Meter Reader / AMI Technician

Appalachian Electric Cooperative (AEC) proudly serves more than 50,000 members across the scenic heart of East Tennessee, in the shadow of the majestic Great Smoky Mountains—one of America's most beloved national parks, renowned for its ancient ridges, misty blue vistas, diverse wildlife, and endless outdoor adventures.

We own and maintain a reliable electric distribution system spanning approximately 600 square miles in the beautiful counties of Grainger, Hamblen, Hawkins, Jefferson, and Sevier. This region blends rolling Appalachian foothills, sparkling lakes like Cherokee and Douglas, lush forests, and the dramatic gateway to the Smokies in Sevier County—home to iconic destinations like Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and the park's breathtaking trails, waterfalls, and panoramic overlooks.

Nestled in this vibrant, nature-rich corner of Tennessee, AEC powers communities where stunning mountain scenery meets small-town charm, rich history, and year-round natural beauty.

AEC currently has an opportunity for a Meter Reader/AMI Technician position in our New Market, Tennessee office. The Meter Reader/AMI technician participates in the operation, maintenance, construction and testing of the Cooperative’s Advanced Meter Infrastructure (AMI) system and equipment.

At AEC, we believe in taking care of our people. We offer a competitive salary and a robust benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage; paid time off; short‑ and long‑term disability; paid parental leave; a 401(k); and a company‑funded pension plan. Benefits are available starting at the first of the month after 30 days of employment.

Appalachian Electric Cooperative is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability status, veteran status, or other legally protected status.

AEC IS A TENNESSEE DRUG FREE WORKPLACE

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

- Install, exchange and remove single phase self-contained meters and advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) devices including wide area (WAN) and local area network (LAN) equipment (“Shark fins”), remote disconnect devices, load management devices, smart thermostats, or any other device which may interface to a consumer or be part of a metering communications network

- Disconnect service due to non-payment of electric bills

- Read meters and record meter readings

- Evaluate meter readings to determine unusual electric use or discrepancies in previous readings and/or accuracy of present readings.

- Record and report metering discrepancies or meter tampering

- Report and take necessary measures to correct system deficiencies

- Report abnormal meter or metering equipment conditions such as noisy meters, non-registering meters, or communication equipment failures.

- Perform diagnostics and trouble-shoot AMI devices including meter reading discrepancies, communication problems and AMI equipment system performance

- Assist with integration Retro-fit single and poly phase meters with AMI communication modules

- Assist in cleaning and processing meters for routine meter testing

- Operate a voltmeter or multi-meter to check standard electrical measurements.

- Procure, load and unload material, equipment, tools, and supplies; perform cleaning and maintenance as necessary

- Assist in training apprentices and other associated classifications

- May require occasional overtime and may require reporting to work after hours to assist with emergency or outage conditions

- Required to work a stand by rotation as scheduled

- Maintain a clean work area

- Perform other duties as requested

Education and Experience

- High school diploma or general education degree (GED)

- Prior utility experience installing, repairing and/or trouble shooting meters desirable

- Prior experience with an AMI system desirable

- Must complete Cooperative Meter Reader/AMI Apprentice program

Skills and Abilities

- Knowledge of the standard practices, tools, and terminology of the electrical power industry

- Ability to perform basic math functions including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division

- Basic Computer proficiency – ability to learn various systems including Tantalus, NISC and Meter Data Management (MDM)

- Strong customer service and communication skills, including problem-solving and conflict resolution

- Utilizes the Cooperatives voice radio system to communicate to appropriate departments and/or supervisor

- Performs all duties in accordance with established safety practices.

- Must possess a valid Tennessee Driver’s License and maintain an insurable driving record

- Regular on time attendance is required

Work Environment

- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear; walk, stand, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; and climb or balance.

- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to an outside environment with varying weather conditions and risk of electrical shock and to inside office conditions such as sitting at a desk or work center operating a computer, key board, and mouse.

- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to lift or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift or move up to 50 pounds.

- Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and color vision.

- The noise level in the work environment is moderate to loud

Other

Full-time residence must be within 45 minutes of the Cooperative main office within 90 days of hire.

Benefits:

- 401(k)

- 401(k) matching

- Dental insurance

- Employee assistance program

- Flexible spending account

- Health insurance

- Health savings account

- Life insurance

- On-the-job training

- Paid time off

- Paid training

- Parental leave

- Retirement plan

- Vision insurance

Work Location: In person