Meter Reader / Service Technician

Meter Reader / Service Technician

Salary

$41,711.59 - $70,909.70 Annually

Location

Johnston County Public Utilities, NC

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

02675

Department

Public Utilities

Division

Retail Sewer

Opening Date

10/06/2026

FLSA

Non-Exempt

• Description
• Benefits

Johnston County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Description

The mission of the Public Utilities Department is to provide citizens of Johnston County efficient, affordable, and friendly services of Water Supply, Wastewater Collection and Treatment, Reclaimed Water, and Stormwater Management.

The Public Utilities Department is seeking a full-time Meter Reader Service Technician.

Employee performs technical duties in the retail water division, installation, maintenance and repair of water meters and clerical duties including reading meters for water usage and responding to written or dispatched requests for Customer Service related field activities. This position reports to the Retail Water/Sewer Service Manager. Mechanical aptitude to perform plumbing repairs to service lines and valve connections in the field. This position is regularly scheduled for after hours, holiday and weekend work hours requiring 24-hour response to a mobile business phone provided by the county. Work is performed under regular supervision and is evaluated through observation and inspection for adherence to instructions and standard trade and safety practices.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Reads water meters on a monthly basis.
• Installs, repairs, maintains and replaces water meters.
• Installs water service meter sets.
• Repairs water leaks in and about meters, lines and couplings.
• Removes and repairs large meters as needed.
• Turns water on/off for customers as directed.
• Investigates water service inquiries, including possible leaks, high or low consumption.
• Answers customer questions and complaints with respect and diplomacy.
• Returns service orders daily with proper notation/readings recorded.
• Keeps supervisor informed as to status of meter and parts inventory.
• Prepares old meters for return to company for exchange.
• Maintains assigned vehicle(s).
• Maintains a safe driving record.
• Adheres to safe work practices and follows safety regulations, policies and rules.
• Treats customers, co-workers and management with respect.
• Knowledge of laptop computers and data entry skills are required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of street locations and meter locations on assigned routes.
• Knowledge of County GIS system and web site.
• Knowledge of Public Utilities Water and Sewer Policies, and Water District Policies.
• Knowledge of the tools, materials, methods, practices and equipment used in meter repair and installation.
• Knowledge of the operation of and maintenance required for water meters.
• Knowledge of the use of common hand and power tools.
• Knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions related to assigned duties.
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, co-workers and the public.
• Ability to read water meters.
• Ability to install and repair water meters.
• Ability to work with electronic equipment including computers and electronic recording devices.

Additional Duties

• Performs related duties as required and/or directed.

• Serves in on-call or emergency call-back duty.

Physical Requirements

• Specific visual acuity for this job includes close vision, peripheral vision and the ability to adjust focus.

• Ability to work in varying weather conditions.

• Must be able to perform the basic life functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions.

• Must be able to perform heavy work exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently; and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to lift objects.

Desired Education and Experience

• Graduation from high school and related experience in mechanical, plumbing, utility construction and / or maintenance, and equipment operation experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• A valid North Carolina drivers license is required.
• Possession of or the ability to earn a Grade C Distribution or Grade 1 Collection certification within 18 months of hire is required.

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities or qualifications associated with the job. Other duties may be assigned.

Important Pre-Employment Information:

• If the position requires a degree, official transcripts must be submitted within 30 days of hire.
• A pre-employment reference check will be conducted.
• A background check may be required and may include criminal history, motor vehicle records, sex offender registry checks, pre-employment drug screening, SBI fingerprinting, and, if applicable, a National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) check.
• A conviction record does not automatically disqualify you from employment, unless otherwise required by state law. Each situation is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Johnston County provides a comprehensive, affordable insurance and benefits program.

Employees are offered a diverse selection of benefits including medical (no-cost for the employee plan), dental, life, and supplemental benefit coverages. Employees can also take advantage of our on-site wellness clinic and virtual telehealth program, both at no-cost!

Additional benefits include participation in the NC Retirement System, a 401(k) match option, generous paid leave and holiday schedule, tuition reimbursement, and more! To learn more, visit www.myjcbenefits.com

• This description applies to benefits eligible positions.

Employer Johnston County

Department Public Utilities Address 309 E. Market Street

P.O. Box 2263

Smithfield, 27577

Phone 919-989-4700

Website https://www.johnstonnc.gov/ut2/index.cfm