Water Meter Specialist Lead

Water Meter Specialist Lead

Salary

$66,240.00 - $93,192.00 Annually

Location

City of Santa Cruz, CA

Job Type

Regular Full-Time

Job Number

27-030

Department

Water

Opening Date

11/05/2026

Closing Date

11/19/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

The Position

The current vacancy is for Water Meter Specialist Lead in the Water Department. The City of Santa Cruz Water Meter Shop is responsible for maintaining the metering system that collects and records water billing reads for approximately 25,000 water accounts. The Water Meter Specialist Lead serves as the chief contact that will lead, train and distribute work for the water meter field staff for meter maintenance, both physical and technological. The Lead ensures the system's integrity and compliance by investigating and troubleshooting the water metering equipment and/or interval data that is identified as problematic, including resolving complicated metering issues such as looped or cross-connection services and performing backflow testing. Additionally, the Lead oversees and tracks warranty equipment, inputs data and prepares the warranty equipment for shipping. This is a full-time, Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. position.

To learn more about the City of Santa Cruzs Water Department, please visit https://www.santacruzca.gov/Government/City-Departments/Water-Department

The eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill other Regular, Full Time, Part Time, Limited Term, and Temporary Water Meter Specialist vacancies that may occur during the life of the list. The eligible list established from this recruitment is valid for up to one year from the date established unless the list is extended or abolished by the Human Resources Director.

Recruitment #27-030

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS:

The following process may be changed as deemed necessary by the Human Resources Director. The information contained within this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

• On Thursday, 11/19/26 recruitment will close. All application materials must be received by the Human Resources Department by 5:00 pm; postmarks are not accepted. To apply, submit:

• Application - online application only. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of filling out the application form completely. Click the Apply button to begin the online process.

• Response to supplemental questions - will be a primary tool in the evaluation of your qualifications for this position. Any work experience described here must also be included in your employment history on the main application.

• Week of 11/23 and 11/30/26: Applications will be competitively screened based on the minimum qualifications for this position. Candidates will be notified of their status in the recruitment by 12/11/26.

• Week of 12/14/26: Interviews will be tentatively scheduled for top candidates. The examination process will include an interview and may include a written and/or performance exercise.

Basic Function

Under general supervision, the Water Meter Specialist Lead provides work direction and technical assistance to staff maintaining the City's metering infrastructure; performs the most difficult or complex maintenance work of the metering system; demonstrates a working knowledge of applicable regulations, policies, procedures and work methods associated with meter maintenance; and acts as the chief contact in the field for troubleshooting both physical and technological problems.

Typical Duties

May include, but are not limited to, those duties listed below.)

• Leads, trains, and advises Water Meter Specialists; informs staffing strategies and priorities for distributing maintenance work to field personnel; trains field staff in the standard use of the Meter Data Management System (MDMS) for maintenance activities and serves as first contact for field staff in addressing system issues.
• Generates and completes computerized records, including meter maintenance work, installation and removal work, and test results.
• Reads, tests, and maintains metering equipment using specified tools and electronic devices; troubleshoots problems with tools and electronic devices; updates software and maintains tools and electronic devices in good working order.
• Creates data flags and groupings within the MDMS to organize resolution of errors and alarms for prioritization in the field; reviews readings or other interval data to identify irregularities at service location and prepares work orders for testing or maintenance of metering equipment.
• Makes repairs to water meters and related equipment.
• Investigates water metering equipment and/or interval data identified as problematic to ensure that metering system is operable and meet standards, including reprogramming of units of measure, adjusting communication intervals or reestablishing network connectivity.
• Operates a variety of equipment and tools associated with meter reading and maintenance activities, which may include: utility truck, forklift, radio communications equipment, cellular phone, portable computerized meter reading device, meter locator, weed eater, trimmer, cutting torch, wrench, shovel, pick, hacksaw, hand tools, tig welder, arc welder, bench grinder/buffer, angle grinder, skill saw, impact wrench, reciprocating saw, concrete saw, rotary hammer drill, air ratchet, pneumatic tools, portable compressor and generator.
• Resolves complicated metering issues such as looped or cross-connected services, backflow, swapped services/serial numbers, missing read data, transmission interval changes, and accuracy disputes.
• Coordinates with contractors, vendors, and/or telecommunications personnel in the field to resolve network communications issues.
• Coordinates updates of technologies used by field staff, including meter reading software, handheld equipment, dongles, etc.
• Coordinates safety inspections of fleet and meter operations work site; ensures field personnel outfit and maintain trucks and work site with required tools, supplies, materials, etc. for efficient and safe job performance.
• Oversees and tracks warranty equipment; inputs data for warranty returns; scans, tracks, and prepares warranty items for shipping.
• Monitors inventories and stock for all new water meters, repairs, and transmitting devices.
• Assist customers, contractors, or other members of the public in understanding or resolving the most difficult issues related to metering or meter data.
• Organizes, dispatches, and tracks service orders for meter testing and repair program; aggregates test data for further analysis.
• Performs other related duties that may be reasonably expected as part of this classification.

WORKING CONDITIONS

This position performs in both the office and field environment. Position requires sitting, standing, walking on level and slippery surfaces, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, stooping, squatting, crouching, grasping, and making repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties. The position also requires both near and far vision when inspecting work and operating assigned equipment and fine coordination in using a computer keyboard. The need to lift, carry, and push tools, equipment and supplies weighing up to 65 pounds is also required. Additionally, the incumbent in this mostly outdoor position works in all weather conditions, including wet, hot, and cold. The incumbent may use chemicals which may expose the employee to fumes and dust and air contaminants. May be exposed to biohazards and/or hazardous chemicals. The nature of the work may also require the incumbent to use power and noise producing tools and equipment and drive motorized vehicles. Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.

Minimum Qualifications

The minimum qualifications for Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities are the following:

Education and Experience

• High school degree or tested equivalent and,
• Two (2) years of work experience involving customer service, and
• Two (2) years of work experience involving a combination of mechanical and technological aptitudes and abilities.

Knowledge:

• Effective customer service standards and techniques.
• Basic mechanical principles related to the operation of water metering equipment, including meters and meter reading equipment.
• Basic mathematics, such addition/subtraction, multiplication/division, percentages, and unit conversions.
• Personal computer equipment and applications for performing data entry and analysis.
• Safe work practices.
• Proficiency with MDMS and a working knowledge of the ancillary customer-information systems such as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Geographical Information System (GIS), Customer Relationship Management System (CRM) and Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).

Skills:

• Dexterity to work with small meter parts.
• Mechanical and technical aptitude and in which to
• Basic computer skills including typing 30 WPM.

Abilities:

• Effectively coordinate with other pertinent positions in the Division such as the Environmental Programs Analyst, Utility Accounts Specialist, and Meter Operations Supervisor.
• Troubleshoot and solve a range of simple to complex technical problems logically and efficiently.
• Organize, prioritize, and follow up on work assignments.
• Learn new mechanical and technical procedures and tasks.
• Analyze data, recognize patterns and anomalies within hourly, daily, weekly, or monthly data sets.
• Communicate effectively, orally and in writing including information of a technical nature in a business-friendly and user-friendly (non-technical) language.
• Use small hand tools and equipment to install, test, maintain, and repair meters.
• Disassemble meters to replace parts and successfully reassemble.
• Read and understand water meter billing and other related documents.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Maintain accurate records.
• Read and follow street maps.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships and act in a courteous manner when dealing with the public.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Willingness to wear a uniform.
• Successfully pass a full criminal record / background check including confirmation of the California Law Enforcement Telecommunication System (CLETS) record check from the Department of Justice (DOJ) obtained through Live Scan fingerprinting and a criminal record history from the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI).

Licenses and Certificates

• Possession and continued maintenance of a valid California drivers license and a safe driving record.
• Possession and maintenance of a California Department of Public Health (CDPH) D2 Certification.
• Possession and maintenance of a Certification as a backflow prevention device tester.
• Maintain forklift Certification.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Familiarity with the Santa Cruz area streets plan.
• Experience installing or repairing plumbing.
• Experience operating compressors, generators and/or forklifts.
• Experience working in a utility customer service office.

Career Ladder

• Utility Account Services Manager
• Water Meter Operations Supervisor
• Water Meter Specialist Lead
• Water Meter Specialist I/II

SALARY - The current salary range for this position is posted on the City website. See the Supervisory Memorandum of Understanding on the City website for details on pay rates and practices.

APPOINTMENT - Any candidate selected by the appointing department may be required to pass a pre-employment medical exam administered by a City-selected physician before hire to non-sedentary positions. Prior to starting work, all newly hired employees will be fingerprinted to check conviction history. A conviction history will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from appointment. Candidates must present documentation verifying authorization to work in the United States and take a loyalty oath as required by the State of California at the time of hire. Appointments to regular positions are subject to a six-month probationary period which is considered a part of the selection process. Probationary employees may be terminated without recourse during this period. Positions which are covered by the Department of Transportation regulations are required to submit to a pre-employment drug test and to random drug and alcohol testing.

LEAVE

Vacation - 80 hours/year up to 5 years, 120 hours/year 6-10 years, plus 8 hours for each year after 10 years up to a maximum of 160 hours/year.

Sick - 12 days/year

Holidays - up to 11 days/year

Floating Holidays - 24 hours per year

INSURANCE - (available to employee and eligible dependents)

Medical - Depends on plan selected; City generally pays 95% of the cost of coverage. Participating members make an additional $35 contribution per pay period towards health care benefits.

