Water Meter Reader I/II

City of Lathrop • Lathrop, CA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The City of Lathrop is seeking an experienced Water Meter Reader I/II to join our team. The successful candidates should possess good communication and interpersonal skills with a strong work ethic and professional attitude. This person selected to fill this position will work closely with staff, residents and developers in a customer service-oriented work environment. The level at which an individual is hired will be based on their qualifications and experience. Under general supervision, learns to perform and performs the full array of duties assigned to classes in the Water Meter Reader series, including reading water meters in an assigned area to record water consumption for a given period; inputs data into hand-held meter reading device; verifies water meter numbers and service codes; checks water meters for missing seals, glass, lights out and/or tampering and makes necessary reports; detects and reports damaged or unusual meter conditions; and performs related work as required. Demonstrates a full understanding of all applicable policies, procedures and work methods associated with assigned duties; and performs other related duties as required. Incorporated in 1989, the City of Lathrop is located in the Northern San Joaquin Valley and sits east and west of the San Joaquin River. Interstate 5, Interstate 205, and State Route 120 intersect within the city. We are located approximately 70 miles east of San Francisco and 70 miles south of Sacramento. Monterey, Santa Cruz, Napa Valley, and the Sierra Nevada Mountains are all located within 2 hours of Lathrop. Lathrop is centrally located within a 30-minute commute of Tracy, Manteca, Stockton, Ripon, Lodi, Modesto, and Livermore. The Department’s January 1, 2026, population estimates show Lathrop grew from 38,791 residents in 2025 to 40,942 residents in 2026, an increase of 2,151 people, or 5.5%. The report ranks Lathrop as the second fastest-growing city in California with a population over 30,000, behind only Mountain House. Lathrop also ranked fifth among California cities under 300,000 residents for the largest numeric population increase. With the continued growth in the residential communities, our population is anticipated to reach approximately 70,000. The Water Meter Reader I is the entry level class in the Water Meter Reader series that allows the incumbent to learn to read water meters under close supervision and then are assigned to read a route. Incumbents are expected to perform the full scope of assigned duties. This classification is alternatively staffed with Water Meter Reader II. Incumbents may advance to the higher level after gaining experience and achieving proficiency that meet the requirements for the higher level classification. The Water Meter Reader II is the journey level class in the Water Meter Reader series in which incumbents are expected to independently perform the full scope of assigned duties. This classification is distinguished from the next higher classification of Utility Maintenance Supervisor in that the latter is the advanced journey level classification responsible for providing lead direction and training to assigned crews.

Requirements

• Basic mathematical principles.
• Knowledge of City streets and address system.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid California Driver’s License Class C license.

Nice To Haves

• One year of experience in the maintenance and repair of water and sewer systems (for Water Meter Reader I).
• Two years of experience equivalent to that of a Water Meter Reader I in the City of Lathrop, or other jurisdiction, including experience in the maintenance and repair of water and sewer systems (for Water Meter Reader II).

Responsibilities

• Read residential and commercial water meters on assigned routes and record readings.
• Input data into hand-held meter reading device.
• Verify meter numbers and service codes.
• Compare the current reading with prior readings to determine accuracy and appropriateness of reading.
• Check meters for missing seals, glass, lights out and tampering and makes necessary reports.
• Discuss meter problems with supervisor.
• Identify address for new water utility billing.
• Tactfully respond to citizen inquiries and complaints.
• Follow oral and written instructions.
• Work independently in the field with minimum supervision.
• Work with the public effectively and cooperatively in a courteous and professional manner.
• Responsible for maintaining hazardous materials and supply inventory in an organized, clean, and safe configuration.
• Conduct daily/weekly/monthly, etc. inspections of the facility, including all hazardous materials.
• Perform ongoing maintenance, complete corrective actions to maintain waste facilities and equipment in safe working condition in accordance with Permit conditions.
• Follow procedures for waste management and hazardous material or chemical handling, including sampling, weighing, and storing chemical containers.
• Follow prescribed safety procedures and comply with state and federal laws regulating hazardous materials handling, hazardous waste management, and proper disposal methods.
• Participate in hazardous material and waste management training and professional development activities, including necessary certification.

Benefits

• 4% COLA (if MOU approved)
• Increases to the City contribution for medical effective July 2026 (if MOU approved)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED