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Meter Reader

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JOB OUTLOOK

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What They Do

Meter Readers, Utilities Career Video

About This Career

Reads meter and records consumption of electricity, gas, water, or steam.

This career is part of the Business Management and Administration cluster Administrative Services pathway.

A person in this career:

  • Reads electric, gas, water, or steam consumption meters and enters data in route books or hand-held computers.
  • Uploads into office computers all information collected on hand-held computers during meter rounds, or returns route books or hand-held computers to business offices so that data can be compiled.
  • Walks or drives vehicles along established routes to take readings of meter dials.
  • Verifies readings in cases where consumption appears to be abnormal, and records possible reasons for fluctuations.
  • Inspects meters for unauthorized connections, defects, and damage, such as broken seals.
  • Reports to service departments any problems, such as meter irregularities, damaged equipment, or impediments to meter access, including dogs.
  • Leaves messages to arrange different times to read meters in cases in which meters are not accessible.
  • Connects and disconnects utility services at specific locations.
  • Answers customers' questions about services and charges, or directs them to customer service centers.
  • Updates client address and meter location information.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

People who do this job report that:

  • You would often handle loads up to 10 lbs., sometimes up to 20 lbs. You might do a lot of walking or standing, or you might sit but use your arms and legs to control machines, equipment or tools.
  • Work in this occupation involves bending or twisting your body more than one-third of the time
  • Work in this occupation involves use of protective items such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, a hard hat, or personal flotation devices
  • Exposure to pollutants, gases, dust, fumes, odors, poor ventilation, etc.
  • Lighting is either extremely bright or inadequate
  • Conditions are very hot (above 90 F) or very cold (under 32 F)
  • Work in this occupation involves using your hands to hold, control, and feel objects more than one-third of the time
  • Sound and noise levels are loud and distracting
  • Work in this occupation requires being outside most of the time
  • Work in this occupation involves making repetitive motions more than one-third of the time
  • Work in this occupation involves standing more than one-third of the time
  • Work in this occupation involves walking or running more than one-third of the time

Working in this career involves (physical activities):

  • Bending, stretching, twisting, or reaching
  • Seeing clearly at a distance
  • Seeing clearly up close
  • Speaking clearly enough to be able to be understood by others
  • Identifying and understanding the speech of another person
  • Using abdominal and lower back muscles repeatedly or over time without tiring

Work Hours and Travel

  • Regular working hours and limited travel

Specialty and Similar Careers

Careers that are more detailed or close to this career:

  • Field Technician
  • Fieldman
  • Meter Reader Inspector
  • Meter Reading Clerk
  • Meter Technician
  • Utility Service Worker
  • Water Inspector
  • Water Meter Reader
  • Water Use Inspector

Contact

  • Email Support
  • 1-800-GO-TO-XAP (1-800-468-6927)
    From outside the U.S., please call +1 (424) 750-3900
  • North Dakota Career Resource Network
    ndcrn@nd.gov | (701) 328-9733

Support