Water Meter Reader - General employment applications may be obtained at the office of the Municipal Civil Service Commission,4th floor, City Hall, Governmental Plaza, Binghamton, New York, 13901 or from the City Web-Site at http://binghamton-ny.gov. Application must be submitted by 4:45 P.M. on last date to file. <P> DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: This is routine clerical / data entry work in the reading and recording of water meter readings utilizing an electronic recording device. The work is performed under the general supervision of the Water Meter Service Supervisor. Does related work as required. <P> TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES: Reads water meters in consumers' homes, businesses, industrial and pit based locations; May compare present readings with previous readings and check for variations; Inspects for meter by-passes, un-metered connections, stopped meters, leaking meters, removed or damaged remote readers and proper locations / directions of reading devices; Reports defective meters, damaged metering devices, vacant properties and changes in service; Reports missing house numbers to the Director of Code Enforcement; Will retry all locations when an initial reading cannot be captured and this may require entry to the premises; When not reading meters, skips, checking for high / low readings may assist the Meter Repairers, or unload and stock inventory of meters and associated materials. <P> FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE. SKILLS, ABILITIES & PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS: Basic working knowledge of the operation of mechanical / electrical measuring devices; ability to make simple mathematical calculations; ability to understand and carry out oral and written directions; courtesy and tact in dealing with the public; ability to record figures accurately; ability to submit legible written records; mechanical aptitude; dependability; good eyesight; physical condition commensurate with the position including a sustained reading rate over a number of miles per day; ability to operate a personal computer and utilize common office software programs including word processing, spreadsheet, and database at an acceptable rate of accuracy and speed; ability to maintain scheduled reading rate. <P> MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma and either: <LI> One year of clerical, data entry or cashiering experience in a business or store setting; or <LI> one year experience working in a municipal water department; or <LI> an equivalent combination of (a) and (b). <P> SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Possession of a valid New York State Driver's license at time of appointment and maintain the license during the entire length of appointment. Must be able to lift a minimum of 40 pounds. Physical condition commensurate with the performance needs of a sustained reading schedule of a walking nature including going up and down stairs. The City of Binghamton is an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to workforce diversification. <P> All new hires are required to pass a pre-employment drug test as a condition of employment.