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