OneMain Financial Jobs

This position is for a Meter Reader with a company in Canton, MS.

Summary: If you are searching for an entry-level position in the utilities field where you can work independently, we may have the ideal job for you. Canton Municipal Utilities (CMU) is a municipal government utility company that is recruiting for a meter reader to assist our Billing Department in calculating our customers' consumption levels of electricity, water and natural gas.  Meter readers work in the field for most of the day in all types of weather conditions.  Meter readers check residential and commercial building meters for optimal performance and operation. During the work shift, meter information is recorded into a handheld device that uploads the information directly to our company. This individual will interact with our customers when access is limited to the meter from the outside, complete daily scheduled service orders which usually consist of changing, connecting, disconnecting and rechecking customer's readings.  Applicant should possess a moderate understanding of the general aspects of the job.  Work is performed under the close supervision of senior personnel in the functional area.

Duties and Responsibilities: The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the class. Read and/or input data about customer electricity, water and natural gas usage into a tablet device using database software and details from the location's utility meter. Operate a company vehicle to travel to assigned route in the local area, and visit each home or business on the meter reading list. Assess each utility meter during visits to ensure the device is working properly and free of mechanical or electrical defects. Provide new electricity and gas activation services to new customers by connecting the meter to the utility company's network and disconnecting service when required. Report inoperable and malfunctioning devices or unauthorized changes to the meter to the Supervisor when spotted during field checks. Verifies readings to locate abnormal consumption, research problems,  records reasons for fluctuations and report any other problems (meter dead, upside down, running backwards, usage of services without going through the meter, etc.) affecting utility consumption.  Report unusual conditions to Supervisor. Turns service off for non-payment of charges in vacant premises or for new occupants. Spot problems with customer's services and CMU service lines. Retain responsibility for the electronic equipment assigned for the purpose of recording meter reading information and ensure that the equipment is kept from damage or loss. To better represent the community we serve within a timely manner, applicants must live within 30 minutes of CMU. Cut on and/or off utility services for moving CMU customers. Assist in customer service by rechecking customer utility consumption and researching problems. Must be able to read and comply with all required company standards and procedures. Good customer service skills (employ courtesy and tact, professional, represent the company well and treat customers fairly). Answer customer's questions and/or direct them to the Customer Service Center. Spot problems with customer's services and CMU service lines. Maintains records of meters read and reports meters not accessible for reading. Must be able to read and comply with all required company standards, procedures, rules and regulations. Ability to work with little or no supervision. Other duties as assigned by the Supervisor. 

Education & Experience: High school diploma or GED equivalent. Three (3) years prior work experience, preferably in a meter reading capacity or work experience involving customers or public contact. Valid MS driver's license with good record. Mus be able to pass drug test, and criminal background check.

Working Environment: Strenuous or extensive outdoors activity in varying weather conditions 95% of the time.  Frequent exposure to noise, heat, dust, and/or potentially hazardous conditions. Drive vehicle and walk along established routes to take readings. May be required to work weekends, nights and holidays; on call duty after normal business hours is required. Must be willing and able to work overtime as required. Subject to dog bites, insect stings and poison ivy.

Physical and Mental Requirements: Incumbent requires sufficient mobility to work in a field environment; walk, stand, sit, frequently stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb, reach, twist, balance, push, pull, lift, bend over, body contortions and concentration in order to get access to meters. Ability to lift and carry up to sixty (60) pounds. Good vision, physical endurance and manual dexterity.  Remain calm in a crisis. Attention to detail and precision. Ability to drive a standard size pick-up truck. Ability to walk 7 -- 8.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Knowledge of city streets and service areas.  Ability to understand and operate electronic devices used to record meter readings and other information concerning the condition of meters in service at specific addresses. Ability to verbally communicate to exchange information. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by the work.  Must be detail oriented and able to input accurate data.

Equipment Used: Handheld computer.