Job Description

Meter Reader

Annual salary ranges from $76,546 to $108,367.

A Meter Reader works outdoors; reads water and electric meters and makes accurate recordings of those readings using a hand-held computer; reports irregularities found in the field; and deals tactfully and courteously with customers in answering their inquiries and complaints regarding service.

Candidates should have good eyesight in order to record accurate meter reads and must be in good physical condition since Meter Readers work alone in the field; walk in excess of seven miles per day in hilly and flat terrain; squat and bend approximately 150-250 times per day; climb multiple flights of stairs; carry approximately 15 pounds of equipment all day; lift and slide water meter lids weighing approximately 10 to 25 pounds on a regular basis, and up to 50 pounds on occasion; work in all types of inclement weather, including rain and extreme heat; must contend with hostile dogs; and frequently must read meters under unfavorable conditions such as through a screen in poor light, or at a distance using a scope or mirror; have the ability to memorize various alpha and numeric codes is especially desired; may work overtime, during the week and on weekends, as scheduled.

Requirement(s)/Minimum Qualification(s)

One (1) year of full-time paid experience reading and/or servicing meters for a utility or two (2) years of full-time paid experience providing customer service in the field conducting deliveries and responding to service calls for an agency or utility.

Process Notes

As a condition of employment, a valid Class C driver's license issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is required at the time of appointment. Applicants will be disqualified or deemed ineligible for hire if their DMV record reflects three or more moving violations and/or at-fault accidents, or a conviction of a major moving violation within the last 36 months in any state or jurisdiction. The City of Los Angeles reserves the right to issue a notice of disqualification or ineligibility at any time before a final offer is extended. You must review and complete the on-line Realistic Job Preview Questionnaire which will provide you with a realistic understanding of the job of Meter Reader. The Realistic Job Preview Questionnaire is located in the Supplemental Questions section of the on-line application.

Where To Apply & Application Deadline

Applications will only be accepted on-line. When you are viewing the on-line job bulletin of your choice, simply scroll to the top of the page and select the "Apply" icon. On-line job bulletins are also available at NOTE: Applicants are urged to apply early to ensure you have time to resolve any technical issues you may encounter. Applications must be received by THURSDAY, AUGUST 6, 2026.

Selection Process

Examination Weight: Multiple-Choice Test - 100%

The examination will consist entirely of a weighted multiple-choice test administered and proctored on-line. In the on-line multiple-choice test, the following competencies may be evaluated: Reading Comprehension; Judgment and Decision Making; Safety Focus, including safety standards, procedures, rules, and regulations as required by the California Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Cal-OSHA) and California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) when reading meters and operating an automobile; Customer Service; Follow Written Directions; Job Knowledge, including knowledge of: factors necessary to read and correctly interpret electric meters, water meters, and maps; steps necessary to convert meter readings into decimal outputs; and other necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Additional job analysis information can be obtained by going to and clicking on Competencies under Meter Reader.

The multiple-choice test will be proctored and administered on-line during a single session. Candidates invited to participate in the on-line multiple-choice test will be able to take the test from a remote location (i.e., their home) using a computer with a webcam and a reliable internet connection. Candidates will receive an e-mail from the City of Los Angeles outlining the dates and specific steps on how to take the multiple-choice test on-line. It is anticipated that the remote proctored multiple-choice test will be administered between TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2026 and MONDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2026. Candidates who do not complete and submit the remote proctored multiple-choice test on-line using a computer by the specified date and time will not be considered further in this examination.

FAQ's for on-line testing are available at Only candidates who demonstrate a hardship may be offered the option to take the multiple-choice test onsite at a City facility.

NOTES:

This examination is based on a validation study, and as provided by Civil Service Commission Rule 4.20, the multiple-choice test will not be subject to candidate inspection.

As a covered entity under the Fair Employment and Housing Act and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Los Angeles does not discriminate on the basis of disability and upon request, will provide reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access to its programs, services, and activities. To request a disability accommodation, please complete the Disability Accommodation Form within 14 calendar days of the submittal of the City application. The Disability Accommodation Form can be obtained at (Download PDF reader).

Applications are accepted subject to review to ensure that minimum qualifications are met. Candidates may be disqualified at any time if it is determined that they do not possess the minimum qualifications stated on this bulletin.

A final average score of 70% or higher is required to be placed on the eligible list.

In accordance with Civil Service Rule, Sec. 4.24, review periods may be combined. Candidates in the examination process may file protests as provided in Sec. 4.20, 4.22 and 4.23 as applicable and within the required time frame; however, the Personnel Department may respond to and resolve protests prior to the establishment of the eligible list.

Notice:

If you receive and accept an offer of employment to a regular position with the City of Los Angeles, your employee benefit coverage (including health and dental coverage as well as life insurance) will commence approximately six weeks after your original regular appointment. Not all positions in the City receive benefit coverage; you should inquire regarding the availability of employee benefits prior to accepting a position. All City employees are required to be Disaster Service Workers.

THIS EXAMINATION IS TO BE GIVEN ONLY ON AN OPEN COMPETITIVE BASIS

The City of Los Angeles does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, creed, color, ancestry, medical condition (cancer), or Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.

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