Trainee Water Meter Installer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $54,392.00 - $66,768.00 Annually
Location : City of San Luis Obispo, CA
Job Type: Contract Full Time
Department: Water Distribution
Opening Date: 04/15/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Non-Exempt
JOB DESCRIPTION
The City of San Luis Obispo has an opening for a limited-term Water Meter and Radio Installation Technician. The term is expected to last through June 2027.
This recruitment will remain open until the position has been filled. Applications submitted by 11:59 pm on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, will be given first consideration. As this is a continuous recruitment, this posting can close at any time without notice. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply immediately.
JOB SUMMARY:
Performs a variety of semi-skilled tasks associated with the installation, maintenance, removal, and repair of water meters and water meter radio transmitters. Employees in this classification perform specific mechanical and technical duties to ensure effective water meter and radio installation and replacement, as well as accurate water meter readings and communication systems.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS:
Initially working under close supervision, incumbents perform semi-skilled tasks and gradually learn to execute required tasks more independently.
SUPERVISION
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:
Employees in this classification receive supervision from the Water Distribution Supervisor within a framework of standard policies and procedures. Direction and guidance may be provided by Water Distribution staff.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
(Any one position may not include all of the duties listed nor do the listed examples include all tasks that may be found in positions of this class.)

• Installs, maintains, and repairs water meters and radio transmitters.
• Conducts routine inspections and tests of water meters and radio equipment to ensure proper functionality.
• Responds to service requests for water meter and radio transmitter issues.
• Replaces outdated or malfunctioning meters and transmitters.
• Ensures accurate data transmission from meters to the central system.
• Maintains records of installations, inspections, and repairs performed.
• Provides customer service by addressing inquiries and resolving issues related to water meters and readings.
• Operates a variety of tools and equipment used in water meter and radio installation and maintenance.
• Ensures compliance with safety regulations and procedures.
• Performs related duties similar to the above in scope and function as required.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of:

• Methods, tools, and equipment used in the installation and maintenance of water meters and radio transmitters.
• Basic principles of mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems.
• Safety procedures, rules, and regulations related to public works and construction projects.
• Standard methods for testing and troubleshooting water meters and radio equipment.
• Basic record-keeping and reporting techniques.
• Customer Service Techniques.
• Emergency response procedures.

Ability to:

• Safely and effectively perform semi-skilled and skilled mechanical tasks related to water meter and radio installation and maintenance.
• Safely and effectively operate and maintain tools and equipment used in the trade.
• Read and interpret maps, diagrams, and technical manuals.
• Maintain accurate records and prepare reports.
• Learn the practices, procedures, and techniques pertaining to the area of assignment.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Work independently and make decisions within established guidelines.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues and the public.
• Meet the physical requirements necessary to safely perform job duties, which may include:
  1. Carrying heavy equipment, tools, and water meters, which can weigh over 50 pounds.
  2. Performing repetitive water meter replacements throughout an 8-hour shift.
  3. Spending prolonged periods of up to 8-hours per day standing, bending, kneeling, or squatting.
  4. Climbing into and out of water meter vaults located below ground surface.
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
• Work with diverse populations and maintain an inclusive environment.

TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
High school diploma or G.E.D.,
and
Mechanical aptitude and an interest in the water or plumbing industry. Experience in water meter installation and maintenance is highly desirable.
or
An equivalent combination of education and experience.
Related training or certification in water system hydraulics, plumbing, mechanical technology, or a similar field is desired.
POSSESSION AND MAINTENANCE OF:

• A valid California class C driver's license and a satisfactory driving record.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Meet the physical requirements necessary to safely and effectively perform required duties, including annual respiratory/physical exam.
• Work in potentially hazardous working conditions such as heavy traffic areas.

