City of Seattle
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 and Strategic Business Plan. SPU commits to Our City Values and Race and Social Justice as core principles that guide our work. We actively take steps to dismantle systemic racism and increase service equity. We value diverse life experiences and strive to create a workplace that is welcoming to all. SPU provides a fun and family-friendly work environment that supports a work life balance, including: Family-friendly and multicultural work environment Generous benefits package Free public transportation options City pension plan with employer/employee contributions Growth potential and advancement opportunities 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 various traffic and weather conditions, utilizing time management skills 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 effectively, 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. 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. 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 of time. 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 meter. Knowledge of local geography, map reading, reading/interpreting directions, Seattle addresses, and street locations. Ability to present a positive image as representative of City. Establish and maintain effective working relationship with the public and fellow employees. Good attendance and punctuality. Workplace Environment
This position requires daily onsite presence. Individual schedules will be agreed upon by the employee and their supervisor. Salary
The salary range for this position is $31.71 - $37.36 hourly. This hiring process involves a background check of conviction and arrest records in compliance with Seattles Fair Chance Employment Ordinance (SME 14.17). Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information. Pre-Placement Physical Information for selected candidate: 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 City's website at an information page. Who may apply
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. Contact
If you have any questions, please contact Erika Monroe at erika.monroe@seattle.gov Learn more
Learn more about Seattle Public Utilities at the City's website. #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 and Strategic Business Plan. SPU commits to Our City Values and Race and Social Justice as core principles that guide our work. We actively take steps to dismantle systemic racism and increase service equity. We value diverse life experiences and strive to create a workplace that is welcoming to all. SPU provides a fun and family-friendly work environment that supports a work life balance, including: Family-friendly and multicultural work environment Generous benefits package Free public transportation options City pension plan with employer/employee contributions Growth potential and advancement opportunities 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 various traffic and weather conditions, utilizing time management skills 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 effectively, 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. 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. 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 of time. 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 meter. Knowledge of local geography, map reading, reading/interpreting directions, Seattle addresses, and street locations. Ability to present a positive image as representative of City. Establish and maintain effective working relationship with the public and fellow employees. Good attendance and punctuality. Workplace Environment
This position requires daily onsite presence. Individual schedules will be agreed upon by the employee and their supervisor. Salary
The salary range for this position is $31.71 - $37.36 hourly. This hiring process involves a background check of conviction and arrest records in compliance with Seattles Fair Chance Employment Ordinance (SME 14.17). Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information. Pre-Placement Physical Information for selected candidate: 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 City's website at an information page. Who may apply
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. Contact
If you have any questions, please contact Erika Monroe at erika.monroe@seattle.gov Learn more
Learn more about Seattle Public Utilities at the City's website. #J-18808-Ljbffr