Meter Reader / Utility

Read meter and record consumption of electricity, gas, water, or steam.

O*NET reports this occupation under titles such as: Field Technician (Field Tech); Meter Reader; Meter Reading Clerk; Meter Service Technician (Meter Service Tech); Meter Service Worker; Meter Technician (Meter Tech); Utility Service Worker; Water Inspector; Water Meter Reader; Water Use Inspector

Tasks

• 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.
• Report to service departments any problems, such as meter irregularities, damaged equipment, or impediments to meter access, including dogs.
• Leave messages to arrange different times to read meters in cases in which meters are not accessible.
• Dig dirt away from meters to take readings.
• Report lost or broken keys.

Knowledge

• Customer and Personal Service
• Computers and Electronics
• Public Safety and Security
• Mathematics

Skills

• Speaking
• Critical Thinking

Abilities

• Near Vision
• Problem Sensitivity
• Far Vision
• Oral Comprehension
• Oral Expression
• Deductive Reasoning
• Information Ordering
• Perceptual Speed
• Speech Recognition
• Speech Clarity