Service Technician 1

34 Columbia Gas of Ohio Inc; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 72,000 - 79,000; Full time

Job summary

NiSource in Columbus, Ohio, is seeking an entry-level Service Technician. This role offers a clear progression to Service Technician 2 after two years with the required training and Operator Qualifications.

You will install and remove gas meters, test lines for leaks, and assist with leaks and gas odor issues. You will advise customers and respond to emergencies, including turning gas on/off and reading meters.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required.
• Ability to understand and apply mechanical principles with hand tools.
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Detail-oriented with ability to follow through on assignments with little or no supervision.
• Ability to prepare legible, complete orders.
• Must have a valid driver's license and a safe driving record.
• Must pass service physical capability assessments.

Responsibilities

• Install and remove gas meters, meter settings, and regulators.
• Inspect and test service and house lines for leaks.
• Advise plumbers and customers on service installations.
• Turn gas on/off for customers.
• Read meters and collect delinquent bills.
• Respond to emergency calls and work overtime as needed.
• Locate leaks using gas detection instruments.

Skills

Mechanical principles & hand tools

Customer service

Detail-oriented

Order preparation

Communication skills

Valid driver's license

Physical capability assessments

Education

High School Diploma

Job description

Job Summary

This is the entry level positioning within the Service Technician job family. This position includes a progression to Service Technician 2 after two years and the completion of necessary training and Operator Qualifications (OQs).

Essential Functions

Installs and removes gas meters, meter settings, and regulators; inspects and tests service and house lines for leaks. Uses test instruments as required to install, service, and adjust all gas appliances. Investigates gas service inquiries, such as no gas, leaks, gas odor, blowing gas, fires, explosions, and high bills. Advises plumbers, contractors, and prospective customers on service and house line installations. Will turn gas on/off for customers. Collects delinquent bills; reads meters; locates, cleans and repairs curb boxes. Uses pressure gauges to test for line leaks and gas detection instruments to locate leaks.

Required Qualifications

For Position High School Diploma

• Must have the ability to understand and apply mechanical principles and demonstrated skills in the use of hand tools.
• Must have strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated success in providing extraordinary customer service, particularly in situations where tact and diplomacy are needed.
• Must be detail-oriented and able to follow through on assignments with little or no direct supervision.
• Must be able to prepare legible, complete, and accurate orders.
• Must be able to understand oral and written communications.
• Must have a valid driver's license and a safe driving record.
• Must be able to pass applicable service physical capability assessments.

Job requires working in all weather conditions. All positions must be able to respond to emergency calls and work scheduled and nonscheduled overtime. All positions are subject to applicable DOT (Department of Transportation) Anti-Drug and Alcohol Misuse Prevention Plan (AMPP) regulations. Successful candidates hired into Service responsible positions must complete Service Dept. training program and be able to pass all Service Technician testing within 12 months. Successful candidates must pass pre‑employment Attitude Assessment, Aptitude Testing, Physical Capability Assessment, Drug Screen, MVR (Motor Vehicle Record) screen and Background report. Candidate that do not meet any of these requirements will be removed from the process and notified when they are eligible to reapply. Successful candidates must abide by area specific living requirements.

Preferred Additional Qualifications

For Position Experience in the plumbing trade with natural gas experience and current OQ (Operator Qualification) plumbing qualifications preferred Experience reading/interpreting gauges and dials.

Physical Demands

The preceding description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required of the position. As a public utility, NiSource provides essential services to customers 24/7. Emergency needs can arise at various times throughout the year, including during storm season. Employees may be required to support emergency response efforts, which could include working outside normal hours or assisting with tasks outside of typical responsibilities.

Work Authorization

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States and must not require employer sponsorship now or in the future.

Workplace Connection

We value a workplace where everyone feels respected, included, and able to do their best work. We encourage open dialogue, value different perspectives, and work collaboratively with employees, customers, and partners. We recognize and respect the unique experiences people bring, including different backgrounds, cultures, and viewpoints. We treat others with professionalism and care, and we each play a part in creating a positive work environment.

Veteran Hiring & Inclusion

NiSource is proud to support veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses. We value the leadership, teamwork, and mission-focused experience the military community brings, and we are committed to providing an inclusive workplace with opportunities for professional growth and development.

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 also be considered for other roles that match your skills and experience.

ADA Accommodations

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

Safety Statement

Safety is a core value at NiSource. Employees are expected to follow safety requirements, report hazards, and help maintain a safe environment for themselves and their coworkers.

E-Verify

NiSource participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's E-Verify program. Please review the following notices regarding your rights and responsibilities under U.S. law. E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) Right to Work Poster (English and Spanish)

Salary Range*

$34.62 - $38.01

*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: 2026-10-01 Posting End Date (if applicable): Please note that the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.

At NiSource, you'll be part of the team serving nearly four million customers throughout the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic, who count on us to energize their homes and businesses. Whether speaking with customers by phone, analyzing financial data or installing new gas lines in a neighborhood, you’ll meet exciting challenges each day and make the most of your skills and talents. And you’ll be part of a company that was named by Forbes magazine as one of America’s Best Large Employers. We're looking for talent from all backgrounds. We invite candidates of all abilities to come as they are and do what they love. Through our years of successful growth, we’ve stayed true to our roots by making a difference in the lives of millions of our customers.

If you’re interested in joining an inclusive, innovative company that fosters opportunity for growth, NiSource might be the place for you.