Read meter and record consumption of electricity, gas, water, or steam.
Overview
Tasks
Skills
Median Annual Wage: $37,580
Education: High school diploma or equivalent (97%); Less than high school diploma (2%); Some college, no degree (1%)
Projected Growth: Decline (-3% or lower)
Related Job Titles: Field Technician; Meter Reader; Customer Field Representative; Meter Reading Clerk; Water Inspector; Water Meter Reader; Fieldman; Meter Reader Inspector; Utility Service Worker; Water Service Inspector
Walk or drive vehicles along established routes to take readings of meter dials.
Upload into office computers all information collected on hand-held computers during meter rounds, or return route books or hand-held computers to business offices so that data can be compiled.
Verify readings in cases where consumption appears to be abnormal, and record possible reasons for fluctuations.
Inspect meters for unauthorized connections, defects, and damage such as broken seals.
Report to service departments any problems such as meter irregularities, damaged equipment, or impediments to meter access, including dogs.
Answer customers' questions about services and charges, or direct them to customer service centers.
Update client address and meter location information.
Leave messages to arrange different times to read meters in cases in which meters are not accessible.
Operation Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Service Orientation - Actively looking for ways to help people.
Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Quality Control Analysis - Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.