Senior Meter Service Technician

Senior Meter Service Technician

Salary

$67,824.00 - $90,960.00 Annually

Location

City Hall - 300 North Coast Highway - Oceanside, CA

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

26-119

Department

Water Utilities

Opening Date

08/03/2026

Closing Date

8/28/2026 4:00 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Introduction

The Oceanside Water Utilities Department is an innovative and forward-looking organization whose goal is to ensure ongoing access to safe & affordable drinking water, reliable wastewater collection & treatment services, and environmental sustainability by maintaining top talent, resource resiliency, dependability and system efficiency.

The City of Oceanside is accepting applications for the position of Senior Meter Services Technician in the Water Utilities Department. This position is invaluable in providing guidance to the Meter Services team, ensuring water usage data is collected and overseeing the efficient response to and troubleshooting of customer inquiries pertaining to their water meters.

About the Position

This position leverages modern computerized automated data collection through Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) and helps to ensure this process runs smoothly and error free. This position has extensive and proven ability in maintaining the Citys metering system and the entire AMI system installed water meters. You will need comprehensive knowledge on testing, replacement and repair, of water meters to succeed in this role. The public will expect you to understand all aspects of water service from the water main to the customers home, or business.

This position will work in conjunction with other divisions of the Water Utilities Department by implementing an accurate modern radio collection system of customer water usage data, so that the billing process may begin. This journey-level position will maintain a more independent workflow and general help to your co-workers and supervisors. You will work closely with the public and provide multiple City Departments assistance, all while accomplishing time sensitive tasks. A proven ability to complete tasks will ensure proper billing and smooth work order fulfillment. This position is active in the use of the Citys customer portal, WaterSmart.

You should be excited about this opportunity as you will...

• Be involved in maintaining, monitoring, and ensuring an accurate data-collection system to support our AMI and billing system.
• Have daily intensive interactions with residents and businesses within the City limits.
• Be able to utilize your expertise on the installation, testing, repair, monitoring and replacement of the more than 45,000 meters utilized by the Water Department.
• Be the very first step in making all the residents of Oceanside happy with accurate and timely water meter reads.

The ideal candidate should be able to understand, operate, and troubleshoot an AMI system, upload/download data, dispatch work orders and ensure the work group is working efficiently. This requires close collaboration with the Meter Services Supervisor and staff within the workgroup. The ideal candidate should be able to operate software and related equipment; have excellent customer service, planning/organization and time management skills. Someone who will be active and have the ability to perform a physical job.

We want applicants who will be happy with a workday demanding enough to feel a sense of accomplishment at the end of their day. This position will require an expert understanding that accuracy and a careful approach to assignments will be expected. Persons with a good ability to deal with difficult situations and customers. Rain or shine you are there to help those that need it. An ideal candidate will possess a dynamic understanding of water delivery and where issues may arise.

This position may also aid other divisions within the department and/or work on special projects as required by the Water Utilities Director.

Examples of Duties

Plans, prioritizes, assigns, inspects and participates in the work of staff responsible for the operation and maintenance of the AMI system and reading meters; provides technical direction to workers engaged in meter service activities; assists in the interviewing, selection and evaluation of assigned staff; uploads and downloads information to and from mobile devices and the meter data management system (MDMS); monitors gateway and repeater activity; coordinates with AMI vendors for equipment replacements and upgrades; rebuild, test and replace meter interface units (MIU's); tests meters to determine accuracy and meet regulatory requirements; sequence and data processing for new meters sets; use of ArcGIS mapping GPS, mapping software, vendor software, and AMI software; assigns and schedules job duties to Meter Technicians; estimates project costs; inspects work in progress and at completion; determines work project priorities; monitors projects; reschedules work crews and makes adjustments to crew assignments as required to meet project goals; interprets water meter readings and records consumptions in a handheld computer; responds to public complaints and inquiries; inspects meters and connections for damage, defects and unauthorized connections; makes minor field repairs; replaces damaged meter boxes and lids; cleans out meter boxes and registers; seals meters; installs, repairs or exchanges water meters; maintains work and time records; maintains and monitors inventory of supplies and equipment; inspects equipment for needed maintenance or repair and schedules work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Operations, services and activities of an automated and manual meter reading program.
• Principles of lead supervision and training.
• Principles of customer service.
• Equipment, methods and materials used in the construction, maintenance and repair of water meters.
• Use and competency with computers, software, modern office machines and equipment including automated software applications.
• Software applications including AMI, GIS, Microsoft Office and other related software.
• City geography and location of meters.
• Occupational hazards and standard safety practices.
• Principles and practices of customer service.
• Principles and practices of record keeping.
• Mathematical principles.
• Basic computers operations.
• Pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations.

