Meter Readers, Utilities
Read meter and record consumption of electricity, gas, water, or steam.
What you’d do
- Read electric, gas, water, or steam consumption meters and enter data in route books or hand-held computers.
- 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.
- Walk or drive vehicles along established routes to take readings of meter dials.
- Verify readings in cases where consumption appears to be abnormal, and record possible reasons for fluctuations.
- Install new or replace broken meters.
- Inspect meters for unauthorized connections, defects, and damage, such as broken seals.
- Perform preventative maintenance or minor repairs on meters.
- Answer customers' questions about services and charges, or direct them to customer service centers.
Skills that matter
- Critical Thinking
- Operations Monitoring
- Speaking
- Active Listening
- Operation and Control
- Reading Comprehension
How to get there
Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one
Also called
- Meter Reader
- Meter Technician (Meter Tech)
- Water Meter Reader
- Water Use Inspector
- Field Technician (Field Tech)
- Meter Reading Clerk
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