The Huntersville/Cornelius Regions Operations Division of ElectriCities operates and maintains the Town of Cornelius, the Town of Huntersville electric systems in an economical, efficient, safe, and reliable manner as contracted for in the Operating Agreement with each town under the Regions Project #1.  This includes managing and administering the Operating Agreement and other contracts and agreements necessary for the operation and maintenance of the Towns’ Electric Systems to meet the electric power requirements of the Towns and their respective customers, both present and future.  The ElectriCities Operations Center located in the Town of Huntersville is where employees of the division operate, and local customers settle their electric accounts. 

The Associate Utility Billing Field Service Technician will schedule and participate in electric meter reading and service activities for the Huntersville/Cornelius Operations.  This will include activities such as preparing, maintaining, and reviewing utility service accounts, maintaining software and equipment, and creating and updating monthly reports for meter reading analysis, while maintaining readings and records.

• Install, calibrate and maintain electric meters for residential, commercial and industrial customers.
• Locate and perform reads and rereads on utility meters on assigned routes and records consumption.
• Keep accurate records of meters read and reports meters not accessible for reading.
• Conduct field inspections to identify and resolve issues with meters, wiring and associated equipment.
• Disconnect/Reconnect meters for non-payment and move-in and move-out activities.
• Respond to service orders including but not limited to: meter exchanges, disconnections, reconnections, etc., on a daily basis.
• Assist in creating and revising reading routes and sequencing to facilitate efficient meter reading.
• Receive and respond to customer inquiries and complaints related to meter reading and high/low bill complaints.
• Assist in preparing and maintaining utility service accounts for billing.
• Assist in meter tamper investigations and initiation or disconnection of utility services through work requests, as needed.
• Coordinate work between the meter reading, billing, and customer service activities.
• Collaborate with other field technicians and departments to ensure efficient electric service delivery.
• Assist with underground utility locates as needed.
• Ensure compliance with safety protocols and regulatory standards during all field activities.
• May be required work extended hours to assist Line and Service employees during power outages, emergency situations or special projects.
• Performs other duties as required.

Physical Requirements

The Associate Utility Billing Field Service Technician is subject to working in varying inside and outside environmental conditions such as extreme weather, noise, dust, traffic and other hazards including proximity to moving mechanical parts or electrical current. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to:

• Exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds of force frequently and a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.
• Climb, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, stand, walk, finger, grasp, and perform repetitive motions.
• Must consistently wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) in accordance with safety regulations and workplace protocols.
• Possess strong vocal communication to express or exchange ideas by means of the spoken word, and convey detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly, or quickly.
• Possess adequate hearing to perceive information at normal spoken word levels, and to receive detailed information through oral communications and/or to make fine distinctions in sound.
• Possess visual acuity for depth perception, color perception, peripheral vision, preparing and analyzing written or computer data, visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, use of measuring devices, assembly or fabrication of parts at or within arm’s length, operation of machines, operation of motor vehicles or equipment, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities.

Controls

This position works under the general guidance of the Business Office Manager, who reviews the employee's work performance periodically in terms of overall effectiveness and provides professional guidance, as necessary. Time sheets, vacation time, sick leave, etc., will be reviewed and approved by the Business Office Manager. This position is non-exempt from the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act.

 Qualifications

• Graduation from high school or GED equivalent and minimal experience in meter reading, customer service, and basic computer and general office skills.
• Knowledge of the methods, procedures, and terminology involved in the reading of electric meters and transmitting or recording consumption by manual or electronic means preferred.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written directions.
• Ability to organize routes meter reading routes.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with colleagues and the public, while interacting with customers in a tactful, diplomatic, and assertive manner.
• Ability to operate computers and comfortable with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Possession of an appropriate driver's license valid in the State of North Carolina.
• The ability to report to work regularly and stamina to work extended hours during power outages, natural disasters, emergency situations or special projects.
• Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screening.
• Ability to pass all random drug and/or alcohol screenings.