The secret to making your meter reader job description stand out is in the details. Meter readers get information from residential and commercial utility meters to determine the gas or electricity usage amount. They enter this information into the company’s database so customers can be accurately charged for their consumption.
In order to secure a meter reader job, candidates usually have a high school diploma at minimum. Meter readers also need a small amount of experience in the field, but many companies are willing to provide training to those new to the work.
Meter readers should be comfortable working with computer database software. They should also be able to operate a motor vehicle so they can travel to different locations of homes and businesses to check meters. Some additional details for this job can be found in the meter reader job description template below.
Meter Reader Job Summary
If you are searching for an entry-level position in the energy and utilities field where you can work independently, we may have the ideal job for you. Our company is recruiting meter readers to assist our billing department in calculating our customers’ consumption levels of electricity and gas. Meter readers work in the field for most of their day and check residential and commercial building meters for optimal performance and operation. During your shift, you will record information about the meters into a handheld device that uploads information directly to our company. You will also interact with our customers when access is limited to the meter from the outside.
Job Responsibilities
- Input data about customer electricity and gas usage into a tablet device using database software and details from the location’s utility meter
- Operate a company vehicle to travel in the local region, and visit each home or business on the meter reading list each day
- Assess each utility meter during the monthly visit to ensure the device is working properly and free of mechanical or electrical defects
- Greet customers at their homes or places of business when the meter is not accessible from the outside, and schedule a meter reading when necessary
- Provide new electricity and gas activation services to new customers by connecting the meter to the utility company’s network and disconnecting service when required
- Report inoperable and malfunctioning devices or unauthorized changes to the meter to supervisors when spotted during field checks
- Complete routine maintenance tasks or make small repairs to the utility meter when asked by the customer and the company
- Log all details of each work shift, such as addresses visited, meters checked, breaks taken and any other incidents to be uploaded into the tablet device each day
Job Skills & Qualifications
Reqiured:
- High school diploma or GED certificate
- Valid driver’s license
- Strong customer service skills
- Ability to work independently
Preferred:
- Experience working in the utilities or energy industry
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel or a similar program
Meter Reader Job Responsibilities
Conditions in the job market fluctuate, but one constant that remains is the need to match up qualified talent with your open positions. You can communicate your needs clearly and save yourself extra effort by writing a meter reader job description that’s meaty and easy to read as well as comprehend. That means including a list of daily duties your chosen candidate will perform, along with other regular responsibilities critical to your organization’s needs.
It’s no secret that bullet points enhance your copy’s readability by calling visual attention to your text. Jobseekers scan a bullet pointed list to get the most vital information about your open position. They’ll match these up with their own skills and career goals to determine if they can see themselves in the role. For that reason, you should keep your list on the short side and only include the essential duties. Limit this section of your meter reader job description to between six and eight bullet points, and be sure to employ dynamic action verbs in your statements.
Speaking of bullet points, try looking at these examples of meter reader job responsibilities for inspiration
- Inspect, collect and document readings from company meters
- Check equipment for damage, faults, unauthorized equipment or third-party connections
- Activate or deactivate meters as instructed
- Communicate with customers to gain access to meters or collect on outstanding bills
Meter Reader Job Specifications
Besides knowing what you expect your meter reader to do on a daily basis, applicants also want to know if they’re qualified for the position. You need to use the job skills and qualifications segment of your meter reader job description to reveal this information in an explicit, concise way. You not only want to attract the right applicants, but also want to reduce the potential number of responses from those who aren’t a good fit for the job.
To ensure you write a meter reader job description that draws in the best candidates, you should first confer with the direct supervisor or hiring manager for the position. This individual will possess a wealth of knowledge about the abilities, education and work experience needed to perform the job. When you’re done, you should have your list narrowed down into two categories: one for skills that are “must-haves” and one for qualifications that are merely “preferred.” Don’t forget to label these two groups in the text of your posting.
Need help drafting your qualifications and skills section? These meter reader job specifications may be helpful:
High school diploma, GED or equivalent Able to perform basic math functions and calculations Current valid driver’s license Strong communication and customer service skills