Data Collection Driver

Data Collection Driver (SGL 3A)

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 (20192025); Best Places to Work in Arkansas (2020, 2023, 2025); Best Places to Work in Oklahoma (20222025); 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 Data Collection Driver (SGL 3A) based in either Weatherford or Lawton, Oklahoma.

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated, technically proficient, and safety-focused Data Collection Driver to operate specialized Advanced Leak Detection (Picarro or similar) vehicles used to collect highly sensitive natural gas leak detection and methane emissions data. This position plays a critical role in the pipeline integrity process by ensuring that leak detection information and associated GPS location data are accurately collected, verified, documented, and delivered for analysis and investigation.

The Data Collection Driver serves as a vital member of Summit Utilities' Advanced Leak Detection Program. The quality and accuracy of the data collected directly impact leak investigations, regulatory compliance, environmental stewardship, public safety, and operational decision-making. Because investigative teams rely on this information to identify, prioritize, and respond to potential natural gas leaks, precision, consistency, and attention to detail are essential.

This position requires exceptional concentration, technical aptitude, sound judgment, and a commitment to safety while operating sophisticated leak detection equipment during overnight hours under varying traffic, weather, roadway, and visibility conditions. The successful candidate demonstrates personal accountability, operational excellence, and an unwavering commitment to data integrity while ensuring compliance with all company policies and applicable regulatory requirements.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Operate specialized Advanced Leak Detection (Picarro or similar) vehicles during overnight operations to collect highly accurate natural gas leak detection and methane emissions data.
• Ensure accurate collection, validation, documentation, and management of critical natural gas leak detection data associated with GPS location information.
• Verify that all data collection parameters are properly configured prior to each survey to ensure system accuracy and proper calculation of leak detection information.
• Continuously monitor equipment performance throughout each shift to maintain the quality, reliability, and integrity of collected data.
• Review collected information for completeness, accuracy, consistency, and potential anomalies before submitting data for processing and investigation.
• Accurately document completed survey routes, operational activities, equipment performance, and field observations in accordance with company procedures.
• Perform routine inspections, troubleshooting, calibration verification, and minor maintenance of Advanced Leak Detection equipment to ensure operational readiness.
• Plan and execute assigned survey routes using mapping systems and existing drive information to maximize efficiency while ensuring complete data coverage.
• Exercise sound judgment when identifying operational conditions or equipment issues that could compromise data accuracy or employee safety.
• Communicate effectively with analysts, investigative personnel, supervisors, and other stakeholders regarding data discrepancies, equipment concerns, or operational issues requiring follow-up.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to leak detection technology, data quality, operational efficiency, and pipeline integrity.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, company, customer, and regulatory safety, environmental, and operational requirements, including applicable PHMSA, OSHA, DOT, and company standards.
• Maintain required records, documentation, certifications, and a valid driver's license while adhering to company vehicle safety requirements.
• Participate in required training, cross-training, and professional development activities to maintain technical proficiency and operational excellence.

Education and Work Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Zero (0) to two (2) years of experience in utility operations, leak survey, pipeline integrity, emissions monitoring, or a related technical field preferred.
• Experience operating specialized technical equipment or mobile data collection systems preferred.
• Experience operating commercial vehicles or driving extensively in varying roadway conditions preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Working knowledge of natural gas distribution or transmission operations preferred.
• Basic understanding of Advanced Leak Detection (Picarro or similar) technology preferred.
• Working knowledge of GPS data collection, mapping systems, and electronic documentation.
• Ability to recognize data inconsistencies and operational conditions requiring additional investigation.
• Strong understanding of vehicle safety, defensive driving practices, and operational risk awareness.
• Ability to make sound decisions while working independently in dynamic field environments.
• Demonstrated commitment to data integrity, operational accuracy, and public safety.
• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy.
• Demonstrated ability to collect, document, and manage critical operational data where accuracy directly impacts field investigations and public safety.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to evaluate technical information and identify inconsistencies requiring further investigation.
• Ability to work independently while exercising sound judgment and maintaining productivity.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Working knowledge of computers, mobile technology, electronic mapping systems, and data collection.
• Ability to safely operate sophisticated leak detection equipment while maintaining concentration during extended driving assignments.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety, accountability, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence.
• Ability to adapt to changing operational priorities, technology improvements, and business needs.
• Demonstrated commitment to Summit Utilities' Core Values (PEAKS).

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.