THIS POSITION WILL BE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING BEFORE A FINAL OFFER IS MADE:

• Live Scan Fingerprinting (DOJ)
• Pre-employment Physical

Equal Opportunity & Language Access Notice
The City of San Luis Obispo values diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. We are committed to fostering a community where all individuals are treated with dignity, respect, and inclusion, and where everyone can thrive. Our job posting site is compatible with tools such as Google Translate, which applicants may use to view postings in their preferred language. Please note that all application materials and responses must be submitted in English, as English is the working language of the City.
La Ciudad de San Luis Obispo valora la diversidad, la equidad, la inclusión y el sentido de pertenencia. Estamos comprometidos a fomentar una comunidad donde todas las personas sean tratadas con dignidad, respeto e inclusión, y donde todos puedan prosperar. Nuestro sitio de publicación de empleos es compatible con herramientas como Google Translate, que los solicitantes pueden usar para ver las publicaciones en su idioma preferido. Tenga en cuenta que todos los materiales de la solicitud y las respuestas deben enviarse en inglés, ya que el inglés es el idioma de trabajo de la Ciudad.
For questions or assistance, please contact recruitment@slocity.org. Si tiene preguntas o necesita asistencia, por favor comuníquese con recruitment@slocity.org.
For a detailed spreadsheet of employee benefits by bargaining group, please view our
Retirement: California Public Employee's Retirement System (PERS). The City participates only in the medicare portion of Social Security.
Health: the City has a cafeteria plan for health, dental and vision insurance and contributes towards medical insurance. Employees may choose from several health insurance options. There are also two dental plans to choose from. See the Benefits Summary link to determine the contribution amount.
Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance: group term life and AD&D insurance is provided for all regular employees. The amount of coverage varies depending on the classification. Employees may purchase additional life and AD&D insurance for themselves and their dependents.
Vacation: employees receive 12 days per year increasing to 20 days after 20 years.
Holidays: employees receive 12-13 days per year depending on the classification.
Sick Leave: employees receive 12 days per year.
Administrative Leave: is a benefit available to management employees. The number of administrative leave hours varies depending on the classification.
Flexible Work Schedule: is available to many positions within the City organization.
Long Term Disability Insurance: is available for regular employees. The amount of benefit and contribution by employee varies by classification.
Deferred Compensation: is available for employees to set aside a portion of their salary on a pre-tax basis to supplement retirement.
Wellness Program: offered to help employees gain knowledge, skills and motivation to improve the quality of their lives and well-being.
Employee Assistance Program: a counseling and consultation service designed to help employees and eligible family members with a wide range of personal issues.
Flexible Benefits Program: available to help employees save taxes on: (1) Pre-tax health insurance premium deductions, (2) Unreimbursed/ uncovered medical expenses, and (3) Dependent care expenses.
Tuition Reimbursement: up to $1500 annually for job-related educational costs is available to employees who have passed probation.
Trip Reduction Incentive Program (TRIP): incentives are available for employees who voluntarily participate in alternative forms of transportation to and from work.
Computer Purchase Program: interest-free loans to employees who have passed probation and who purchase computers for personal use with City approved software configuration.
Professional Association for City Employees (PACE): voluntary organization for professional development training classes, monthly membership meetings with a variety of speakers, and social functions designed to facilitate interaction with employees from all departments in a relaxed setting away from work.
01
Which of the following best describes your highest level of education?

• Master's degree or higher
• Bachelor's degree
• Associate's degree or vocational equivalent
• Some college
• High School/G.E.D.
• None of the above

02
Do you have mechanical aptitude and an interest in the water or plumbing industry

• Yes
• No

03
If you selected yes, please explain your mechanical aptitude and an interest in the water or plumbing industry.
04
Do you have experience in water meter installation and maintenance (highly desirable, not required).If yes, please explain.
05
Please detail related training or certification in water system hydraulics, plumbing, mechanical technology, or a similar field, if any (desired, not required).
06
Do you possess a valid California class C driver's license?

• Yes
• No

07
If you answered yes to the above, do you posses a satisfactory driving record?

• Yes
• No

Required Question