Central New Mexico Electric Cooperative, Inc

SAN PATRICIO ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE, INC. SINTON, TEXAS POSITION DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Meter Technician Supervisor POSITION CODE: 20G SALARY GRADE: NE-10 DEPARTMENT: Administrative/Billing Services FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

APPROVED BY: ______General Manager Date ______Human Resources Official Date

I. POSITION FUNCTION SUMMARY:

The mission of San Patricio Electric Cooperative (SPEC) governs the work of all SPEC employees, and as stated is:

“Our mission is to provide safe and reliable electric service for our Member/Owners.” To provide electric service to enhance the quality of life for our members. To provide electric service at reasonable and sustainable rates. To provide excellent customer service with well trained, helpful and courteous employees. To provide support to our local communities. To operate San Patricio Electric Cooperative as a member owned, not for profit, electric cooperative guided by the seven cooperative principles.

Under the direction of the Administrative/Billing Services Manager, the Meter Technician Supervisor is responsible for making sure all meters on established routes are read accurately and in a timely manner and that all meter tampering reports are investigated and documented. Tests, repairs, cleans, calibrates and programs meters. Record data and keep logs on all system metering, and connects and disconnects meters. The position also performs line locations as directed. Supervises Meter Technicians.

II. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Responsible for ensuring that all readings including re-reads, third month estimates and Co-op readings are accurate and posted correctly via the interval reads process, meter Data Management System or manually and are available for the billing department to run the billing process.

2. Ensures that meter tests and meter maintenance are completed in an accurate and timely manner; records and notifies the Dispatcher of any line or meter, owned or operated by the Cooperative, which is in need of repair, or if meter tampering is suspected.

3. Document and report any potential hazards to the Service Coordinator/Dispatcher.

4. May install meters for new service and verifies that meters are energized and working correctly.

5. Responsible for making sure that all meters are functioning properly.

6. Responsible for the testing of all meter form factors and for the construction and maintenance of special metering installations.

1 7. Responsible for maintaining the meter inventory and metering equipment inventory as well as ensuring that meters of the appropriate form factor are available at all times for new or replacements installations.

8. Responsible for monitoring and maintaining all automated meter systems and meters.

9. Maintain records, which are used to support data for trouble reports and high bill complaints as required. Completes and submits required cooperative, RUS, and other reports to the Administrative/Billing Services Manager concerning metering operations, materials, and equipment.

10. Assists in the training of lower level meter technician’s personnel, emphasizing proper work and safety procedure.

11. Maintains current and job-appropriate knowledge of equipment, RUS specifications, OSHA regulations, mapping system, and other operational and regulatory systems related to the responsibilities of the position.

12. Supervises meter technician(s) and ensures that readings and reports are completed by due dates. Ensures meter technicians comply with all safety requirements.

13. Coach and counsel department employees on unit performance and personnel issues to improve productivity and employee moral.

14. Directs and supervises reporting personnel in such a manner as to promote a safe working environment, efficient operation of the Cooperative, productive employees, and satisfied customers. Responsible for the selection, assignment, training, development, review and performance management of assigned direct report personnel; for recommending pay changes and other employee status actions, based on performance measures; and for maintaining compliance with state and federal laws and regulations and the Cooperative’s policies, guidelines, and affirmative action policies.

15. Promotes electric use by taking every opportunity to acquaint the consumers with the productive uses of electricity; obtaining increased member and public understanding of the Cooperative’s objectives, plans and programs, and of rural electrification in general

16. Provide customer service as needed and appropriate, manages assigned key customer accounts through regular direct contact to ensure customer satisfaction and on-going communication. Includes listening and responding courteously to consumers’ comments and complaints, effectively resolving any problems within the scope of this position and referring specific problems and inquiries to the appropriate Cooperative personnel.

17. Other duties may be assigned in the Emergency Restoration Plan.

OTHER INFORMATION: Within the parameters dictated by managers, Cooperative policy and applicable RUS, OSHA, DOT, and other regulatory requirements, this position has limited autonomy and latitude to identify and solve problems and make decisions necessary to manage the operation of the electric distribution system dependent on training, experience, and certification.

III. WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:

DEPARTMENT: Administrative Services: This department is responsible for the development and implementation of a comprehensive customer services program which facilitates growth within the cooperative system; maintains positive public relations and communications with the membership; and

2 promotes standards of customer service excellence throughout the cooperative. The Department also has responsibility and accountability for the Cooperative’s staking functions and the service coordinator functions which includes the tasks of dispatching for the operations department, outage management and the daily tasks of customer information for connections, disconnects, etc.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS: The Meter Technician Supervisor has supervisory authority over meter technicians. The Meter Technician Supervisor may retain functional authority over specific projects or areas of responsibility as specified in this position description or otherwise delegated by the Administrative/Billing Services Manager.

