Senior Meter Reader

Seattle City Light, a department of the City of Seattle, is one of the nation’s largest municipally owned utilities in terms of the number of customers served. Over the years we have worked very hard to keep Seattle's electricity affordable, reliable, and environmentally sound. Today, City Light is a recognized national leader in energy efficiency and environmental stewardship. 

The Senior Meter Reader position requires one to have knowledge of local geography and street locations, and the methods, equipment and materials used in meter reading. It is distinguished from the Meter Reader in that incumbents will perform more technically demanding meter reading activities and/or serve as lead over workers. Incumbents must be able to read and record data rapidly and accurately, make simple calculations, and deal courteously and effectively with the general public. Although individuals generally work independently in the field, procedures for doing the work have been established and instructions are provided. This position will be reported to the Meter Reading Manager.  

• Locates and reads residential and commercial utility meters on assigned routes, either by driving or walking to each site using city vehicle.  
• Utilizes an access key or contacts the designated individual to obtain the necessary access key.
• Reports any discrepancies such as continued usage at closed accounts, meter tampering, or unauthorized reconnection.
• Utilize Microsoft Outlook for email communication, calendar scheduling and coordination with internal departments and the members of the public to support daily operations and field activities. 
• Sequences new meters and instructions into routes and re-sequences routes when necessary; updates or originates access information on reading and instruction records.  
• Monitors meter operation to ensure meters are functioning properly, as needed. 
• Receives and reports complaints from customers concerning utility consumption readings, costs or consumption concerns.  
• Update field records and document completion for final reads in the ITRON handheld system and CCSS billing system.  
• Provide training and guidance to new meter readers on route procedures, access issues and safety. 
• Reads residential or commercial meters, including scheduled production routes and non- communicating Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) meters, ensuring timely and accurate data collection.
• Conduct special readings for closing bills, validation, and second attempt verification reads. 
• Performs other related duties of a similar nature as assigned. 

Minimum Qualifications

Requires a minimum of one year of experience as a Meter Reader and no specific type or amount of education (or a combination of education and/or training and/or experience which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class).

Work Environment/Physical Demands

• Required to stand, walk, crawl, climb, or bend for extended periods of time. 
• Required to work outdoors in all types of weather, and on all kinds of terrain. 
• Required to work in potentially hazardous environments, such as near high voltage equipment, construction areas, dark basements or industrial compounds. 
• Occasionally exposed to dog attacks, abusive customers or insects.

License, Certification and Other Requirements

• Current State of Washington driver's license or evidence of equivalent mobility. You must hold a current valid state issued driver’s license from any US state to be verified prior to start date. Out of state license holders will be required to obtain a WA state license within 30 days of hire.

Desired Qualifications - You will be successful if you have the following experience, skills, and abilities:

• Two or more years of hands-on experience reading residential and commercial meters, including both manual and AMI (Advanced Metering Infrastructure) meters.
• Experience in senior or lead roles, such as supervising or training entry-level Meter Readers.
• Familiarity with Itron operating systems and other relevant software used in meter reading operations.
• Two or more years of experience responding to customer concerns, resolving meter access or reading disputes, and engaging the public professionally.
• Demonstrated ability to coach, onboard, or train staff in meter reading procedures, safety protocols, and device usage.
• Reliable and punctual with strong time management abilities 

Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Emergency Response Commitment: Seattle City Light is committed to reliable service during emergencies. Through our Emergency Response Program, each employee is assigned a role—usually aligned with their regular duties—to support emergency operations. Your participation is required and vital to helping the utility stay prepared and serve our community when it matters most.

The full salary range for this position is $38.70 to $45.37 per hour.

Application Process

Please submit the following with your online application: 

• A cover letter in which you clearly describe how your knowledge, experience, skills, and abilities prepare you for the job responsibilities and qualifications outlined in the job announcement 
• A current resume of your educational and professional work experience. 

Incomplete applications may not be considered.

Who May Apply: This position is open to all candidates that meet the qualifications.   Seattle City Light values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Seattle City Light encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQIA , people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.

Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process, including the completion of a background check. The background check will involve a criminal history check, which includes conviction and arrest records in compliance with the Seattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17and the City of Seattle Personnel Rule 10.3. A driving history review may be conducted in compliance with SMC 4.79.020.Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans.

Want to know more about Seattle City Light? Check out our web page: https://www.seattle.gov/city-light/about-us/careers.

Salary : $39 - $45