Meter Reader
A Meter Reader is responsible for visiting various residential and commercial properties to read the utility meters, including those for electricity, gas, and water, and recording the usage data.
Top Articles for Meter Reader
Sample Job Descriptions for Meter Reader
Below are the some sample job descriptions for the different experience levels, where you can find the summary of the role, required skills, qualifications, and responsibilities.
Junior (0-2 years of experience)
Summary of the Role
A Meter Reader is responsible for recording the consumption of utilities such as electricity, gas, water, or steam at residential and commercial properties. This role involves traveling to different locations, accurately reading meters, recording the data, and ensuring that meters are functioning correctly. The ideal candidate for this role should be detail-oriented and comfortable with working outdoors in various weather conditions.
Required Skills
- Attention to detail
- Time management
- Basic data entry skills
- Ability to work independently
- Customer service orientation
- Physical stamina
- Adaptability to outdoor work environments
- Basic knowledge of utilities and metering devices
Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
- Ability to walk, stand, stoop, and bend for extended periods.
- Basic mathematical skills.
- Good communication and customer service skills.
Responsibilities
- Travel to multiple locations on a daily basis to read and record meter data.
- Inspect meters for defects, damage, and tampering.
- Record meter readings accurately and promptly report any irregularities.
- Maintain and submit accurate records of readings and customer interactions.
- Correspond with customers as needed when accessing meters.
- Follow company guidelines and safety protocols while in the field.
- Operate company-provided devices or software for recording and transmitting data.
Intermediate (2-5 years of experience)
Summary of the Role
As an intermediate Meter Reader, you will be responsible for accurately recording the consumption of utilities like water, gas, and electricity. Your work ensures that consumers are billed correctly and that the utility provider has accurate data for forecasting and resource planning. With your experience, you are expected to navigate various types of terrain and weather conditions, address customer inquiries, and identify potential issues with meter functionality.
Required Skills
- Proficient in data entry and use of handheld devices for meter reading.
- Excellent communication and customer service skills.
- Physical fitness to walk significant distances and handle metering equipment.
- Problem-solving abilities to identify and report issues with meters.
- Time management and organizational skills to complete readings efficiently.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent; additional certification in utilities or a related field is an asset.
- Minimum of 2 years of experience in meter reading or a related utilities role.
- Valid driver's license and a good driving record.
- Ability to navigate various terrains and work in all weather conditions.
- Strong numerical skills and attention to detail.
Responsibilities
- Travel to different residential and commercial properties to record meter readings manually or using handheld devices.
- Ensure accurate data entry of meter readings into the database.
- Inspect meters for defects and report any malfunctions or signs of tampering.
- Communicate effectively with customers, providing answers to their queries and resolving issues if they arise.
- Adhere to safety standards and guidelines while on the job.
- Maintain logs and records of readings and any other relevant information.
- Assist with training of junior meter readers to enhance their skills and knowledge.
- Stay updated with the latest technologies and methods for meter reading and reporting.
Senior (5+ years of experience)
Summary of the Role
A senior meter reader is responsible for accurately reading and recording the consumption data from utility meters, overseeing the activities of junior meter readers, and ensuring data is correctly and efficiently reported to utility companies. They often provide on-the-job training, conduct accuracy checks, and handle complex customer inquiries and issues that arise during the meter reading process.
Required Skills
- Leadership and team management
- Effective communication and training
- Data entry and record keeping
- Problem-solving and critical thinking
- Time management and route planning
- Customer service orientation
- Technical proficiency with meter-reading equipment and software
Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent; post-secondary education is an asset.
- Minimum of 5 years' experience in utility meter reading or a related field.
- Proven ability to lead and train team members.
- Strong numerical aptitude and attention to detail.
- Valid driver's license and clean driving record.
- Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions and terrain.
- Good physical condition to walk extensive distances and handle equipment.
- Excellent customer service skills for interacting with the public.
- Knowledge of handheld data entry devices and relevant software.
Responsibilities
- Perform accurate and timely reading of electric, water, and gas meters.
- Inspect meters for signs of tampering, defects, and maintenance issues.
- Supervise and train junior meter readers and provide ongoing support.
- Record and report meter readings using handheld devices and software systems.
- Respond to complex customer inquiries and resolve issues encountered during readings.
- Conduct regular audits to ensure the integrity of meter readings.
- Coordinate with utility companies to support billing and usage recording processes.
- Navigate various routes and adhere to scheduled reading itineraries.
- Maintain a detailed log of readings and customer interactions for reporting purposes.
See other roles in Industrial, Construction, and Energy and Utilities
