Meter Reader I

Summit Utilities, Inc.; Russellville (AR); On-site; USD 36,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Summit Utilities, Inc. is seeking a Meter Reader I to join our Russellville, AR team. You will read gas meters on assigned routes using automated devices and perform manual reads as required to ensure accurate monthly energy consumption data.

The role requires attention to safety, customer communication, and data integrity across Mobile Data systems. Ideal candidates have a high school diploma, basic math skills, and a willingness to learn ERT installation and programming.

Qualifications

• Requires a high school diploma or the equivalent knowledge of English, mathematics, punctuation, grammar, and spelling.

Responsibilities

• Reads gas meters by operating automated reading equipment and by hand when needed.
• Downloads and imports routes, monitors daily response rates, and uploads routes for processing.
• Verifies meter IDs and documents readings for accurate billing.
• Plans daily routes using maps to optimize Mobile Collector technology.
• Notes and updates location codes and data to improve route efficiency.

Skills

Meter reading

Safety awareness

Customer service

Manual & automated reads

Documentation

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Mobile Data

ERT devices

Itron handheld device

Job description

Join our growing team and discover why Summit Utilities, Inc. continues to earn national and regional recognition as an employer of choice. Our recognitions include Best Places to Work in Maine (2019-2025); Best Places to Work in Arkansas (2020, 2023, 2025); Best Places to Work in Oklahoma (2022-2025); Best Places to Work in Missouri (2023 and 2026); Best Places to Work in Colorado (2025); Forbes America’s Best Small Employers (2023); and, most recently, Proud and Purposeful Employer (2026).

Summit is a growing natural gas utility providing safe, reliable, and clean burning natural gas service to homes and businesses in Arkansas, Colorado, Maine, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas. Being part of the Summit team means embracing excellence and innovation, committing to safety each and every day, and doing all that we can to serve each other, our customers, and the communities where we live. We aim to bring warmth and energy to everything we do.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Meter Reader I (SGL3) based in Russellville, AR!

POSITION SUMMARY

Reads industrial, commercial, and residential meters by assigned routes and/or appointment to ensure timely and accurate monthly measurement of energy consumption. Ability to identify and repair non-registering equipment including replacing, programming, and installing ERT modules.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Reads gas meters by operating automated reading equipment: Mobile Collector / Handheld units.
• Downloads / imports assigned route(s) in the Handheld unit / Mobile Collector computer and frequently monitor the computer to ensure acceptable daily response rates. Uploads / exports routes for processing.
• Verifies meter identification numbers and document readings to ensure timely and accurate billing of our customers’ energy consumption.
• Plans daily route using maps, and existing procedures to ensure effective operation of Mobile Collector technology.
• Participate in the continuous improvement of route/cycle structure. Makes notes and updates location codes and data describing customer premises to help other meter readers perform their duties in a safe and more efficient manner.
• Observes, notes and reports irregularities of route, Mobile Collector equipment, vehicle, and response of Encoder Receiver Transmitters (ERT's), to ensure supervision is aware of any potential problems.
• Responds to our internal and external customers’ requests, questions, and concerns in a manner that meets customer expectations.
• Observes documents and communicates gas leaks, suspected gas theft, or malfunctioning of equipment and other hazardous conditions to ensure customer and employee safety and compliance with company policy.
• Participates in training and cross training to increase job knowledge and competency.
• Able to provide and maintain a valid Driver’s License and safe driving record.
• Identify non-registering ERT's.
• Works investigate ERT orders, including ability and knowledge to use the necessary equipment and tools to re-program an existing ERT or to install and program new ERT device on meter.
• Ability to read meters either using mobile collector or handheld Itron device or an equivalent device.
• Manual reads (gauges and other larger meters), re-read orders.
• In certain locations, it may require overnight stay for mobile collecting

EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE

• Requires a high school diploma or the equivalent knowledge of English, mathematics (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions and percentages), punctuation, grammar, and spelling.
• Work experience in meter reading operations is preferred but not a requirement.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES

• Demonstrate respect and kindness to all individuals, adhere to the Company's values and business practices and do both consistently.
• Maintain performance and attendance criteria for the job.
• Demonstrate thorough working knowledge of the policies, practices, procedures and business processes supporting manual meter reading, automatic meter reading and ERT maintenance processes, including ability to understand and develop working knowledge of software and hardware components.
• Able to demonstrate a working knowledge of the meter reading cycles, segments and routes.
• Use mainframe software programs such as Mobile Data.
• Demonstrate ability to operate a personal computer, including working knowledge of word processing software.
• Understand and evaluate software, hardware and other technology.
• Able to use the proper tools for any given job.
• Demonstrate and utilize effective oral and written communication skills.
• Communicate clearly and effectively with customers on the routes in a courteous and professional manner.
• Able to meet all physical requirements, competency-based assessments, pre-employment background checks, pre-employment drug screen and other selection criteria determined by the company.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and/or skills required of all personnel so classified.

Summit offers competitive pay and medical/dental/vision and other benefits that provide flexibility, choice, and support to our employees when they need it most. We understand that home and family are essential pieces of your life, and our benefits are designed to support you both at work and at home.

Summit Utilities, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability or veteran status.