Seattle Public Utilities
Overview
Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Meter Reader to join our team in supporting essential utility services for the greater Seattle community. As a Meter Reader, you will play a critical role in ensuring accurate billing for over 180,000 customer accounts by collecting precise water and sewer meter readings across residential and commercial properties throughout the city. This position offers the opportunity to work independently in the field while serving as a frontline representative of SPU, directly contributing to customer satisfaction and operational excellence. You'll be responsible for maintaining efficient reading routes, identifying potential service issues, and providing excellent customer service as you help keep Seattle's utility infrastructure running smoothly. About Seattle Public Utilities:
Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is a community-centered utility that delivers vital services to Seattle residents and businesses including drinking water, drainage and wastewater, and garbage/recycling/compost. SPU also provides drinking water for 1.5 million customers in the region. SPUs work includes system maintenance and improvements and keeping Seattle clean. Over 1,400 SPU employees work with our community to provide affordable and equitable stewardship of our water and waste resources for future generations. For more information about Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), checkout the SPU website. Responsibilities
Accurate Meter Reading & Data Management: Complete daily assigned residential and commercial meter reading routes using handheld electronic devices, ensuring accurate utility billing for SPU's 180,000+ customer accounts. Vehicle Operation & Route Management: Drive city-issued or personal vehicles to assigned locations across varying traffic and weather conditions, utilizing time management and route optimization to maximize efficiency and meet daily reading deadlines. Customer Service & Communication: Serve as a frontline ambassador by providing clear communication to customers about access issues, potential leaks, and service concerns while maintaining professionalism and representing SPU positively in all interactions. Safety & Hazard Identification: Work safely in potentially hazardous environments including construction areas, dark basements, and remote locations while identifying and reporting unsafe conditions, meter defects, and access problems to protect public and employee safety. Physical Performance & Endurance: Walk up to 5 miles daily in all weather conditions, perform minor maintenance on meter boxes including clearing obstructions, lift up to 50 pounds, and demonstrate physical stamina for crawling, climbing, and standing for extended periods. Problem-Solving & Independent Work: Work autonomously with minimal supervision to troubleshoot access issues, conduct follow-up reads for exception routes, and make sound decisions when encountering unreadable meters, vacant premises, or unusual customer situations. Technology & Documentation: Operate electronic meter reading devices, navigate using maps and GPS systems, maintain accurate field notes and data entry, and ensure proper documentation to avoid billing errors and support follow-up actions. Route Optimization & Training Support: Sequence new meters, update routing instructions, resequence existing routes for efficiency, and assist in training new meter readers on route familiarization, equipment use, and proper documentation procedures. Qualifications Licensing, Certifications and Other Requirements: Must possess a valid Washington State Driver License at time of hire. Clean driving record required (complete driving record will be reviewed during selection process). Must be willing to occasionally use personal vehicle for job-related travel. Working Environment/Physical Demands Walk up to 5 miles per day, 5 days per week. Work independently in potentially hazardous environments, such as near high voltage equipment, construction areas, dark basements, remote areas, or industrial compounds. Crawl, climb, or stand for extended periods. Work outdoors in inclement weather and in all kinds of terrain. Lift up to 50 pounds. Desired Qualifications Field experience in water, plumbing, parks, and or meter reading. Prior work experience reading utility-related meters. Knowledge of local geography, map reading, and Seattle addresses and street locations. Ability to present a positive image as representative of the City. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public and fellow employees. Good attendance and punctuality. Additional Information
Workplace Environment: This position requires daily onsite presence. Individual schedules will be agreed upon by the employee and their supervisor. The salary range for this position is $31.71 - $37.36 hourly. Background check and compliance with Seattles Fair Chance Employment Ordinance (SME 14.17) are part of the hiring process. Applicants will have an opportunity to explain or correct background information. Pre-Placement Physical: SPUs safety program requires a pre-employment medical assessment as a condition of employment in this position. Benefits
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 Citys website. How to Apply / Equal Opportunity
The City of Seattle encourages people of all backgrounds to apply. This position is open to all qualified candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The City 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. If you have any questions, please contact Erika Monroe at aterika.monroe@seattle.gov. #J-18808-Ljbffr
Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Meter Reader to join our team in supporting essential utility services for the greater Seattle community. As a Meter Reader, you will play a critical role in ensuring accurate billing for over 180,000 customer accounts by collecting precise water and sewer meter readings across residential and commercial properties throughout the city. This position offers the opportunity to work independently in the field while serving as a frontline representative of SPU, directly contributing to customer satisfaction and operational excellence. You'll be responsible for maintaining efficient reading routes, identifying potential service issues, and providing excellent customer service as you help keep Seattle's utility infrastructure running smoothly. About Seattle Public Utilities:
Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is a community-centered utility that delivers vital services to Seattle residents and businesses including drinking water, drainage and wastewater, and garbage/recycling/compost. SPU also provides drinking water for 1.5 million customers in the region. SPUs work includes system maintenance and improvements and keeping Seattle clean. Over 1,400 SPU employees work with our community to provide affordable and equitable stewardship of our water and waste resources for future generations. For more information about Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), checkout the SPU website. Responsibilities
Accurate Meter Reading & Data Management: Complete daily assigned residential and commercial meter reading routes using handheld electronic devices, ensuring accurate utility billing for SPU's 180,000+ customer accounts. Vehicle Operation & Route Management: Drive city-issued or personal vehicles to assigned locations across varying traffic and weather conditions, utilizing time management and route optimization to maximize efficiency and meet daily reading deadlines. Customer Service & Communication: Serve as a frontline ambassador by providing clear communication to customers about access issues, potential leaks, and service concerns while maintaining professionalism and representing SPU positively in all interactions. Safety & Hazard Identification: Work safely in potentially hazardous environments including construction areas, dark basements, and remote locations while identifying and reporting unsafe conditions, meter defects, and access problems to protect public and employee safety. Physical Performance & Endurance: Walk up to 5 miles daily in all weather conditions, perform minor maintenance on meter boxes including clearing obstructions, lift up to 50 pounds, and demonstrate physical stamina for crawling, climbing, and standing for extended periods. Problem-Solving & Independent Work: Work autonomously with minimal supervision to troubleshoot access issues, conduct follow-up reads for exception routes, and make sound decisions when encountering unreadable meters, vacant premises, or unusual customer situations. Technology & Documentation: Operate electronic meter reading devices, navigate using maps and GPS systems, maintain accurate field notes and data entry, and ensure proper documentation to avoid billing errors and support follow-up actions. Route Optimization & Training Support: Sequence new meters, update routing instructions, resequence existing routes for efficiency, and assist in training new meter readers on route familiarization, equipment use, and proper documentation procedures. Qualifications Licensing, Certifications and Other Requirements: Must possess a valid Washington State Driver License at time of hire. Clean driving record required (complete driving record will be reviewed during selection process). Must be willing to occasionally use personal vehicle for job-related travel. Working Environment/Physical Demands Walk up to 5 miles per day, 5 days per week. Work independently in potentially hazardous environments, such as near high voltage equipment, construction areas, dark basements, remote areas, or industrial compounds. Crawl, climb, or stand for extended periods. Work outdoors in inclement weather and in all kinds of terrain. Lift up to 50 pounds. Desired Qualifications Field experience in water, plumbing, parks, and or meter reading. Prior work experience reading utility-related meters. Knowledge of local geography, map reading, and Seattle addresses and street locations. Ability to present a positive image as representative of the City. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public and fellow employees. Good attendance and punctuality. Additional Information
Workplace Environment: This position requires daily onsite presence. Individual schedules will be agreed upon by the employee and their supervisor. The salary range for this position is $31.71 - $37.36 hourly. Background check and compliance with Seattles Fair Chance Employment Ordinance (SME 14.17) are part of the hiring process. Applicants will have an opportunity to explain or correct background information. Pre-Placement Physical: SPUs safety program requires a pre-employment medical assessment as a condition of employment in this position. Benefits
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 Citys website. How to Apply / Equal Opportunity
The City of Seattle encourages people of all backgrounds to apply. This position is open to all qualified candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The City 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. If you have any questions, please contact Erika Monroe at aterika.monroe@seattle.gov. #J-18808-Ljbffr