Utility meter readers read the meter and record consumption of electricity, gas, water, or steam.
Read electric, gas, water, or steam consumption meters and enter data in route books or hand-held computers.
Upload into office computers all information collected on hand-held computers during meter rounds, or return route books or hand-held computers to business offices so that data can be compiled.
Walk or drive vehicles along established routes to take readings of meter dials.
Inspect meters for unauthorized connections, defects, and damage, such as broken seals.
Verify readings in cases where consumption appears to be abnormal, and record possible reasons for fluctuations.
Report to service departments any problems, such as meter irregularities, damaged equipment, or impediments to meter access, including dogs.
Leave messages to arrange different times to read meters in cases in which meters are not accessible.
Connect and disconnect utility services at specific locations.
Answer customers' questions about services and charges, or direct them to customer service centers.
Update client address and meter location information.
Perform preventative maintenance or minor repairs on meters.
Report lost or broken keys.
Collect past-due bills.
Work Context
Outdoors, Exposed to Weather — 100% responded "Every day".
Very Hot or Cold Temperatures — 76% responded "Every day".
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls — 72% responded "Continually or almost continually".
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment — 83% responded "Every day".
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — 46% responded "Extremely important".
Exposed to Contaminants — 69% responded "Every day".
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions — 63% responded "Continually or almost continually".
Deal With External Customers — 62% responded "Extremely important".
Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting — 65% responded "Every day".
Time Pressure — 48% responded "Every day".
Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People — 47% responded "Once a week or more but not every day".
Work With Work Group or Team — 44% responded "Extremely important".
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks — 49% responded "Very important".
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets — 57% responded "Every day".
Frequency of Decision Making — 54% responded "Every day".
Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body — 50% responded "Continually or almost continually".
Freedom to Make Decisions — 40% responded "A lot of freedom".
Spend Time Standing — 33% responded "Continually or almost continually".
Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable — 46% responded "Every day".
Telephone — 53% responded "Every day".
Contact With Others — 45% responded "Constant contact with others".
Spend Time Walking and Running — 42% responded "Continually or almost continually".
Responsible for Others' Health and Safety — 42% responded "Very high responsibility".
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results — 37% responded "Very important results".
Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
Performing General Physical Activities — Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Communicating with Persons Outside Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Public Safety and Security
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Information Ordering
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Perceptual Speed
The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Trunk Strength
The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without 'giving out' or fatiguing.
Speech Recognition
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Far Vision
The ability to see details at a distance.
Extent Flexibility
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Multilimb Coordination
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Control Precision
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Arm-Hand Steadiness
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Speech Clarity
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
