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Meter readers visit all kinds of premises, including homes, offices, shops and factories, to collect information (readings) from electricity, gas or water meters.
The Work
You could be:- driving or walking around the area in which you read meters
- walking round buildings to check outside meters or entering buildings to check inside ones
- taking readings by noting the numbers on the dials of the meter
- recording the figures by keying them into a hand held computer or completing official record forms
- working to targets for the numbers of meters read
- checking meters to make sure that they are working properly
- reporting faulty or broken meters so that they can be repaired or replaced
- answering routine questions from customers
- visiting the company office at the beginning of each day to collect your work plan, and at the end of the day to hand in completed records.
Conditions
- You would work on your own most of the time.
- You might have to cover a fairly large area and do a good deal of both driving and walking.
- You will have to work in all types of weather.
- You would have to carry identification at all times.
- You may have to wear a uniform.
- Working hours will probably include early evenings.
- You might have to lift up heavy covers to access some meters.
Getting In
- You do not usually need formal entry qualifications, but employers will look for basic ability in English and maths.
- Clear handwriting is helpful in this job.
- You usually need a full, clean driving licence and, often, your own transport.
- For some vacancies you must have a landline phone.
- You usually need a good knowledge of local geography. It helps if you are good at reading maps.
- You may need a Disclosure Scotland certificate to show that you have no criminal convictions.
- This is an active job with climbing, lifting and bending. You need to be physically fit.
- You must enjoy working outdoors in all weathers.
- This is often a second career, but entrants must be fit enough to do the job.
Most meter readers work for electricity, gas or water companies, although others are employed by specialist firms who supply meters to those companies. You can look for vacancies through JobcentrePlus.
What Does It Take?
You need to be:- honest and reliable
- able to work on your own
- methodical and accurate - customers' bills depend on your readings and records
- able to use computer equipment.
You need to have:- common sense
- a pleasant, polite and cooperative manner
- stamina.
Training
- Training is normally on the job by your employer and by working with an experienced meter reader.
- Training includes company’s services and prices, record keeping, dealing with customers and different types of meters.
- You may be able to work towards Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs) at Levels 1 and 2 such as Customer Service.
Getting On
- After gaining experience, you may be promoted to a supervisor post.
- You may become self-employed and work under contract to individual companies.
Pay
The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary, depending on:- where you work
- the size of the company or organisation you work for
- the demand for the job.
Starting pay for meter readers in Scotland is around £6.00 an hour plus bonuses and expenses. You can earn extra through overtime and bonuses. Bonuses are usually based on the number of meters read each week.
Some employers provide a uniform or an allowance for outdoor clothes.
More Information
Some industrial meter readings are now recorded automatically and these meters no longer need to be read. If this system becomes more widely used, the number of jobs for meter readers may decline.
Addresses
The following organisation(s) may be able to provide further information.
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