Utility Planning Specialist - Entry Level

NiSource • Columbus, OH

22h • $62,000 - $86,800 • Hybrid

About The Position

At Columbia Gas, the New Business department is a catalyst for customer growth, infrastructure expansion, and operational excellence. The team collaborates closely with clients to deliver comprehensive utility solutions, specializing in planning and coordinating electric and gas services for various projects, including residential subdivisions, single-family homes, and commercial developments. By partnering with clients from concept to completion, the company ensures reliable and efficient utility infrastructure tailored to their needs. As a Utility Planning Specialist, this role plays a key part in delivering exceptional service and technical expertise to customers, managing the end-to-end execution of customer-requested utility work, and ensuring projects meet performance goals and regulatory standards. This opportunity is for individuals who are detail-oriented, customer-focused, and passionate about utility infrastructure, offering a chance to make a meaningful impact.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience
• 1+ year of customer service experience
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

• Call Center / Contact Center experience
• Utility experience

Responsibilities

• Research facilities and apply design standards to develop accurate plans for electric and gas services.
• Prepare pricing, invoicing, contracts, and manage order workflows from initiation to completion.
• Provide technical solutions and process insights that enable efficient installations for both customers and the company.
• Anticipate challenges, collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, and ensure timely in-service delivery.
• Deliver an outstanding customer experience that fosters trust and repeat business.
• Perform occasional field work related to the design and implementation of customer projects.
• Design and manage gas and electric service projects, including new installations, upgrades, and relocations.
• Review CAD drawings and prepare permits, easements, and related documentation for project execution.
• Assess customer needs to recommend solutions, ensure compliance with standards, and prepare contracts.
• Calculate technical requirements such as demand, pressure, and fuel utilization for accurate design.
• Build strong relationships with customers and stakeholders while providing exceptional service and technical guidance.
• Work outside normal work hours and perform tasks outside of normal responsibilities in support of emergency operations.

Benefits

• 8% annual bonus
• Equal employment opportunities in each of its companies to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, veteran status, disability, gender, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex (including pregnancy, lactation, childbirth or related medical conditions), genetic information, citizenship status, or any protected group status as defined by law.
• Reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process or to perform the essential functions of the position.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees