{"schemaVersion":"1.0","exportedAt":"2026-05-15T12:39:37.794Z","occupation":{"soc":"43-5041.00","title":"Meter Readers, Utilities","group":"Office & Administrative Support","sector":"48-49","jobZone":2,"jobZoneInferred":false},"framework":{"version":"v.26.05","description":"","contextCovered":"This framework covers field meter reading, data collection, and service connection operations for electric, gas, water, and steam utilities across residential and commercial territories, from entry-level route work to organizational leadership.","levels":{"emerging":{"label":"Emerging","statements":["Meter dials and digital displays — read and record consumption figures under direct supervision on an assigned residential route.","Hand-held computer data entry — input meter readings into route software following step-by-step protocols provided by a supervisor.","Established route maps — follow pre-planned walking or driving paths to locate utility meters at residential and commercial sites.","Meter seals and enclosures — inspect for obvious signs of damage or tampering under close guidance from an experienced reader.","Abnormal consumption readings — recognize and flag unusual figures for supervisor review during initial on-the-job training.","Customer access barriers — leave written notices at inaccessible meters to arrange alternate reading times according to standard templates.","Collected route data — upload hand-held computer information to the office system at end-of-shift following documented upload procedures.","Safety protocols — apply basic public-safety rules, such as dog-awareness procedures, when approaching meter locations on a utility route.","Route books and printed records — complete paper-based entries accurately when electronic devices are unavailable on a field assignment.","Verbal reports — communicate simple field observations about meter condition or access problems to a supervisor at the end of a daily round."]},"developing":{"label":"Developing","statements":["Daily meter routes — complete assigned electric, gas, water, and steam reading rounds independently within required time windows.","Hand-held computer workflows — manage full data collection, review, and office upload processes at end of shift with minimal oversight.","Consumption anomalies — verify irregular readings by re-reading the meter and recording probable causes such as leaks or seasonal changes.","Meter irregularities and equipment defects — report broken seals, damaged components, or unauthorized connections to the service department using standard forms.","Route vehicle operations — drive or walk established utility routes efficiently, adjusting pace to meet daily scheduling requirements.","Inaccessible meter situations — independently draft and leave access-arrangement notices and follow up to ensure readings are captured within billing cycles.","Service connection and disconnection tasks — perform utility connect and disconnect procedures at designated locations following utility safety guidelines.","Geographic information system tools — use GIS-based route software to confirm meter locations and navigate unfamiliar sections of an assigned territory.","Customer interactions — respond to resident questions about meter access or reading schedules using clear, professional spoken communication.","Field data accuracy — cross-check recorded readings against historical consumption patterns and correct entry errors before uploading to the billing system."]},"proficient":{"label":"Proficient","statements":["Complex consumption investigations — analyze multi-month usage patterns across electric, gas, and water meters to identify billing discrepancies or equipment faults without supervisory guidance.","Unauthorized service connections — detect, document, and escalate tampered or bypassed meters to security and service departments following utility compliance procedures.","Multi-modal route management — self-direct both walking and vehicle-based rounds across large or mixed-density service territories, balancing speed and accuracy independently.","End-to-end data integrity — oversee the full cycle from field reading through hand-held upload to database verification, resolving data conflicts before billing runs.","Non-routine access solutions — negotiate meter access with property owners, property managers, or local authorities when standard notice procedures have failed.","Service connection operations — execute utility connect and disconnect tasks at challenging or non-standard installations, applying critical thinking to site-specific safety conditions.","Field technology troubleshooting — diagnose and work around hand-held device, GIS software, or billing system malfunctions to maintain uninterrupted route completion.","Safety hazard identification — assess and document environmental, animal, or structural impediments at meter sites and recommend remediation to facility or safety teams.","Route performance reporting — compile accurate spreadsheet and database reports on read rates, missed reads, and equipment issues for management review.","Cross-functional communication — coordinate with billing, engineering, and customer-service departments to resolve escalated meter problems affecting multiple accounts."]},"advanced":{"label":"Advanced","statements":["Territory-wide reading standards — establish meter-reading protocols, accuracy benchmarks, and safety procedures adopted across all routes in the utility service area.","Workforce development — design and deliver on-the-job training programs that bring new meter readers to competency within the required vocational timeline.","Technology adoption strategy — evaluate and recommend hand-held computer systems, GIS platforms, and automated meter infrastructure to improve operational efficiency.","Regulatory and compliance oversight — ensure all field reading and service connection practices align with public-safety regulations, utility tariffs, and audit requirements.","Performance metrics framework — develop key performance indicators for read accuracy, route completion rates, and defect reporting, and drive continuous improvement across the team.","Escalation and exception management — lead resolution of systemic billing errors, widespread meter failures, or utility fraud cases requiring coordination across departments.","Scheduling and resource planning — direct route assignments, vehicle deployment, and staffing levels across a multi-reader team to meet seasonal demand and service-level agreements.","Stakeholder communication — present field operations data and infrastructure recommendations to senior utility management and external regulatory bodies using reporting and presentation tools.","Safety culture leadership — champion a culture of cautiousness and integrity in field operations, conducting safety audits and enforcing protocols that protect staff and the public.","Organizational knowledge management — document institutional knowledge of routes, meter configurations, and access agreements into GIS and database systems to support business continuity."]}}},"sources":{"onet":"v30.2 (CC BY 4.0)","crosswalk":"https://skillscrosswalk.com","generator":"LER.me"},"attribution":"© EBSCOed"}