Ability to:

• Lead, organize, train and review the work of staff in the area of work assigned.
• Assign and schedule personnel, materials and equipment effectively.
• Support the operation and maintenance of the Advanced Metering Infrastructure system (AMI).
• Estimate the costs of maintenance or repair projects.
• Identify and report meter discrepancies or malfunctions.
• Provide excellent internal and external customer service.
• Interpret, explain and enforce department policies and procedures.
• Perform routine maintenance on meters.
• Perform mathematical calculations with speed and accuracy.
• Assess readings to determine consumption discrepancies.
• Work independently and efficiently to carry out assignments.
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Experience and Training

Experience: Three years of increasingly responsible experience in the installation, repair, maintenance, and operation of an Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), Automated Meter Reading (AMR) or manual metering program.

Training: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.

License/Certificate:

• Possession of an appropriate, valid driver's license.
• Possession of State of California Water Distribution Grade II Certificate.

Working Conditions and Selection Process

Environmental Conditions: Field environment; travel from site to site; exposure to noise, dust, smoke, fumes, gases and inclement weather; extensive public contact.

Physical Conditions: Essential functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for walking, standing, sitting and bending for prolonged periods of time; moderate or light lifting and carrying; operating motorized equipment.

Selection Process: All properly completed applications will be reviewed and the most appropriately qualified individuals will be invited to continue in the selection process. Failure to provide all required application materials will result in disqualification from the selection process. The process may include any combination of a written exam, oral exam, application appraisal, and/or skills assessment to further evaluate job-related qualifications. Candidates who successfully complete the selection process will be placed on the Eligibility List and will remain eligible for employment consideration for a minimum of six months.

Note: Prospective employees will undergo, and must successfully pass, a background reference check (including fingerprinting) and a medical examination. Drug screening may be required.

RESUMES ARE NOT ACCEPTED IN LIEU OF COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS, BUT MAY BE ATTACHED.

CANDIDATES WHO REQUIRE A REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION IN THE SELECTION PROCESS SHOULD STATE THEIR NEEDS IN WRITING WHEN SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION PACKAGE.

THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. ANY PROVISION CONTAINED IN THIS BULLETIN MAY BE MODIFIED OR REVOKED WITHOUT NOTICE.

CITY OF OCEANSIDE

Oceanside City Employees Association

Benefit Summary

The following is a highlight of benefits

Retirement

Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS)

• Employees hired after January 1, 2013 are subject to the State laws of PEPRA in regard to retirement benefits. Each individuals benefits may differ. Consult with Employee Benefits for further details.
• Third Level 1959 Survivor Credit
• Survivor Continuation option

Additional Retirement Credit Purchase Options

• Buy additional Service Retirement Credit prior to membership
• Service Credit for unused Sick Leave
• Buy additional Military Service Credit

Health Insurance

Medical/Vision: (First of the month following 60 days)

• Kaiser plan provided through Teamster Medical Trust. For more information please contact #877-214-8928

Dental: (First of the Month following hire)

• Delta Preferred Option (DPO)
• Delta Care USA (DHMO)

Pre-Tax Benefits

Health benefits are offered on a pre-tax basis and employees cannot add or delete coverage or benefits unless a qualifying event has occurred.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

The Anthem EAP is paid for by the City.

• Available to all members of your household
• 6 free confidential counseling visits per incident
• Self-service support online or by phone

Disability and Life Insurances

The STD/LTD/LIFE and AD&D Lincoln Financial premiums are paid for by City.

Short-Term Disability (STD) Insurance:

• First 90 days - benefits paid at 55% of weekly salary to a maximum weekly benefit of $700 for non-work related disability only
• Seven day waiting period unless hospitalized
• All sick leave must be exhausted before STD is used

Long-Term Disability Insurance:

• After 90 days - benefits paid at 66.7% of monthly salary to a maximum monthly benefit of $6,000 for any disability

Life and AD&D Insurance:

• 1 times annual base salary; minimum of $30,000 and maximum of $200,000 of Basic Life and AD&D

Voluntary Benefits

Benefits are employee paid.

Supplemental Life Insurance through Lincoln Financial:

• Premiums are determined by age
• Purchased up to a maximum $500,000 for employees
• Spousal coverage up to the employee amount
• Dependent coverage up to $10,000

Flexible Spending Accounts through BCC:

• Utilizes a debit card as a form of payment
• Health Care Spending Account - maximum annual deferral is $3,400
• Dependent Care Spending Account - maximum annual deferral is $7,500

Deferred Compensation - 457 through Empower:

• 457 - Maximum annual pre/post-taxed amount is $24,500 for 2026; over age 50 may contribute an additional $8,000

MetLife Legal Plan

• Telephone and office consultations are available for an unlimited number for personal legal matters with an attorney of your choice.

