Utility Meter Reader - City of Bessemer

04/28/2025 Grade 13 Full time The City of Bessemer is seeking Utility Meter Readers. This role is responsible for providing accurate meter readings of residential, commercial, and industrial consumption of electricity, gas, and water; assists in maintaining meter records to assure proper billing of utility usage. Incumbents assist in the installation, maintenance, and repair of water mains and services, fire hydrants, and meters to provide clean and safe water. Employees in this job class are also expected to complete general administrative functions such as maintaining documentation related to assigned jobs, communicating department activity, etc. Utility Meter Readers may also operate a variety of equipment (e.g., service trucks, hand tools, power tools) to complete work tasks. Bessemer provides competitive pay and comprehensive benefits packages to include medical and dental insurance, employer-sponsored retirement plan (pension), generous paid holidays, sick and vacation leave, and more. The pay range for this job is listed below:

Bessemer: $14.80 - $22.96

• Driver's license.
• Willingness to work under various outdoor conditions requiring physical activity including, but not limited to, the ability to walk on unstable ground (e.g., loose dirt at construction sites) and the ability to walk for extended periods of time and/or over long distances.

• Repairs or replaces malfunctioning or broken meters (e.g., water or power) and verifies that meters with high or abnormal usage are functioning properly.
• Restores or discontinues utility service when customers fail to pay bills, and investigates theft.
• Performs general administrative and/or clerical functions (e.g., general record keeping, paperwork, etc.) in order to review (e.g., abnormal usage), communicate, document or maintain office information.
• Communicates with other individuals and departments through phone, radio, emails, and memos to assist others, investigate complaints, and maintain positive relationships; includes continuous training.
• Prepares, organizes, and ensures accuracy of information prior to performing field work (e.g., self or subordinates); includes maintaining safety while in field.
• Locates and reads residential and commercial utility meters on an assigned route, and enters readings into handheld computer.
• Operates a variety of equipment such as service trucks, hand held tools, power tools and specialized utility and meter equipment in performing work.

Job involves significant and concerted physical exertion required for regular prolonged periods of carrying, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, or walking. May involve occasional light lifting of items or objects weighing up to 25 lbs. Work involves the ability to read small numbers and letters on meters. Work is conducted both indoors in office setting as well as regular field visits to external places of business, residences, and/or construction worksites. May be exposed to weather conditions, such as extreme hot or cold temperatures, or other potentially hazardous conditions such as near roadway traffic or near animal or wildlife such as snakes, rodents, etc.