NJ Civil Service Navigator

WATER METER INSPECTOR / METER WORKER 1 WATER METER INSPECTOR

Code: 05749 Local Competitive

Career Family: WATER METER INSPECTOR / METER WORKER

Water Meter Inspector / Meter Worker 1 Water Meter Inspector is a competitive local-government title, the kind you test for: the exam result, not a hiring manager's pick, decides where you land in line.

What it takes is 1 year of relevant experience.

How to apply

  • Exam

    This is an application to sit an exam and be placed on an eligible list for this title, not an application for a specific job. A $35 application fee applies to Non-Public-Safety announcements issued on or after 2026-02-01. There may be no current vacancy behind it, and the list it produces may not be certified for months or years.

  • Exam

    Open to permanent employees in the competitive division who hold a qualifying lower title in the same unit. A $35 application fee applies to Non-Public-Safety announcements issued on or after 2026-02-01. Like the open competitive exam, this places you on a list; it is not itself a job offer.

Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator.

Definition

Under direction, performs varied tasks involved in the inspection of varied types of water meters; does other related duties as required.

Under direction, reads water, parking and/or other meters, reports damaged meters and leaks, and, when required, assists in the installation and repair of meters; does other related duties as required.

Examples of work

  • Visits factories, business establishments, institutions, and residences, and inspects, tests, and checks varied types of water meters.
  • Inspects varied types of water meters to see whether the seal is intact, whether dirt or corrosion interferes with efficient meter operation, and whether the meter is damaged, and notes significant observations.
  • Tests water meters by use of a testing machine.
  • Makes special meter readings when needed.
  • Prepares inspection notices and correspondence, and notifies water consumers of the date of prospective inspections.
  • Prepares clear, sound, accurate, and informative reports of inspections.
  • Establishes and maintains records and files.
  • Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
  • Reads water, parking and/or other meters.
  • Reports damaged meters.
  • Reports leaks.
  • Reads and records meter readings.
  • Assists in the installation and repair of meters.
  • Inspects meters to see that the seal is intact and whether the meter is damaged.
  • Makes special readings when complaints are received regarding abnormal consumption and records reasons for fluctuations.
  • Answers inquiries and gives information concerning meter readings, the manner of making computations for consumption, and distribution system.
  • Keeps legible and accurate records.
  • May inform business office of meter readings for billing purposes.
  • May turn off service for nonpayment of charges or may turn service on for new occupants of premises.
  • WHEN WORKING WITH PARKING METERS:
  • May perform varied tasks involved in the installation, removal, repair, maintenance and adjustment of parking meters.
  • May dismantle parking meters and inspect, clean, and replace gears, springs, locks, glass, and other parts.
  • May install new and repaired stanchions and parking meters.
  • May rebuild outer casings.
  • May conduct periodic inspections to ensure proper functioning of parking meters.
  • May collect monies from meters and keep records of amounts of collections.
  • May paint and cement stanchions on curbs.
  • Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office or related units.

Experience

One (1) year of experience in the reading, repair, or installation of water meters.

One (1) year of experience in the readings, repair, or installation of water, parking or other meters 'OR' one (1) year of experience as a laborer in a public works department.

License

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform essential duties of the position.

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

  • Knowledge of methods, procedures, and devices used in inspecting, testing, and checking water meters.
  • Knowledge of methods of locating defective operations of water meters.
  • Ability to maintain records and files.
  • Ability to work harmoniously with associates, superior officials, and members of the public.
  • Ability to inspect, check, and test varied types of water meters.
  • Ability to perform mechanical operations.
  • Ability to determine the reasons for defective meter operations.
  • Ability to make effective use of equipment, materials, and supplies.
  • Ability to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
  • Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
  • Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
  • <b>METER WORKER 1</b>
  • Knowledge of proper methods of reading meters.
  • Knowledge of methods of computing consumption.
  • Knowledge of varied types of coin regulated machines and their operation after a period of training.
  • Knowledge of reasons for faulty operation and steps necessary to correct the condition after a period of training.
  • Knowledge of tools and equipment used in installing, removing, repairing, maintaining, and adjusting water, parking, and other meters after a period of training.
  • Knowledge of the methods used to maintain accurate records of cash receipts and keeping of records and files.
  • Ability to understand, remember, and carry out oral and written directions.
  • Ability to explain the basic operation of meters when requested by consumers.
  • Ability to perform meter work using established safety procedures.
  • Ability to receive complaints from consumers and take appropriate action.
  • Ability to inspect meters at places of installation and note significant facts that may lead to malfunctioning meters.
  • Ability to dismantle and replace broken and worn parts.
  • Ability to rebuild and test meters to ensure that they are working properly.
  • Ability to keep necessary records.
  • Ability to read meters.
  • Ability to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
  • Ability to read, write, understand and communicate in English sufficiently to perform duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
  • Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible

Note

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.