Meter Reader

California Water Service; Los Altos (CA); On-site; USD 43,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

California Water Service Group invites you to join as a Meter Reader located in Los Altos, California. The role involves reading meters for residential and commercial customers, routing assignments, and reporting issues to ensure accurate water service delivery.

The position requires basic math, strong communication, and knowledge of safety rules. A High School diploma or equivalent, a CA Class C driver's license, and basic Microsoft Office skills are required.

Qualifications

• Must have a High School diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to read and interpret safety rules and operation instructions.
• Strong communication with supervisor, co-workers, and the public.

Responsibilities

• Investigate customer inquiries regarding high bills and water quality issues.
• Diagnose high/low pressure concerns and coordinate repairs or diagnostics.
• Take corrective action based on findings and collect water samples.
• Verify status of existing fire services and read detector meter.

Skills

Effective communication

Basic math

Reading/writing English

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Outlook

Job description

Job Description

California Water Service Group (Cal Water) invites you to build a meaningful career with the third largest publicly traded water utility in the United States. Guided by our mission to be the leading provider of water and wastewater services, we are dedicated to improving the quality of life for the customers, communities, and employees we serve. Our culture is grounded in core values-integrity, quality, service, value, health and safety, respect and collaboration, and corporate citizenship-and is reflected in our recognition as a Top Workplace®, a Great Place to Work®, and a J.D. Power leader in customer satisfaction for multiple years. Join Cal Water and be part of a purpose driven organization where your work makes a lasting impact.

The Meter Reader (MR) obtains water meter reads for all commercial and residential customers at a designated location based upon a route; assists with assigning new meters to routes and reroutes as necessary; assess meters for defects; reports tampering and potential cross connection situations. This position is located in Los Altos, CA.

Essential Functions

• Investigate customer inquiries regarding high bills and water quality issues
• Diagnose high/low pressure concerns; notify appropriate personnel when needed for repairs or further diagnostics; dirty water, hi/low pressure, no water, taste and odor, air
• Take corrective action based on findings
• Collect water samples throughout the distribution system as needed
• Verify status of existing fire services and read detector meter
• Flush mains to a minor extent
• Understand cross connections

Other Duties And Responsibilities

• Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• A MR must be able to effectively communicate with their supervisor, co-workers, and the public;
• Have the ability to perform basic mathematic functions to calculate figures; have the ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operation and maintenance instructions, procedure manuals, and ability to write routine reports and correspondence
• Must possess a High School diploma or equivalent, a valid California Class C Driver's license, and be insurable under the Company's policy
• A MR must have a working knowledge of basic features of word processing programs (e.g., Microsoft Word) and electronic mail processing programs (e.g., Microsoft Outlook)
• A Meter Reader must be able to work with supervision and respond appropriately to feedback, evaluation, coaching, counseling, and/or discipline
• The job entails an understanding and knowledge of water quality specifications for chlorine content, pH, water temperature, other essential water quality parameters, as well as National Pollutant Discharge Elimination Systems (NPDES) rules and regulations
• California State Water Distribution Operator II certification is required within 11 months of hire.

Salary Range without certification

• $30.69 - Step 1
• $31.99 - Step 2 (6 months)
• $33.17 - Step 3 (12 months)
• $35.05 - Step 4 (18 months)

Salary Range with certification

• $45.39 - Step 1
• $46.58 - Step 2 (6 months)
• $47.90 - Step 3 (12 months)
• $51.03 - Step 4 (18 months)

Deadline to submit resume is Wednesday, November 11, 2026.

The Equal Opportunity Policy of the Company is based upon the philosophy that all people should be treated fairly and with dignity. California Water Service, Hawaii Water Service, New Mexico Water Service and Washington Water Service do not discriminate against any applicant or employee because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or any other protected class. The Company makes all employment decisions in a non-discriminatory manner. EOE, VET, DISABILITIES.