Supervisor’s Supervisor: Other Positions Reporting to the Immediate General Manager Supervisor:

Immediate Supervisor:  Billing Supervisor Administrative/Billing Services Manager  Cashier  Payroll Clerk This Position: Meter Technician Supervisor

Immediate Subordinate Positions: Meter Technician(s)

COORDINATES OR COOPERATES WITH:

A) INTERNAL

 Technology/Accounting Services Manager– Requests advice and assistance and confers on operational and personnel problems; provides advice, assistance and information on employee development, work planning, policy planning, and other areas as assigned.

 Administration – Coordinates work with all administrative personnel, particularly with those positions directly involved in billing and collections and customer service.

 Other Employees - Maintains harmonious, courteous, and understanding relationships, while fostering a collaborative teamwork environment.

B) EXTERNAL

 Members – Establishes the recognition and acceptance of ownership benefits and responsibility, to encourage and promote the effective and efficient use of electric energy. Provides helpful, courteous assistance and service to resolve billing and service problems.

 General Public - Presents a friendly, courteous image for the Cooperative.

IV. AUTHORITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES:

General Authority: The Meter Technician Supervisor has line responsibility and supervises meter technicians. Decisions and duties are regularly reviewed and have a limited impact on Cooperative operations; errors usually affect you only. Work is routine; problems are relatively simple and methods and procedures are well defined. The Meter Technician Supervisor is required to secure approval of the

3 Administrative/Billing Services Manager in making decisions when policies are not clear or adequate or require interpretation. Recognizes the need to understand that the Cooperative’s best interests can be directly affected by his/her actions.

Budget and Asset Accountability:  Responsible for a minimum level of impact on the department operating budget which approximates $300,000.  Responsible for line crew assets, furniture, equipment, and supplies valued at approximately $1,000,000.

V. POSITION SPECIFICATIONS:

A) Fair Labor Standards Act Provisions

This position is non-exempt under the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is not subject to the Cooperative’s policies and procedures pertaining to overtime hours and premium pay.

B) Personal Requirements of Position

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

This position requires a high school diploma; two years prior experience in distribution cooperatives is preferred. Must have certification in metering installations, testing and repairs.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

This position requires basic math skills, and strong customer service and communications skills, including problem-solving and conflict resolution. Familiarity with the RUS Specification book is preferred. Training in spotting hazards both on the lines owned and/or operated by the Cooperative and around Cooperative-owned property as well as training in spotting meter tampering is preferred. This position also requires strong computer skills, data base management skills, technical utility knowledge, as well as the ability to follow directions and work with other employees.

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Performs the essential functions and elements of this position competently, following an initial orientation period. Work may be varied; problems are difficult and methods and procedures are defined, and judgement is required to apply them to work. Personal characteristics to include: a team player, high integrity, good personal habits, regular work attendance, courteous and friendly, able to work well with diverse groups of people, and gain and maintain respect of others, both inside and outside the Cooperative.

VI. PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS/WORKING CONDITIONS

Work may be varied and a person in this position has sufficient time to complete most tasks without a feeling of pressure. There are frequent opportunities to relax from any physical exertion or to change position in work activities.

4 Physical Effort and Dexterity: Frequent physical activity, to include walking, stooping, bending, frequent lifting up to 50 lbs., occasional lifting in excess of fifty lbs., climbing, kneeling, reaching, stooping, crawling, pushing, and working in awkward positions and enclosed spaces is normal.

Machines, Tools, Equipment required to be operated: Operates fleet vehicles when driving to the various meter sites. Work with voltmeters, meter test equipment, and amp meters, hand tools computers and meter reading equipment.

Visual Acuity, Hearing, Speaking: Must be able to communicate clearly and accurately for work and safety compliance. Visual color discrimination is required to differentiate wire and part colors.

Environment/Working Conditions: Work is mostly in varying weather conditions; and is exposed to the hazards associated with weather conditions and consumer’s animals. Position requires travel throughout the service area. Work regularly scheduled Monday-Friday, although weekends and after hours may be required to meet deadlines or address distribution problems.

Employee Requirements: This position requires employee to possess and maintain a working telephone number. A current Texas driver’s license is required; and, must have and maintain an insurable driving record.

VII. REMARKS:

The foregoing position description is not all-inclusive of the duties to which the employee may be assigned. In order to ensure maximum flexibility and efficiency and to encourage cross training, employees will be assigned additional duties as are deemed necessary or desirable by the management of San Patricio Electric Cooperative.

I have read my Position Description and understand my assigned responsibilities, and have been given a copy of this Position Description. I have also received a copy of the Personnel Policies and Procedures Handbook, and understand that I am responsible for reading and following all relevant policies and procedures outlined in it. I also understand that the Board of Directors and management of San Patricio Electric Cooperative, Inc. cannot guarantee my employment, and that SPEC can change compensation, benefits, and conditions of my employment at any time and at its full and sole discretion. I also certify by my signature below that I am able to perform the essential functions of this position description either with or without a reasonable accommodation.

Accepted by: Employee Date

Approved by: General Manager Date