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Water Meter Reader Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

... gas, water and electric utility meter reading and related technologies Experience with GIS mapping software such as MapInfo Experience with GPS and coordinate data Experience with RF propagation ...

NIR, GAC, scales, saftest analyzer, Neogen reader. This includes setup, standard operations and ... Calibrate equipment such as pH meter, NIR, pipettes or water activity meter. * Follow work ...

... water and electric utility meter reading and related technologies • Experience with GIS mapping software such as MapInfo • Experience with GPS and coordinate data • Experience with RF ...

NIR, GAC, scales, saftest analyzer, Neogen reader. This includes setup, standard operations and ... Calibrate equipment such as pH meter, NIR, pipettes or water activity meter. * Follow work ...

Water Meter Reader information

See Portland, OR salary details

$25.5K

$49.3K

$87.5K

How much do water meter reader jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for water meter reader in Portland, OR is $49,280.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,700.00 and $54,100.00 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.

Is it hard to become a water meter reader?

Becoming a water meter reader typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent and the ability to read meters accurately. The job involves physical activity, working outdoors, and sometimes operating basic tools or devices, but it generally does not require extensive training or certifications.

What are popular job titles related to Water Meter Reader jobs in Portland, OR?

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

What job categories do people searching Water Meter Reader jobs in Portland, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for Water Meter Reader jobs in Portland, OR are:

Infographic showing various Water Meter Reader job openings in Portland, OR 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 $49,280 per year, or $23.7 per hour.

Production Baker Lead - Night Shift

Grand Central Bakery

Portland, OR • On-site

$28.06/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


Grand Central Bakery rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 48 rated bakeries


Job description

Job Summary: The Baker Lead is directly responsible for working with the Production Manager to ensure that accurate quantities of high quality product are produced in an efficient manner while adhering to FSMA guidelines. The Baker Lead is responsible for daily shift operations and should be actively engaged in all aspects of Bread Production during the shift including baker coaching, mentoring, and training. This position requires attention to detail, a desire to continually improve upon one's skills as a production baker, and the ability to lead a crew while working cooperatively in a production level team environment. This position is the third of three Baker Levels.
Pay: $28.06 hourly, non-exempt, eligible for overtime
Schedule Requirements: Able to work Saturday and Sunday .
Grand Central Bakery operates 7 days a week/365 days a year. Schedule flexibility and the ability to work weekends is required.
Supervision: The Baker Lead is directly managed by the Production Manager.
Competencies Required for this Position:
Positive Impact
Communicativeness
Team Player
High Standards
Change Agility
Results Orientation
Problem Solving and Decision Making
Customer Orientation
Self-Objectivity
Organizing and planning
Functional Responsibilities:
Adept in the following tasks/equipment stations:
o Forming
o Couching
o Hand Scaling
o Hydraulic Divider
o Bertuetti Bread Line
o Dough molders
o Rack Oven
o Hearth Oven
o Spiral Mixer
o Water Meter
o Silo
o Sour Starter Health
o Folds and Fermentation
o Proofing
o Scoring
o Culling
• Trains new crew members, coaches team members on the floor, and is able to provide feedback in the moment as a PIC
• Responsible for daily production decisions and planning.
• Sets and maintain pace ensuring that transitions are smooth, and the crews are working to maximize efficiency.
• Works with production manager to ensure that all bakers are trained effectively and safely in all areas of bakery.
• Takes an active role in quality control of all product.
• Understands use of all equipment used on Bread Production Floor and is able to troubleshoot basic equipment problems.
• Assists in ingredient intake and is trained in ordering ingredients and forklift use.
• Follows FSMA guidelines and understands responsibilities to maintain record and food safety goals.
• Trained to use current Bakery software systems to generate production reports and starter feeds.
• Communicates critical information to appropriate departments:
o Production Manager
§ Equipment issues
§ Supply concerns
§ Ideas to improve efficiency
o Delivery
§ Accurate Counts
§ Issues/concerns
o Sales
§ Late Adds (Red tag PDX)
§ Shorts/Trends
§ Quality Control
o Other shifts/Team Members
§ End of Shift report
§ Maintenance or cleaning needs
• Responsible for basic scheduling, such as shift coverage for last minute or unexpected changes.
Foundational Responsibilities:
• Knows and acts in accordance with the mission, vision, and values of Grand Central Bakery in all parts of their job.
• Works collaboratively with a team. Models and encourages respectful and professional channels of communication between teammates and departments. Disrupts and corrects inappropriate communication in the moment.
• Leads teams in delivering excellent customer service - following and promoting the 3 steps to great service at all times.
• Maintains competencies and demonstrate continuous application of these skills throughout the period of employment.
• Is committed to creating an anti-racist organization by actively opposing racism and promoting racial tolerance. Supports a culturally inclusive environment through the language and conduct of mutual respect and critical self-reflection. Understands company Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) concepts and is able to explain them to teammates. As an active participant in setting company culture, disrupts behavior that is harassing, discriminatory, or otherwise harmful to a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion by correcting and redirecting behavior in the moment.
• Above all, sets the best example of behavior, work ethic, and work quality.
• Knows and demonstrates efficient, correct and safe work and procedures.
• Primary trainer of team members.
• Coaches team members on the floor.
• Escalates personnel matters to manager including concerns about attendance, performance, and conduct.
• Able to be the Person in Charge in a manager's absence.
• Follows all safety requirements, safety training, and instructions.
• Notifies manager if they ever become aware of a potential hazard in the workplace.
• Able to enter maintenance and safety tickets into FMX
• Promptly reports all injuries, big or small, that are sustained while at work. Assists with injury reports.
• Trains new hires and existing employees on safety protocols.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Ability to read, write, and speak English required; English/Spanish bilingual preferred

