First time set up of water heater

We bought our first TT last month and can't wait to use it now that it's warming up! I've flushed all the anti-freeze out, charged the battery, got the furnace going...but I can not remember how to get the hot water heater going...

I remember the tech at the dealer showing me something about screwing some long rod into the water heater before I light it??

There is also no pilot, on/off position, just two black, rubber buttons that say "reset" or something. Does anyone have the same set up?

Thanks!