OKcollegestart - Career Profile

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Meter Reader What They Do

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

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.
Inspects meters for unauthorized connections, defects, and damage, such as broken seals.
Verifies readings in cases where consumption appears to be abnormal, and records possible reasons for fluctuations.
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.

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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.
Requires getting into awkward positions
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
Exposed to hazardous equipment such as saws, machinery, or vehicular traffic more than once a month
Work in this occupation involves kneeling, crouching, stooping, and/or crawling 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):

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