• Maintains a valid Food Handler's Card at all times and follows health department guidelines at all times.
• Must demonstrate regular attendance by coming to work on scheduled working days and being on time. May be required to work a variety of days and shifts to meeting business need including weekends and holidays.
• Prior experience leading, training, and coaching preferred within the baking industry
  • HS diploma/GED preferred
  • Professional baking experience required
  • Basic math skills required

• Intermediate computer skills including use of Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Word or comparable programs
• Intermediate experience with ChefTec, GlobalBake or other ERP systems
• Experience placing orders, signing invoices and checking in inventory required
Tools and Equipment Used:
• Rack and hearth ovens
• Manual and automatic loaders
• Mixers
• Bowl lifts
• Dividers
• Knives
• Bread racks
• Various baking equipment
• Forklift
• Computer, keyboard, mouse, various office equipment
Physical Requirements:
S: Seldom (1-10%) O: Occasional (10-30%) F: Frequent (30%-70%) C: Constant (Over 70%) N/A: Not Applicable
Sitting
N/A
Standing
C
Walking
F
Driving
N/A
Hearing
C
Seeing
C
Lifting
F - 50 lbs.
Carrying
F - 30 lbs.
Talking
F
ClimbingStairs/ Ladders
O
Bending/ Twisting at waist
F
Kneeling/Squatting
O
Crouching/Kneeling
O
Crawling
S
Reaching above shoulder
O
Repetitive Arm/ Hand Motion
C
Handling/ Grasping
C
Fine Finger Manipulation
C
Pushing/Pulling
F - 200 lbs.
Foot controls/Driving
N/A
Environmental Conditions:
• This position works in a building shared with production facilities is constantly exposed to wheat flour dust and other grain dusts (rye, corn, oat).
• This position walks up to the equivalent of two miles per shift. This position stands for 100% of the shift worked.
• This position works in warm environments
It is understood that this does not constitute an exhaustive list of the duties and responsibilities of the Baker Lead position but is offered as a general guideline of minimum essential expectations involved in this position.
Grand Central Bakery ignited a bread revolution in 1989 by introducing rustic artisan loaves to Northwest tables. Values are at the heart of our company and sustainability touches everything we do - from where we buy ingredients to how we care for our employees and invest in our communities. A Certified B Corporation, Grand Central Bakery is part of a global movement of organizations using business as a force for good.

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