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Posted: February 17, 2026 (8 days ago)

Added to FreshGovJobs: February 25, 2026 (0 days ago)

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Meter Reader

City of Seattle

Seattle Public Utilities

Recent

Location

Salary

$32.85 - $38.70

per hour

Type

Closes

March 11, 2026

Job Description

Summary

This job involves walking or driving around Seattle to read utility meters on homes and businesses, ensuring the data is accurate for billing over 200,000 customer accounts.

Workers in this role help keep the city's water and waste services running smoothly by collecting this information daily under the guidance of a supervisor.

It's a good fit for reliable, detail-oriented people who enjoy outdoor work, have strong basic math skills, and are comfortable navigating neighborhoods on foot or by vehicle.

Key Requirements

  • Ability to accurately and efficiently read utility meters using handheld devices or tools
  • Reliable daily completion of assigned routes in various weather conditions
  • Basic math skills for recording and verifying meter readings
  • Valid Washington State driver's license and safe driving record
  • Physical fitness to walk, climb, and carry equipment outdoors
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to timely data entry
  • Customer service skills for occasional interactions with residents

Full Job Description

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is seeking experienced workers for the Customer Billing Division's Meter Reading Work Group. This position is responsible for collecting reads and facilitating accurate billing for SPU's 200,000+ accounts. This position reports to a Meter Reader Supervisor.


If you feel this may be the perfect job for you, please continue reading ...and APPLY!


About Seattle Public Utilities (SPU): Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is a Community Centered Utility whose mission is to foster healthy people, environment, and economy by partnering with our community to equitably manage water and waste resources for today and future generations.

We deliver high quality, vital services, across four major lines of business: providing water, solid waste, drainage and wastewater services for Seattle residents and businesses.

In addition, SPU provides drinking water for 1.5 million regional customers in Seattle and other municipalities.

Our customers depend on us to deliver high quality, reliable, and cost-conscious utility services and to achieve the highest benefits possible for every investment we make.


For more information about Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), please visit:

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. We take steps to be inclusive and equitable in our recruiting, hiring, and promotional opportunities.

Why join us?

We know work isn’t only about what you do, it’s also about who you work for and with! 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

Requirements

Top 3 Priorities for This Position

  • Accurate and Timely Meter Reads
    • Ensure daily completion of assigned residential and commercial meter reading routes to support accurate and timely utility billing for SPU’s 180,000+ customer accounts.
  • Customer Trust and Service Integrity
    • Serve as a frontline ambassador by identifying and reporting issues such as leaks, access problems, or meter defects, while providing clear communication to customers when necessary.
  • Operational Safety and Efficiency
    • Maintain route efficiency, ensure safe access to meter enclosures, report unsafe conditions, and contribute to the effective functioning of SPU’s meter reading operations.

Main Day-to-Day Responsibilities

  • Based on the assigned route, drive a city-issued or personal vehicle to and from locations across various traffic and weather conditions to collect meter reads.
  • Locate, read, and record water meter readings for both residential and commercial accounts using a handheld electronic device.
  • Notify customers of covered meters or vehicles obstructing access and request removal to complete reads.
  • Leave notices or speak directly with customers to inform them of potential leaks on their property.
  • Note and report meters that are unreadable and meter boxes with safety or access issues.
  • Perform minor maintenance on meter boxes, including clearing obstructions and reseating lids to ensure safe and proper access.
  • Report defective, leaking, or tampered meters promptly for follow-up.
  • Conduct follow-up readings to verify consumption or finalize closing bills.
  • Assist in training new meter readers, including route familiarization, equipment uses, and proper documentation.
  • Ability to present a positive image as representative of City.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public and fellow employees.

Major Projects and Responsibilities

  • Route Sequencing & Optimization
  • Sequence new meters and update routing instructions; resequencing existing routes as needed to maintain reading efficiency and accuracy.
  • Field Data Integrity & Reporting
  • Ensure meter reading data is accurate and properly documented to avoid billing errors, record field notes for follow-up actions by billing or maintenance teams.
  • Customer Communication & Support
  • Support SPU’s customer service goals by addressing access issues, providing leak notices, and escalating complaints appropriately.
  • Safety Monitoring & Field Condition Reporting
  • Identify and report unsafe or improper conditions around meter boxes to protect the safety of the public and employees.

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.

Qualifications

Ability to:

  • Required to stand, walk, crawl, climb, and bend for extended periods of time.
  • Required to work outdoors in all types of weather, and in 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 dogs, abusive customers and insects.


License, Certification, and Other Requirements: Current Washington State driver's license or evidence of equivalent mobility.


Desired Qualifications:

  • Field experience in water, plumbing, parks, or meter reading.
  • Prior work experience reading utility-related meters.
  • Knowledge of local geography, map reading, and reading/interpreting directions.
  • Excellent attendance and punctuality.

Additional Information

How to Apply: Please make sure to complete the online application.


Work Schedule: Employees are required to come into the office five (5) days a week.

The full salary range for this position is $32.85 - $38.70 per hour.


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: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans


Who may apply: The City of Seattle encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experience.

This position is open to all qualified candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle 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 Charles Gilmore at charles.gilmore2@seattle.gov.


Learn more about Seattle Public Utilities at our web page www.seattle.gov/util/.

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Posted on NEOGOV: 2/17/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 2/25/2026

Source: NEOGOV | ID: neogov-seattle-5229516