading practices and meter-related service orders, including meter installs and replacements, manually reading meters, and identifying leaks.

Utility Field Agent - 3

• Four (4) years of experience, minimum, required in water meter reading practices and meter-related service orders, including meter installs, verifying meter boxes meet Department standards, replacing aged and broken meters, manually reading meters, identifying leaks, mentoring and providing guidance to lower-level staff, and thoroughly completing service orders.

• Criminal Records Check, including fingerprinting
• Must obtain valid Commonwealth of Virginia Driver's License within 30 days of employment to be eligible to operate a county vehicle
• Twelve-month probationary period
• Work beyond normal work schedule may be required
• Must wear uniform, including safety equipment