Utility Planning Specialist - Entry Level to Lead

Valparaiso IN-Operating HQ April 18, 2026 Full Time Workday (Wd1 Instance)

Utility Planning Specialist - Entry Level to Lead

Full Time Perm

Way of Work: Hybrid - 3 days in-office

Location: Merrillville, Indiana, or any office located in Indiana provided adequate accommodations exist

Salary: $67,900 - $123,200, plus annual bonus

NiSource is one of the largest fully regulated utility companies in the U.S., serving millions of customers across six states. We’re more than an energy provider—we’re a team committed to innovation, inclusion, and growth. At NiSource, you’ll find a workplace that encourages collaboration, supports professional development, and empowers employees to make an impact.

At NIPSCO, our New Business department is a catalyst for customer growth, infrastructure expansion, and operational excellence.  

Our team collaborates closely with clients to deliver comprehensive utility solutions. We specialize in planning and coordinating electric and gas services for a variety of projects—whether it’s a residential subdivision, a single-family home, or a commercial development. By partnering with clients from concept to completion, we ensure reliable and efficient utility infrastructure tailored to their needs.

As a Utility Planning Specialist, you will play a key role in delivering exceptional service and technical expertise to our customers. In this role, you’ll manage the end-to-end execution of customer-requested utility work, ensuring projects meet performance goals and regulatory standards:

  • 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.

If you’re detail-oriented, customer-focused, and passionate about utility infrastructure, this is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact.


Your additional responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

  • 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.

You must possess the below minimum qualifications to be initially considered for this position. Preferred qualifications are in addition to the minimum requirements and are considered a plus factor in identifying top candidates.

Minimum Qualifications for all Utility Planning Specialists

  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience

  • Knowledge of gas and electric distribution work management principles

  • Basic knowledge of energy products, services, end-use applications

  • Strong communication and presentation skills

  • Strong customer service skills

  • Valid driver's license

  • Ability to travel, sometimes under short notice

Utility Planning Specialist ($62,000 - $86,800, plus 8% annual bonus)

  • 1+ year of experience working in the gas and electric utility space

Sr. Utility Planning Specialist ($69,900 - $105,000, plus 8% annual bonus)

  • 2+ years of experience working in the gas and electric utility space

Lead Utility Planning Specialist ($82,000 - $123,200, plus 10% annual bonus)

  • 4+ years of experience working in the gas and electric utility space

Preferred Qualifications

  • Prior New Business Specialist experience

  • Utility experience

Disclaimer

This description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required of the position

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As a public utility, NiSource is required to provide continuous service to customers at all times. To ensure we fulfill that obligation, employees may be required to work outside their normal work hours and perform tasks outside of their normal responsibilities in support of emergency operations.

Work Authorization

Authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship.

Workplace Connection
Value inclusion within your day to day responsibilities by respecting others perspectives/convictions, engaging others opinions, creating a safe environment where people, ideas, and opinions are valued within your Team/Customers and external partners.

Respect the unique lived experiences within your Team/Customers and external work partners by valuing different world views, challenges, and cultures that represents all walks of life and all backgrounds.

Treat others with respect and consideration. Actively participate in creating and contributing to a positive work environment.

Equal Employment Opportunity 
NiSource is committed to providing 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. Each employee is expected to abide by this principle.

By applying, you may be considered for other job opportunities. 

ADA Accommodations

If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process or to perform the essential functions of the position, please contact OneHR at [email protected] or 1-888-640-3320

Safety Statement
Promote a safe work environment by actively participating in all aspects of our employee safety program.  Report any unsafe conditions and take actions to prevent personal injuries.  Support our interdependent safety culture by ensuring the safety of your co-workers.  Stay focused on the task at hand and promote productivity through good work habits.

E-Verify

NiSource participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s E-Verify program. As part of this process, we provide the following notices to all job applicants: These documents inform you of your rights and responsibilities under U.S. law. You can view or download them using the links below:

Salary Range*:

$62,000.00 - $123,200.00

*The salary offered to a candidate is based on several factors including but not limited to the candidate’s skills, job-related knowledge, and relevant experience, as well as internal pay equity.

Posting Start Date:

2026-04-17

Posting End Date (if applicable):

2026-05-04

Please note that the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.

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How to Get Hired at NiSource

  • Act fast when a matching role appears — NiSource typically posts only 15-20 positions at a time across a 7,600-person organization, meaning openings are competitive and may close quickly once a qualified pool is assembled
  • Customize every application with exact language from NiSource's job posting, including utility-specific terms like 'regulated utility,' 'capital program,' 'rate case,' or 'pipeline integrity' to ensure Workday's keyword matching works in your favor
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