Career Guide – Meter Readers

Answer 1

Meter readers visit business properties, and domestic residences to check the usage of electricity, gas, or water. Onsite meters record this usage and are located both indoors and outdoors. Meter readers use hand-held computers to take readings. These details are then used to corroborate data recorded against customer accounts for calculation of bills.

Meter Reader Duties and Responsibilities

Meter reading involves a lot of traveling and jobholders will be provided with an official company van and necessary equipment. Meter readers will be able to organize their own working day but will have to work to set daily/weekly targets.

This can be a varied role as meter readers will need to visit a number of different properties from homes and offices through to large industrial plants and even churches. Meter readers will be required to walk around the properties to identify outdoor meters. They may also need to knock on doors and request access to buildings in order to read interior meters. Meter readers will need to take readings (either on a handheld device or on a record sheet) and forward this on to the main office. They will also need to assess meter condition and report faulty equipment back to the office to arrange repair work.

Meter Reader Skills and Qualifications

Good interpersonal skills are required as meter readers offer a frontline service. Jobholders will need to interact with the public and work in a professional and efficient manner. Manual skills can also be useful as meters can be located behind covers or in difficult to reach places. You must have a full drivers license in order to be a meter reader. You should also be educated to a standard level (high school diploma).

Working Environment

Meter readers typically work split shifts to allow for business and residential hours. This may involve morning shifts followed by a long break and then another shift later in the evening. Hours should not be later than 8pm in most cases. Plenty of part time work is available for meter readers. This can make a smart choice for a second job as the work is not labor intensive. Most meter readers are able to work from home.

Salary Expectations

Meter reader salaries can start at about $18,000, per annum. Experienced job holders can earn up to $25,000. Overtime is often available to boost earnings.