FIELD SERVICE REPRESENTATIVES (Utility Meters) California Occupational Guide Number 544 Interest Area 5-D 1995
TRENDS
Computerized meters that measure the amount of electricity, gas or water used by business or residential customers are now rapidly replacing electro-mechanical utility meters. The way FIELD SERVICE REPRESENTATIVES do their work is changing also. Classified by employers as Meter Technicians, they program utility meters before installing them to electronically measure units of energy or water used.
THE JOB
FIELD SERVICE REPRESENTATIVES install, maintain and repair electromechanical and electronic meters and allied equipment that measure customer consumption of gas, electricity or water. They turn meters on or off to establish or close service. They rebuild, remove, inspect, clean, repair, adjust, or change meters and regulators; trace and tag meters or house lines, and replace metering devices and dial glasses. They verify wiring and meter accuracy and investigate the causes of commercial or residential problems. They recommend and write specifications for changes such as house wiring or service lines. They either make repairs or advise customers about problem corrections. A Field Service Representative may shut off service and notify a repair crew of major repairs required, such as replacement of underground pipes or wiring. They also perform emergency repairs.
At times they collect delinquent accounts in person. They sometimes investigate situations of consumers illegally tapping into service lines for gas, electricity or water.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Field Service Representatives usually work alone, inside and outdoors, even in hot, wet or cold weather. They perform work in a safe manner by following strict safety codes but still take some physical risk from exposure to high voltage wires or gas leaks.
The work requires the lifting and carrying of objects that weigh from 25 pounds to 50 pounds. Representatives who work for electric utility companies belong to the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers labor union.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
The following information is from the California Projections of Employment published by the Labor Market Information Division.
These figures represent the broad occupational group Mechanical Control, Valve Installers which includes Gas and Water Meter Installers and Repairers.
Estimated number of workers in 1990 2,940 Estimated number of workers in 2005 3,380 Projected Growth 1990-2005 15% Estimated openings due to separations by 2005 1,020
The figures below are for Electric Meter Installers and Repairers.
Estimated number of workers in 1990 440 Estimated number of workers in 2005 510 Projected Growth 1990-2005 16% Estimated openings due to separations by 2005 150
(These figures do not include self-employment nor openings due to turnover.)
Growth of new jobs will be well below average. Due to the stability and relatively high pay of public and private utility company occupations, there are waiting lists for jobs.
Most jobs will occur as workers leave the labor force or change careers rather than from industry growth.
Job growth for the occupation of Water Meter Installer was given a significant boost by the statewide enactment of a bill to make metered water mandatory for both residential and commercial service.
WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS
Field Service Representative pay ranges from $10.50 to $17.75 an hour and depends on the type of utility company that employs them. Journey level pay ranges from $14.75 to $23.15 an hour. Sick leave; paid vacation; retirement plans; and life, health and dental insurance are common benefits.
Field Service Representatives usually work a 40-hour week. However, they may work overtime during severe winter seasons, in summer months when air- conditioners are heavily used, and in emergencies to restore service.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
Employers hire only high school graduates or those who have an equivalency certificate. High school students should take shop courses to learn basic electrical theory and how to use simple hand tools. Mathematics through algebra and mechanical drawing to learn blueprint reading can give the job seeker a competitive boost. Employers give formal on-the-job training that mixes classroom work with hands-on field work under the direct supervision of journey level workers. Today's on-the-job training usually involves electronics technology to teach workers the installation and repair of meters with built-in microcomputer chips that measure the energy used.
Field service workers represent their employer when they respond to a commercial or household service call. They need social skills to build and maintain good public relations and to interact courteously with customers. Qualified applicants who are also bilingual, especially English/Spanish or English/Vietnamese, will be in demand.
ADVANCEMENT
The typical career steps:
Supervisor
Meter Technicians
Meter Installers
Field Service Representatives
Meter Readers and Helpers
Field Service Representatives may also be classified under other job titles such as Meter Readers/Installers, Meter Service Persons or Water Service Worker.
FINDING THE JOB
Job seekers should apply directly with public and private utility companies for entry-level positions such as utility service helpers or meter readers. They may also register with the nearest Employment Development Department Job Service Office. Additionally, the Job Hunt Survival Kit, California Occupational Guide Number 600, gives good job search tips.
RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES
Appliance Repairers and Technicians No. 101 Electricians No. 121 Microwave Technicians No. 459
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th ed. Rev 1)
Gas Meter Mechanic 710.281-022
Electric Meter Repairer 729.281-014
Electric Meter Installer I 821.361-014
Electric Meter Installer II 821.684-010
Water meter Installer 954.564-010
Customer Service Representative
(light, heat and power) 959.361-010
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System Electric Meter Installer and Repairer 859110 Mechanical Control and Valve Installers 859280
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162.
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