Records gas consumption data from residential, industrial, and commercial customers using electronic remote reading device mounted in company vehicle; reports data for Marketers to use for customer billing.  Performs installations and programming of ERTs.  Performs basic tasks including using hand tools, corrosion inspections, meter paints, reading meters (manually and electronically). This is a bargaining unit position (IBEW Local 1997). 

JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Downloads meter reading route(s) daily; enters route information into electronic data collection units in vehicle; drives route and collects data from Encoder Receiver Transmitter (ERTs) mounted on customers’ meters; uploads data at end of the route. 
• Maintains and regularly updates electronic equipment (handhelds, Mobile Collectors, and etc.) to ensure accurate readings.
• Troubleshoots ERT problems and Missed Meters: inspects, reprograms, repairs, maintains, removes, reinstalls ERTs and indexes.  Enters change data into Meter History System (MHS), and Georgia Customer Management Application (GCMA).
• Efficiently works work-order route to complete orders in a timely manner and in accordance with company policies and procedures and operator qualifications procedures. 
• Conducts investigations of high bill complaints, stop meters, and special reading by meter reading validation.
• Performs regular meter inspections and paints
• Ensures truck is stocked with equipment, supplies, tools, and other equipment in a neat and orderly condition. 
• Observes all safety equipment and regulatory guidelines to ensure compliance.
• Safely operations company assigned vehicles in performance of assignments.
• Occasional face-to-face interaction with customers via phone to obtain information and answer questions. 
• Identifies problems concerning customers assigned to wrong route, converts non-ERT meters to ERT system, updates systems and corrects problems.
• Perform other duties and assigned on occasion

Education, Certifications/Licenses:

Required:

• High School diploma or GED
• Mechanical aptitude
• Basic knowledge and use of hand tools and equipment
• State driver’s license
• Company driving test

Preferred:

Meter reading experience

Or

Equivalent academic education and experience

Skills & Knowledge:

Required:

• Customer service skills
• Good written and oral communication
• Ability to resolve and diffuse difficult/escalated situations
• Ability to use good judgment
• Mechanical aptitude
• Interpersonal skills
• Defensive driving skills
• Operator Qualified in accordance with Company Plan

Success Factors:  

• Executing for Results                                        
• Collaboration and Building Relationships
• Learning and Thinking                                       
• Industry Knowledge/Business Acumen
• Honoring Corporate Values & Standards           

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to sit and drive for an extended period
• Physically able to stoop, bend, kneel, crawl, walk, climb ladders, and lift weights at a minimum of  20 pounds unassisted. 
• Must be able to regularly use hand tools, such as screwdrivers. 
• Must also have keen senses of smell, hearing, vision and color identification. 
• Ability to work in all types of terrain, around animals, and weather conditions is required.

Disclaimer:  This information describes the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this job.  The description is not designed to be a comprehensive inventory of duties, responsibilities and qualifications required in the job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to qualified disabled individuals for performance of essential duties and responsibilities.

Southern Company Gas provides for the energy needs of millions of U.S. households and businesses. As the largest natural gas-only distribution company in the United States, with more than 150 years of history behind us, we're working to ensure that Americans have access to an abundant, safely delivered supply of natural gas for decades to come. We offer our customers a wide range of energy services under one umbrella: seven regulated utilities as well as non-regulated businesses that offer retail, wholesale and storage services.

Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is America's premier energy company, with 46,000 megawatts of generating capacity and 1,500 billion cubic feet of combined natural gas consumption and throughput volume serving 9 million customers through its subsidiaries. The company provides clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy through electric operating companies in four states, natural gas distribution companies in seven states, a competitive generation company serving wholesale customers across America and a nationally recognized provider of customized energy solutions, as well as fiber optics and wireless communications. Southern Company brands are known for excellent customer service, high reliability and affordable prices that are below the national average. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, Southern Company and its subsidiaries are inventing America's energy future by developing the full portfolio of energy resources, including carbon-free nuclear, 21st century coal, natural gas, renewables and energy efficiency, and creating new products and services for the benefit of customers. Southern Company has been named by the U.S. Department of Defense and G.I. Jobs magazine as a top military employer, recognized among the Top 50 Companies for Diversity by DiversityInc, listed by Black Enterprise magazine as one of the 40 Best Companies for Diversity and designated a Top Employer for Hispanics by Hispanic Network. The company has earned a National Award of Nuclear Science and History from the National Atomic Museum Foundation for its leadership and commitment to nuclear development and is continually ranked among the top energy companies in Fortune's annual World's Most Admired Electric and Gas Utility rankings. Visit our website at

Southern Company is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law.