Field Technician I

AdCode: 1847

Date: Jun 16, 2026

State: NC

City: Newland

Business Unit: Northeast Utilities

Category: Field Operations

Job Type:

Overview

The Field Technician I is responsible for the accurate and timely reading and recording of water meters to facilitate customer billing; to identify water meter equipment problems; and to perform minor water meter and/or system maintenance. The Field Technician I performs routine checks of water and/or wastewater treatment systems; responsible for compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local rules/regulations. The Field Technician I assists in all areas of operations, maintenance, and customer service as needed for all facility systems within the company. Certifications required for the job must be obtained within the specified period of time.

What We Offer

Competitive Salary: $22.60/hr - $24.98/hr
Paid Time Off: Starting at 3 weeks annually along with 11 company-paid holidays.
Health and Wellness Benefits: The first day of the month after your start, you’ll have access to your health, dental, prescription and vision benefits to help you stay well.
401(k) Program with Matching Contribution: We offer a 100% match on contributions up to 4% of your salary, plus an additional 3% employer contribution.
Grow With Us: Professional development opportunities through training, professional certifications, and education allowance.
Additional Benefits: Other great benefits include company provided life insurance and Employee Assistance Program just to name a few.
Employee Resource Groups (ERG): ERGs are voluntary employee groups that form based on shared characteristics or backgrounds and are sponsored by the organization.

What You'll Do

Walks 5 – 10 miles per day over established route, reading between 200 and 1200 meters per day and records volume used by residential and commercial customers.
Inspects meters and connections for defects, damage and unauthorized connections; ensures meters are registering properly.
Determines consistency of meter readings; reports unusual cases to supervisor.
List the primary essential job duties and responsibilities in order of importance, starting with the most important.
Indicates irregularities on forms for necessary action by servicing department.
Documents customer interaction and field activities in CC&B.
Turns off service for nonpayment of charges in vacant premises, or on for new occupants.
Maintains accurate and up-to-date records.
Acts as liaison between the customers and customer service personnel for problem/complaint resolution.
Assists with maintaining mechanical, electrical and piping systems for area water/wastewater facilities, collections and distribution systems.
Constant, independent travel daily between worksites on Company time.
Must work On-Call in rotation as scheduled; responds to emergency situations as required.
Performs minor meter maintenance and repair duties.
Assists with repairs of water/wastewater treatment plant equipment.
Assists with ordering parts and job costing.
May assist with on-site customer communication.
May assist with customer inquiries, requests and minor issues regarding meter reading schedule, billing, how meters are read and other customer service-related matters.
May prepare a variety of operational reports related to water meter reading activities.
Assists with the installation and disconnect of water meters.
Performs other related duties as assigned.

What You'll Bring

Experience and Education

HS diploma or GED
Valid North Carolina Driver's License

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Ability to learn internal software programs
Ability to work independently in the absence of supervision.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public, co-workers, vendors and regulatory agencies.
Ability to learn to read a variety of water meters.
Ability to learn and understand tariffs as they apply to assigned duties.
Ability to learn the methods, techniques, tools, equipment and materials used in the minor repair and installation of water meters.
Ability to read maps, electrical schematics, blueprints, etc.
Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
Ability to read and transfer digits accurately.

Nice to Have

Aptitude with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
Distribution and/or Collections Systems certification in progress.
First-level plant operating license in progress.
Some water meter reading experience, in addition to previous mechanical or maintenance experience.
Knowledge of cross connection regulations and ability to report violations and other unsafe conditions.
General knowledge of water meters, care and operation of a variety of tools and equipment, and safe work practices is helpful.

Work Environment

Work is performed in an environment with regular exposure to major disagreeable conditions or hazards, such as: 

Extreme temperature conditions (excessive heat/cold) 
Extreme outdoor weather conditions (excessive humidity, dampness, chilling) 
Excessive continuous noise above 85 decibels 
Hazardous Atmospheric Conditions 
Fire and other potential emergency situations 
Chemical Hazards

Physical Demands

Tasks may require considerable physical efforts to be performed on a frequent and consistent basis, including lifting (75 lbs.), walking (10+ miles daily), climbing and mechanical repair.
Role requires operation of a Company issued motor vehicle and a variety of tools and equipment.