Based in St. Louis, Core & Main is a leader in advancing reliable infrastructure™ with local service, nationwide®. As a specialty distributor with a focus on water, wastewater, storm drainage and fire protection products and related services, Core & Main provides solutions to municipalities, private water companies and professional contractors across municipal, non-residential and residential end markets, nationwide. With over 370 locations across the U.S., the company provides its customers local expertise backed by a national supply chain. Core & Main’s 5,700 associates are committed to helping their communities thrive with safe and reliable infrastructure. Visit coreandmain.com to learn more.

Smart Utility/Meter Trainee Program (12-month entry level) for recent college grads (2024, 2025 or 2026) 

Starts: June 8th, 2026

Remote: Must live in the Central Valley (company provided Truck after 90 days)

Program Details 

The Meter Trainee Program is a 12‑month, structured development program within the Metering Business Division (AMR/AMI) at Core & Main. The program is designed to develop future leaders who support utility customers through metering technology, software, and managed services to prepare you for a long‑term career as a Meter Specialist or related Smart Utility role within the organization.

This is a high‑touch, well‑supported program with strong leadership, consistent messaging, and an average 80% retention rate.

Meter Trainee / Smart Utility Trainee Program Overview

Key highlights:

• One‑year immersive program combining classroom learning, field exposure, and real‑world projects
• Assignment to a dedicated mentor (“Anchor”) in the field
• Exposure to both technical and customer‑facing aspects of metering and smart utility solutions
• Program culminates in a final project presented to leadership
• Graduates are placed into full‑time Meter Specialist or related roles upon successful completion 

Compensation & Benefits

• Base salary: $70,304.00
• Graduation bonus: $2,500
• Company vehicle included (after 90 day waiting period and clean driving record)

Program Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (4‑year degree required)
• Willingness to travel and engage in field‑based learning
• Professional demeanor and business‑casual attire expected

Requirements:

• Less than 2 years of professional experience (excluding internships)
• Flexibility for 60-70% travel within territory
• Recently completed a Bachelor’s 
• Knowledge of technology and Microsoft applications

Benefits:

• Medical with 100% preventative care coverage
• Health Savings Account
• Dental and Vision
• 401K
• Tuition Reimbursement and Tuition Grants
• Continued learning opportunities through our onsite training facility and extensive online learning catalog

Program Start & Kickoff

• Program length: 12 months
• Kickoff: June 8, 2026
• Location: St. Louis
• Travel: Fly in Monday, fly out Thursday (company covered)

Training & Structure

• All trainees report directly to the program leader, ensuring consistent training, expectations, and support
• Each trainee is paired with a Field Mentor (“Anchor”) for hands‑on learning
• Trainees are assigned responsibility for a specific meter brand
• First 3 months are highly structured, similar to a boot camp
• Ongoing development is guided by mentor feedback and regular check‑ins
• Trainees attend industry trade shows and conferences

Role Focus & Career Development

• Trainees may lean more technical or more sales‑oriented, depending on strengths
• Hiring is based on personality, potential, and communication skills, not just engineering backgrounds
• The utility industry is stable, relationship‑driven, and collaborative
• Success is driven by understanding software, data, and billing platforms, not just selling hardware

Business Division Overview

• Metering (AMR/AMI) is a growth‑focused business where revenue is driven by software and managed services, not just meters
• Two primary divisions: 
  • Services & Repair 
  • Core Plus – Managed services where Core & Main operates and supports utility metering systems on behalf of customers

Core & Main is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Employment at Core & Main is based solely on a person’s merit and qualifications directly related to professional competence.  Core & Main does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, nationality, ancestry, age, disability, veteran status, pregnancy or related condition (including breastfeeding), affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, citizenship, or any other basis protected by law.

None of the questions in this application are intended to elicit information regarding any protected characteristics, nor imply any limitation, illegal preferences or discrimination based upon non-job-related information or protected characteristics.

For more information, please click here or visit https://www.eeoc.gov