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Water Meter Reader Jobs in Rhode Island (NOW HIRING)

Operator

Riverside, RI

$21.25 - $29.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Collect and test water and sewage samples. * Record meter and gauge readings and operational data. * Operate equipment to purify and clarify water or to process or dispose of waste. * Clean and ...

Operator - Wastewater

Riverside, RI · On-site

$21.25 - $29.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Collect and test water and sewage samples. * Record meter and gauge readings and operational data. * Operate equipment to purify and clarify water or to process or dispose of waste. * Clean and ...

New

Wastewater Operator

Newport, RI

$21.75 - $30.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Collect and test water and sewage samples. * Record meter and gauge readings and operational data. * Operate equipment to purify and clarify water or to process or dispose of waste. * Clean and ...

Wastewater Operator

Newport, RI · On-site

$21.75 - $30.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Collect and test water and sewage samples. * Record meter and gauge readings and operational data. * Operate equipment to purify and clarify water or to process or dispose of waste. * Clean and ...

Operator - Wastewater

Riverside, RI

$21.25 - $29.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Collect and test water and sewage samples. * Record meter and gauge readings and operational data. * Operate equipment to purify and clarify water or to process or dispose of waste. * Clean and ...

New

Wastewater Operator

Newport, RI

$21.75 - $30.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Collect and test water and sewage samples. * Record meter and gauge readings and operational data. * Operate equipment to purify and clarify water or to process or dispose of waste. * Clean and ...

Operator

Riverside, RI

$21.25 - $29.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Collect and test water and sewage samples. * Record meter and gauge readings and operational data. * Operate equipment to purify and clarify water or to process or dispose of waste. * Clean and ...

Operator

Riverside, RI · On-site

$21.25 - $29.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Collect and test water and sewage samples. * Record meter and gauge readings and operational data. * Operate equipment to purify and clarify water or to process or dispose of waste. * Clean and ...

Be Seen First

Restoration Technician

Coventry, RI · On-site

$20 - $30/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Responsibilities: · Assist with emergency restoration services, including water extraction, fire ... of meter readings and proper selection of equipment for specific projects. · Valid driver ...

Be Seen First

Restoration Technician

Coventry, RI · On-site

$20 - $30/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Responsibilities: · Assist with emergency restoration services, including water extraction, fire ... of meter readings and proper selection of equipment for specific projects. · Valid driver ...

... meter readings, including the amount of electricity produced by each generator and power received from the utility company.Maintains and monitors air conditioning tower water levels and operating ...

Water Meter Reader information

See Rhode Island salary details

$23.5K

$45.5K

$80.8K

How much do water meter reader jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for water meter reader in Rhode Island is $45,507.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35,700.00 and $49,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a water meter reader do?

As a water meter reader, your job is to support the utilities of your area by reading residential, commercial, industrial, and park water meters to ensure correct billing. To support this, you may provide repair and customer service, and monitor the water network for problems. In this job, you often use hand-held computers to input data about meters, code violations, needed repairs, and hazardous conditions. Other times, you talk with business owners and maintenance engineers, confirm earlier readings for unusually high or low results, and use equipment to search for toxic gases. Most readers check up to 500 water meters each day.

What does a water meter reader do?

A Water Meter Reader is responsible for visiting residential, commercial, and industrial properties to record water usage by reading water meters. They ensure accurate meter readings, report any irregularities or signs of leaks, and sometimes handle minor maintenance tasks. The data they collect is used by water utilities to generate customer bills and monitor water consumption. Water Meter Readers often work outdoors in various weather conditions and may interact with customers to answer basic questions about their water usage.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a water meter reader, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Water Meter Reader, you need attention to detail, basic math skills, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with handheld data collection devices, GPS systems, and utility billing software is typically required. Strong communication, time management, and problem-solving skills help you interact with customers and efficiently handle route schedules. These abilities ensure accurate readings, timely reporting, and excellent customer service, which are vital for efficient utility operations.

What are some common challenges faced by water meter readers and how can they be managed?

Water Meter Readers often work outdoors in varying weather conditions, which can pose physical challenges such as extreme heat, cold, or rain. Additionally, navigating private properties and dealing with potential obstacles like locked gates or pets require professionalism and problem-solving skills. Time management is crucial, as meeting daily or weekly reading targets is a key responsibility. Building a routine, staying organized, and adhering to safety protocols can help manage these challenges effectively.

What is the difference between Water Meter Reader vs Water Service Technician?

