Meter Reader

Meter Reading Job Description

Wage:

$21.41 (casual) per hour as per the collective agreement.

Work Shift:

The work day has flexible hours with the requirement to meet the work within the billing schedule. Approximately 30-40 hours per week (depending on weather/season).

Meters are read in following areas:

• Swan River
• Benito
• Birch River
• Bowsman
• Kenville
• Minitonas

Paid Mileage:

Mileage is paid at 47 cents per kilometer.

Qualifications:

• Must hold a valid Class 5 Manitoba driver’s license.
• Must have an acceptable driving record as proven by a recent Driver’s Abstract.
• Must be physically capable of performing the work as assigned.
• Must hold, at minimum, a High School diploma, GED or High School Equivalency
• Certificate.
• Must pass a Criminal Record Background Check.
• Must pass a Child Abuse Registry Check.
• Must speak, read and write English.

Duties:

A meter reader uses a hand held computer to read electric meters located on the outside or inside of residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. Meter readers will be expected to enter customer’s homes, businesses, or industrial buildings; adhering to customer’s expectations of conduct and follow all approved safety procedures.

In addition, a meter reader will:

• Walk or drive a vehicle along established urban or rural routes to take meter readings.
• Use maps or GPS units to locate customer properties.
• Update meter location and read instruction information.
• Inspect meters for unauthorized connections, defects, and damage and report to service departments as required.
• Report lost or broken keys.
• Verify readings in cases where consumption appears to be abnormal.
• Upload all information collected on the hand-held computer into an office computer.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Job Overview

What Meter Readers Do:

Meter readers check the level electricity used by customers. They go from building to building and read meters that measure the usage level. They then record the usage level in a handheld computer (or on paper sheets) and give the information to the utility company, which uses it to bill customers (both homes and businesses) for the amount of energy they have used.
Meter readers are also responsible for checking the meters for damage or service issues.

Meter readers spend a lot of time in neighbourhoods as they read meters. These meters are normally located near the back of a building or sometimes in the building itself (usually in the basement). The meters have a series of numbers or dials that show how much energy the residents used within a certain period of time. Meter readers may need to use a flashlight to see the dial, and may use a pencil or a hand-held computer to record the amount of power used.

Because meter readers are often the only utility company workers to come into regular contact with customers, they keep an eye out for any readings that may be unusually high or low.
If there are any problems with the meter or connecting cables, meter readers note this information and report it to the service department for repairs.

Work Environment:

Meter readers can expect to:

• Work in all weather conditions including: RAIN, SNOW, EXTREME HEAT AND COLD,
• Encounter dogs and other potential hazards in the field during a normal workday.
• Walk an average of 5-10 kilometres per day.

Physical Capabilities:

This is a very physically demanding job. Meter readers can expect:

• Walking or standing for extended periods,
• Bending, crouching or kneeling multiple times per shift.

Use of Personal Vehicle:

Meter readers must have daily access to and use of “safe and reliable” vehicles for completing assigned routes. Vehicles must be capable of operating in all weather and seasonal conditions.

DMV Requirements:

A valid Class 5 Manitoba Driver’s License with a minimum of $1 million third party liability insurance.

Job Type: Casual

Pay: $21.41 per hour

Application question(s):

• Do you have a reliable personal vehicle?
• Are you willing and able to work outdoors in extreme hot and cold temperatures?

Work Location: In person