Dental, Vision, Employee Assistance Program - City currently pays full cost of employee and family coverage.

Life - City provides a $20,000 life insurance policy.

Long Term Disability - City provides a long term disability plan.

RETIREMENT

All new regular employees become members of PERS. Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) 2% @ 62 (3 year average). Prior PERS membership may affect retirement formula. Employees contribute 11.25% of their salary to PERS on a pre-tax basis. An employee is vested after 5 years of membership. No Social Security is withheld.

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS (not all inclusive)

457 Deferred Compensation Plan

Accident Protection Insurance

Bilingual Pay

Cancer and Critical Illness Insurance

Direct Deposit

Discount Bus Passes

Flexible Spending Plans for Health & Dependent Care

Longevity Pay (after 10 years and 15 years)

In lieu Medical Reimbursement of $200 /month

Shift Differential

Supplemental Life Insurance

Tuition Reimbursement

The information included in this announcement is subject to change and does not constitute an expressed or implied contract.

01

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY: The following supplemental questions are designed to obtain specific information regarding your work experience. Please answer each question as thoroughly as possible, as your responses will be utilized to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for this position. For applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, these responses may also be used as an evaluation tool in later stages of the competitive process to determine which applicants will be invited to continue in the examination process. All experience described here must correspond to employers listed in the Work Experience section of your application to receive credit. Please refrain from using AI or computer-generated responses. Applicants are responsible to clearly, completely, and accurately describe their qualifications. You may attach a resume, but this cannot be used in lieu of completing an application. Failure to complete all required questions and/or providing incomplete responses may result in an incomplete application. Do not answer any question with "see resume" and if you do not have any experience and/or education in a given area, please write "N/A."

• I acknowledge that I have read and understood these instructions

02

Do you possess a high school diploma or tested equivalent?

• Yes
• No

03

This position requires possession and continued maintenance of a valid California drivers license. Please select your current license status:

• I have a valid California drivers license.
• I have a valid drivers license issued by another state. I understand that I will be required to obtain a California drivers license prior to appointment, as a condition of employment, if selected for this position.
• I do not currently possess a valid drivers license. I understand that I do not meet the requirement for this position and that this response will eliminate my application from consideration.

04

This position requires possession and continued maintenance of a D2 Water Distribution Operator certificate issued by the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB). In the space below, please list the highest Water Distribution Operator certificate you have obtained including the grade and certificate #.

05

This position requires possession and continued maintenance of a backflow prevention device tester certification. I possess this certification and have attached a copy to my application:

• Yes
• No

06

This position requires possession and continued maintenance of a forklift certification. I have been previously certified in forklift operation and agree to maintain an in-house forklift certification with the City of Santa Cruz if offered this position.

• Yes
• No

07

Please select the option that best describes how many years of customer service experience that you have. The experience selected here must be reflected in the Work Experience portion of your application in order to receive credit.

• Less than 2 years.
• At least 2 years, but less than 3 years.
• At least 3 years, but less than 4 years.
• 4 or more years.

08

Based on your answer above, please describe your work experience related to customer service. Please be thorough with your response, indicating where you got this experience, duties performed, and the duration of each role. Answers to this question will help determine how you meet the minimum qualifications for the position and may make you more competitive against other candidates in this recruitment. All experience described here must relate back to the work experience portion of your application in order to receive credit. If you do not have this experience, please answer "N/A."

09

Please select the option that best describes how many years of work experience involving a combination of mechanical and technological aptitudes and abilities that you have. The experience selected here must be reflected in the Work Experience portion of your application in order to receive credit.

• Less than 2 years.
• At least 2 years, but less than 3 years.
• At least 3 years, but less than 4 years.
• 4 or more years.

10

Based on your answer above, please describe your work experience involving a combination of mechanical and technological aptitudes and abilities. Please be thorough with your response, indicating where you got this experience, duties performed, and the duration of each role. Answers to this question will help determine how you meet the minimum qualifications for the position and may make you more competitive against other candidates in this recruitment. All experience described here must relate back to the work experience portion of your application in order to receive credit. If you do not have this experience, please answer "N/A."

11

This position requires: 1) The willingness to wear a uniform; and 2) Successfully pass a full criminal record/background check through the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). I accept this requirement. (NOTE: A "no" response to this question will eliminate your application from consideration).

• Yes
• No

12

Desirable Qualification: Please describe your experience working in a utility customer service office, including duties performed and where this experience was obtained. If you do not have this experience, please answer "N/A."

13

Desirable Qualification: Please describe your experience installing and/or repairing plumbing, including tasks performed and where this experience was obtained. If you do not have this experience, please answer "N/A."

Required Question

Employer City of Santa Cruz

Address 809 Center St.

Room 6

Santa Cruz, California, 95060

Phone 831-420-5040

Website http://www.cityofsantacruz.com