AspectWater Meter ReaderWater Service Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; training on meter readingHigh school diploma; may require certifications in plumbing or water systems
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, reading meters at customer locationsIndoor and outdoor; repairing and maintaining water systems
Employer & IndustryWater utility companies, municipalitiesWater utility companies, plumbing services
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference is that Water Meter Readers primarily focus on reading and recording water usage data, often outdoors at customer sites, while Water Service Technicians handle repairs, maintenance, and troubleshooting of water systems. Both roles are essential in water utility operations but differ in responsibilities and skill requirements.

What are popular job titles related to Water Meter Reader jobs in Rhode Island?

For Water Meter Reader jobs in Rhode Island, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Water Meter Reader jobs in Rhode Island look for?

The top searched job categories for Water Meter Reader jobs in Rhode Island are:

What cities in Rhode Island are hiring for Water Meter Reader jobs?

Cities in Rhode Island with the most Water Meter Reader job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Water Meter Reader jobs in RI?

For Water Meter Reader jobs in RI, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Water Meter Reader job openings in Rhode Island as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $45,507 per year, or $21.9 per hour.

$21.25 - $29.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

Company Description

Veolia in North America is the top-ranked environmental company in the United States for three consecutive years, and the country's largest private water operator and technology provider as well as hazardous waste and pollution treatment leader. It offers a full spectrum of water, waste, and energy management services, including water and wastewater treatment, commercial and hazardous waste collection and disposal, energy consulting and resource recovery. Veolia helps commercial, industrial, healthcare, higher education and municipality customers throughout North America. Headquartered in Boston, Veolia has more than 10,000 employees working at more than 350 locations across North America.

Job Description

Position Purpose: 

The Operator maintains water/wastewater treatment, processing, disposal and testing equipment in water/wastewater treatment facilities to purify water to meet permit and operational requirements.

Primary Duties/Responsibilities:

  • Monitor operating conditions, meters, and gauges.
  • Collect and test water and sewage samples.
  • Record meter and gauge readings and operational data.
  • Operate equipment to purify and clarify water or to process or dispose of waste.
  • Clean and maintain equipment, tanks, filter beds, and other work areas.
  • Inspect all equipment on a regular basis.
  • Follow U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations.
  • Ensure safety standards are met.

Work Environment:

  • Spends 100% of the time in operations environment. 
  • May need to work outside in inclement weather conditions and drive company vehicle to perform duties.
  • Possible Work Hazards: May be exposed to possible operations hazards including fumes, toxic and caustic chemicals, heavy machinery, high pressure, hot or cold work environment temperatures, slippery surfaces, water hazards and electrical equipment.
Qualifications

Education/Experience/Background: 

  • High School education or equivalent with the ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally (operational, process, safety and quality instructions). Must have the ability to perform basic math equations. Associate's degree in a science or technical area strongly preferred.
  • Two to five years' experience in a related position and environment with knowledge of the methods, techniques, and practices of water/wastewater treatment.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: 

  • Must demonstrate proficiency in the care and use of all site specific, facility required PPE (Personal Protection Equipment), including respirators, gas detectors, confined space equipment, etc.)
  • Must consistently demonstrate the ability to operate assigned machines and equipment meeting or exceeding processing and quality targets under general supervision.
  • Must demonstrate ability to efficiently operate equipment such as pumps, engines, centrifuge, generators, valves, gates, mixers, conveyors, blowers, dryers, chemical feed, odor control, disinfection equipment, sludge processing filters, belt presses, and measuring/control devices, testing equipment and material handling equipment.
  • Must have the ability to diagnose process and mechanical problems in single or multiple unit processes, troubleshoot basic equipment and take corrective action within policy and procedure limitations.
  • Must demonstrate a working ability to use computer programs for process control.
  • Must demonstrate ability to work in a team environment and willingness to assume additional or new responsibilities readily.
  • Must be able to pass a drug screen and criminal background check.
  • Must be able to respond to emergency calls as needed and work extended hours to accommodate site needs.

Required Certification/Licenses/Training: 

  • Typically holds or is working toward an intermediate level water and/or wastewater treatment certificate. (Requires minimum water/wastewater license as required by regulatory agencies at the site).
  • Must possess a valid driver's license and a safe driving record.
  • Rhode Island Wastewater Grade I is required.

Physical Requirements:

  • Amount of time spent - Standing 25%, Walking 75% for as many as five miles per shift.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. 
  • The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, or crouch and enter confined spaces. 
  • May be required to use ladders or stairs.
  • The employee must lift and/or move up to 50 pounds (occasionally 60 pounds). 
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus. Requires close visual observation to detect process non-conformance and machine malfunction.
Additional Information

Benefits: Our employees are covered by comprehensive benefits packages including paid time off policies; health, dental, vision, and life insurance; retirement plans, savings accounts; tuition reimbursement; paid volunteering and more.

We are 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, disability or protected veteran status.

Disclaimer: The salary, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. The Company reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.