Utility Meter Readers
On the Job
Utility Meter Readers read utility meters, such as electric, gas, or water meters, and record how much is being used. This information is used by utility companies.
Typical Work Tasks
People who work in this career often:
- Maintain financial or account records.
- Operate vehicles or material-moving equipment.
- Report maintenance or equipment problems to appropriate personnel.
- Discuss account status or activity with customers or patrons.
- Enter information into databases or software programs.
- Monitor equipment operation to ensure proper functioning.
- Refer customers to appropriate personnel.
- Perform basic equipment maintenance.
- Collect deposits, payments or fees.
Typical Working Conditions
- Working outdoors exposed to weather.
- Working in very hot or cold temperatures.
- Using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
- The importance of being accurate or exact.
- Dealing with external customers.
- Meeting strict deadlines.
- Dealing with unpleasant or angry people.
- Wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats, or life jackets.
- Frequent decision-making.
- Having telephone conversations.
- Responsibility for others' health and safety.
- Exposure to hazardous equipment.
This page includes information from the O*NET 24.2 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Source: You can learn about our data sources in the About Us section.