Meter Services Technician I

As a Meter Services Technician I with the City of Fort Worth, your primary responsibilities include installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting water meters. You will be required to perform field investigations in response to customer inquiries, validate meter readings, and provide excellent face-to-face customer service. Additionally, you will be working with remote-read radio communication signals and conducting regular inspections of water assets, ensuring optimal service delivery to our community.

To apply for the Meter Services Technician I role at the City of Fort Worth, you need a high school diploma or GED and a valid driver’s license. Candidates should be able to pass physical and drug tests and must obtain certain water distribution licenses within specified timeframes after hiring. While not required, having experience in plumbing, mechanical, or utility work is preferred. Basic computer skills and familiarity with work order systems are also advantageous.

The work schedule for a Meter Services Technician I at the City of Fort Worth is varied, with shifts including mornings from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and evenings from 1:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Candidates must be flexible as they might also be required to work holidays, weekends, and on a rotating on-call schedule. Unscheduled overtime may be requested, so adaptability is crucial for this fast-paced role.

The City of Fort Worth offers a competitive benefits package for the Meter Services Technician I position. This includes 11 paid holidays, medical, dental, and vision coverage, as well as a pension plan and paid time off. The City is also committed to professional development, providing opportunities for growth within the organization, making it an attractive option for long-term career building.

Working conditions for a Meter Services Technician I at the City of Fort Worth involve both fieldwork and office tasks. Technicians are required to work outdoors in various weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and extreme temperatures. The role demands physical stamina, as employees may need to lift heavy objects and navigate through challenging environments. Safety is a priority, and proper training and equipment are provided to ensure a safe work experience.

In answering this question, highlight specific examples of your past experiences related to fieldwork, particularly in water meter installations or similar jobs. Emphasize your understanding of technical skills, customer service, and your ability to troubleshoot issues. Mention any relevant tools or techniques you’re familiar with that enhance your ability to carry out such installations efficiently.

When responding, discuss how you effectively assess service requests based on urgency, safety, and customer importance. Share an example where you successfully prioritized tasks while maintaining service quality to demonstrate your organizational skills and ability to manage time under pressure.

Focus on the importance of communication and empathy in customer service. Describe how listening actively, addressing customer concerns promptly, and providing transparent information contribute to a positive experience. Give examples of how you’ve handled challenging customer interactions effectively in previous roles.

In your response, express your familiarity with GIS and its relevance for locating and managing water assets. Share any direct experience you have using GIS tools and how they helped you streamline operations and enhance your service delivery in past positions or training.

Choose a situation that demonstrates problem-solving skills relevant to the Meter Services Technician I role. Detail the challenge, your thought process for addressing it, and the outcome. This shows your ability to handle obstacles and fosters confidence in your skill set.

Highlight your knowledge of safety protocols and the importance of adhering to them. Discuss your commitment to using personal protective equipment, following safety guidelines, and conducting vehicle and equipment checks. Mention any specific examples where you promoted safety in previous roles.

Speak to the value of persistence and proactive communication in handling customer issues. Outline how you would gather additional information, stay in touch with the customer, and explore different solutions while clearly setting their expectations regarding timelines.

Share your personal motivations, whether they stem from a passion for public service, environmental stewardship, or technical challenges. Connect your experiences with why you find working as a Meter Services Technician I rewarding and important.

Provide examples from past jobs where you've collaborated with colleagues, emphasizing teamwork aspects. Discussing incidents where your teamwork led to successful outcomes will illustrate your ability to cooperate and communicate effectively with others.

Indicate your commitment to continuous learning. Mention industry publications, training, and networking with professionals in the field as ways you keep abreast of advancements in technology. Sharing specific resources can underscore your dedication.