Utility Meter Reader

About the Role

As a Utility Meter Reader, you’ll play a key role in supporting the City of Salem’s water services. You’ll ensure accurate water usage data for customers by reading meters on assigned routes and documenting service needs for repairs or inspections. Your work helps maintain the City’s water infrastructure and provides essential services to the community. You’ll also interact with customers in the field, answering their questions and resolving concerns, making a direct impact on their experience with City services.

This position offers opportunities to develop your skills in customer service, technology, and field operations. You’ll gain hands-on experience with water meter reading equipment, troubleshooting issues, and working with a diverse community. The City of Salem values growth and will support you in building your knowledge and abilities to advance your career.

Responsibilities

• Read water meters using handheld devices or manual methods and document service needs for meters and meter boxes requiring inspection or repair.
• Interact with customers to answer questions, address concerns, and resolve issues when meter access is limited.
• Perform shutoffs or reinstate water services as directed.
• Respond to after-hours service calls and maintain City equipment and vehicles used in daily operations.
• Inspect meters and meter boxes to identify issues such as damage, obstructions, leaks, or unauthorized connections, and report findings for further investigation or repair.
• Walk or drive assigned routes to collect water meter data, document service needs, and ensure accurate billing.
• Exercise independent judgement in completing tasks and collaborate in a team environment to meet tight deadlines.

Requirements

• Must pass the pre-employment background check.
• Must have an Oregon Driver’s License, or the ability to obtain one within 30 days of residency, and meet the City of Salem's driving standards.
• Graduation from high school or completion of General Education Development (GED) test, and one year of customer service experience or equivalent combination of education, experience, and training.

Skills

• Knowledge of water meter reading operations, equipment, and technology, with the ability to accurately collect and record data using handheld devices or manual methods.
• Strong customer service skills to effectively communicate with a diverse community, resolve concerns, and maintain composure in stressful situations.
• Ability to follow instructions, prioritize tasks, and maintain accurate records while fostering a respectful and inclusive workplace.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family.
• Paid vacation and sick time in accordance with City policies.
• Employer-paid PERS contribution of 6%.
• Opportunity for voluntary pre-tax contributions to a 457b account.
• Health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
• Voluntary long-term care.
• Employee wellness program.
• Employee assistance program.
• Employee health clinic.

Pay

The City of Salem offers a comprehensive and equitable base salary within the listed range based on your experience, skills, and education.

Schedule

• 7:00 am – 3:30 pm
• 6:00 am – 2:30 pm

About Us

Salem is the second largest city in Oregon and the capital city. Centrally located in the Willamette Valley, Salem spans 49 square miles across Marion and Polk counties. The community features well-established neighborhoods, preserved historic buildings, and a family-friendly ambiance with a diverse population of nearly 180,000 residents.

The City of Salem employs roughly 1,350 staff members across eight primary departments: Community Services, Finance, Fire, Enterprise Services, Legal, Police, Public Works, and Community Planning and Development. The organization collaborates with five labor unions and values employee growth and professional development.