GotZoom Student Loan Relief

• Provides a no-obligation benefit analysis for federal student loans to identify, maximize and enroll employees into Federal Loan Repayment and Forgiveness Programs.

ScholarShare 529

• An easy to manage plan that helps make the most of your or a designated beneficiary's college savings with tax benefits.

Tuition Reimbursement

Up to $2,000 per fiscal year

Leave Benefits

Vacation:

1 - 5 years: 3.58 hours

6 - 10 years: 5.12 hours

11 - 15 years: 6.65 hours

16 + years: 8.19

Maximum accrual:

• 360 hours for those hired before 7/1/95
• 300 hours for those hired 7/1/95 or after

Holidays:

• New Years Day
• Martin Luther King Jr Day
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Veterans Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Friday after Thanksgiving Day
• Christmas Day
• 48 hours Floating Holidays per fiscal year

Sick Leave:

Accrual: 12 days per year

Max accrual: Unlimited

Annual Sick Leave Pay Off:

Each calendar year an employee may elect to receive a 50% payment in lieu of accrued sick leave provided such employee has used 3 work days (maximum of 36 hours) or less of sick leave during the calendar year and has a minimum of 100 hours in their sick leave bank prior to the cash out request.

Sick Leave pay off at separation:

• Sick leave paid out depends on years of service and whether an employee retires or terminates

Bereavement Leave:

• Three days for death of employees immediate family member
• Two additional days may be charged to sick leave upon approval

Certification Pay

The City will provide certification pay up to $1.00 per hour for employees utilizing designated certifications in the performance of their duties.

Bilingual and Notary Pay

Bilingual: $1.73 per hour for eligible employees

Notary: $.58 per hour for eligible employees

Uniforms

The City will provide uniforms for any employee required by the City to wear such uniform in the course of their regular job duties.

Commercial Driver License

The City will reimburse the application cost of Commercial Class A or B Driver License to full-time employees in certain classifications.

Safety Shoes

The City will provide reimbursement up to $200 towards the purchase price of safety shoes to employees who are required to wear such shoes on the job.

Term of Compensation Plan

Effective July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2026

This is a summary of available benefits. It is not intended to provide full details of all programs. The appropriate Memorandum of Understanding, Compensation Plan and/or Benefit Plan Documents will govern any discrepancies and provide program specifics.

01

How many years of increasingly responsible experience do you have in the installation, repair, maintenance, and operation of Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), Automated Meter Reading (AMR) or manual metering experience?

• Less than 3 years
• 3-4 years
• 5-6 years
• 7 or more years

02

Do you possess a Distribution Operator, grade 2 (D2) certification issued by the State of California Water Resources Control Board? If yes, please attach it to your application.

• Yes
• No

03

Do you possess any of the water certifications below? If yes, please attach the certifications to your application.

• Water Distribution certification (D3-D5) - State of California Resources Control Board
• Water Treatment certification - State of California Resources Control Board. Any level.
• None of the above

04

Please select the categories in which you have direct experience as a lead or supervisor.

• Staff scheduling, assigning work
• Setting priorities
• Mentoring and coaching staff
• Overseeing workflow/quality
• Training staff on procedures
• Problem solving and decision making
• Conflict resolution
• None of the above

05

How many years of complex AMI/AMR Systems experience do you have in operations, maintenance and troubleshooting?

• Less than 2 years
• More than 2 years
• None

06

Please select the areas in which you have direct experience in advanced AMI, MDMS, or GIS use.

• Scrubbing reports
• Identifying errors in reported meter data
• Inspecting and troubleshoot meters
• Red-lining GIS maps
• None of the above

07

Do you have direct experience with Neptune, Compass or Customer Information Systems/Customer Portal?

• Yes
• No

08

Please select the areas in which you have direct specialized meter work experience.

• Experience with different water service line sizes
• Use of power tools to perform complex meter installations
• Knowledge of state and local regulations pertaining to drinking water
• Performing mechanical or electrical meter repairs
• None of the above

09

Please describe your experience responding to public complaints and/or inquiries. If none, please answer N/A.

10

CERTIFICATE OF APPLICANT: I certify that all statements and information provided in this application and any attachments are true, and I understand that any false or misleading statements or omissions of material facts may forfeit my right to employment considerations by the City of Oceanside.

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer City of Oceanside

Address 300 North Coast Highway, City Hall South

Oceanside, California, 92054

Phone 760-435-3511

Website http://www.ci.oceanside.ca.us