Matching up teamwork with meter work.
He started as a temporary staffer, but his desire to learn new skills and his technical knowledge led him to a full-time career in the water industry. “I heard many good things about EBMUD. I liked the people I worked with and quickly realized how great the morale is,” says Ray. “It’s one of the best companies I’ve worked for!”
Ray’s work locations vary, but the work is consistent. As a Meter Reader Mechanic, Ray reports to the office to review his routes and job orders, then stocks up on the new meters he’ll need and sets out in his truck. He spends half his time reading meters and the other half repairing, installing and maintaining water meters to ensure they are properly recording the amount of water residents and businesses are using (and being billed for). When he’s not manually reading meters, Ray uses a wireless system which reads automated meters as he drives through the neighborhoods served by EBMUD.
The work can be challenging because of the physical nature of the work, combined with weather conditions. “I’m grateful for the support of my team who back me up if needed,” says Ray. “I’m given the time and tools to do my job well – and safely.”
Field staff like Ray are the EBMUD employees that customers interact with the most. “During the drought, customers shared with me the steps they were taking to save water.” Meter Reader Mechanics are aware that customers will be out of water service during meter maintenance, so they prepare and think through the work ahead of time to minimize impacts of that outage. “It’s our job to serve,” says Ray.
“Teamwork helps me get the job done right. It motivates me when my managers take the time to help find good solutions quickly.”