Gas Technician Apprentice - Ironwood, MI

Northern States Power Co - WI; United States; On-site; USD 43,000 - 69,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Pharmacy Plan

Dental

Vision

Pension

401(k) plan

Vacation

Holidays

Transit programs

Job summary

Xcel Energy is hiring Apprentice Gas Technicians to support gas services and mains installation at our Ironwood, MI location. The role includes operating trenching equipment, plastic fusion, meters, and regulator work, with emphasis on safety and reliability.

The program offers progression through step pay levels and requires CDL within six months, along with field training and after-hours emergencies. Applicants should reside near the service area.

Qualifications

• High school graduate or equivalent.
• Commitment to successful participation and advancement in apprenticeship program.
• Must be able to use an assortment of hand tools and electrical diagnostic equipment.
• Must be committed to working safely and compliance with all company safety rules.
• Must be able to lift and maneuver up to 50 pounds.
• Must reside within 20-mile radius of assigned service center within the first 6 months of hire.
• Valid driver's license.
• Must meet driver qualification requirements as specified in FMCSR parts 382 and 391 and obtain a valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Class A within the first 6 months of hire.
• This position is subject to D.O.T. random drug and alcohol testing program.

Responsibilities

• Gas services and mains.
• Operate mechanical trenching/excavating equipment and related tools necessary to install gas mains and service.
• Plastic pipe fusion, service regulators, odorization, meter and regulation, tapping, operational surveys, customer priority work, fitting, knowledge and ability to respond to gas leak.
• Investigation/emergencies, gas leak repair, cathodic protection, locating, meter reading, valve maintenance and material handling.
• District regulator maintenance, instrument calibration, meter and large regulator sizing/maintenance/installation.

Skills

Excellent communication

Teamwork

Safety first

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Hand tools

Electrical diagnostic equipment

Job description

Xcel Energy (NASDAQ: XEL) is a leading energy provider and Fortune 500 company, dedicated to serving millions of electricity and natural gas customers across eight states: Minnesota, Colorado, Wisconsin, Michigan, North Dakota, South Dakota, New Mexico and Texas. We make energy work better for our customers, helping them thrive every day. That means always raising the bar - delivering better service and providing more reliable, resilient, and sustainable energy. Xcel Energy is a place where you’ll have opportunities to grow, expand your skills, and help lead the clean energy transition. We offer meaningful rewards, recognition, and support to help you build your career and make an impact - both on the job and beyond. Most importantly, it means you’ll be joining a company that knows employees are the driving force behind its success and is committed to helping you be your best.

We anticipate the need for one or more Apprentice Gas Technician(s) to be located at our Ironwood, MI location. The starting (Step 1-65%) rate of pay for this position is $31.52 hourly. The starting base Journeyman pay for this position is $52.53 hourly. The position will be posted for 15 Working Days from September 21, 2026, to October 9, 2026. Candidate skills and qualifications will be evaluated. Pay may also be adjusted in conformity with union contract, but in no case will it be less than the negotiated step minimum.

The anticipated starting base pay for this position is: $31.52 to $49.90 per hour.

Minimum Apprentice Pay Levels (as a % of base Journeyman Gas Technician pay)

• 1st Step: 60%
• 2nd Step: 65%
• 3rd Step: 70%
• 4th Step: 75%
• 5th Step: 80%
• 6th Step: 85%
• 7th Step: 90%
• 8th Step: 95%

Responsibilities

• Gas services and mains
• Operate mechanical trenching/excavating equipment and related tools necessary to install gas mains and service.
• Plastic pipe fusion, service regulators, odorization, meter and regulation, tapping, operational surveys, customer priority work, fitting, knowledge and ability to respond to gas leak (inside and outside).
• Investigation/emergencies, gas leak repair, cathodic protection, locating, meter reading, valve maintenance and material handling.
• District regulator maintenance, instrument calibration, meter and large regulator sizing/maintenance/installation.

Requirements

• High school graduate or equivalent.
• Commitment to successful participation and advancement in apprenticeship program.
• Must be able to use an assortment of hand tools and electrical diagnostic equipment.
• Must be committed to working safely and compliance with all company safety rules.
• Must be able to lift and maneuver up to 50 pounds.
• Must reside within 20-mile radius of assigned service center within the first 6 months of hire.
• Valid driver's license.
• Must meet driver qualification requirements as specified in FMCSR parts 382 and 391 and obtain a valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Class A within the first 6 months of hire.
• This position is subject to D.O.T. random drug and alcohol testing program.

Special Requirements

• Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships in a team-oriented environment.
• Must be certified in plastic fusion per Xcel Energy standards within the first 6 months of hire.
• Pass the Gas Respirator Qualifications test.
• Requires participation in after-hour emergency callouts in all kinds of weather conditions.

Preferred

• Additional education, such as a technical vocational or Associate’s degree, in gas utility construction.
• Experience in gas regulation and knowledge of gas appliances.
• Experience operating mechanical trenchers/excavating equipment.
• Experience operating electronic locating and testing equipment.
• Gas distribution construction or gas service experience.
• Direct customer contact experience.

Our culture is grounded in shared values and employee commitments that guide how we work, support one another, and grow together.

Our Values

• Connected
• Committed
• Trustworthy
• Safe

Our Employee Commitments

• Work that makes a difference
• A team you can count of Opportunities to grow
• Rewards that help you thrive

Xcel Energy provides job applicants reasonable accommodations for disabilities throughout the application process. If you are in need of an accommodation to complete the application process, now or at any time in the future, please complete the Applicant Accommodation Request Form.

Benefits

• Medical/Pharmacy Plan
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance
• Dependent Care Reimbursement Account
• Health Care Reimbursement Account
• Health Savings Account (HSA) (if enrolled in eligible health plan)
• Limited-Purpose FSA (if enrolled in eligible health plan and HSA)
• Short-term disability (STD)
• Long-term disability (LTD)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Fitness Center Reimbursement (if enrolled in eligible health plan)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Transit programs
• Employee recognition program
• Pension
• 401(k) plan
• Vacation
• Holidays
• Additional days off
• Sick Time
• Volunteer Paid Time Off (VPTO)

Benefit plans are subject to change and Xcel Energy has the right to end, suspend, or amend any of its plans, at any time, in whole or in part.

In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information including but not limited to dates of school attendance and graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

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You. Us. Together.

At Xcel Energy, we’re more than an energy company. We’re reinventing how we power communities. Redefining how we care for customers. Reaffirming our commitment to the planet. We’re committed to leading with equity and inclusion. You’re not waiting for change – you’re creating it. You’re driven to protect the environment, support your community, and seek innovation. You want a career that grows with you and an employer who values you. You are reliable, trustworthy and bring integrity to everything you do. We are leading the way in clean energy. We’re using technology and innovation in every facet of our company. We’re providing safe, stable jobs with robust benefits. We keep our customers at the center of all we do.

We’re committed to hiring a workforce that reflects the communities we serve. Together, we can provide carbon‑free electricity by 2050. Together, we can take care of the environment and our communities. Together, we can create a place where everyone belongs. Together we’re building a better tomorrow.