Job SummaryThis position will oversee the electric line organization and electric transmission vegetation management to ensure safe, reliable, cost-effective, and operationally efficient delivery of electric service. The role provides leadership across line operations, system maintenance, emergency response, and vegetation programs that directly support transmission reliability, regulatory compliance, public safety, and customer satisfaction.
The Director leads multiple departments, including line operations and the Vegetation Management organization, and is responsible for directing managers and teams to deliver consistent performance, effective contractor oversight, and disciplined financial management. The role ensures adequate resources are in place to support emergency and storm response efforts aimed at reducing customer interruptions as measured by CAIDI, SAIFI, and SAIDI.
This position drives optimal spans of control, promotes consistency and collaboration across operational functions, and reduces costs through shared resources, standardized tools, and effective planning. The Director is ultimately accountable for managing operational and regulatory risk, developing and executing electric line and vegetation strategies, and ensuring company assets are utilized in alignment with corporate goals of providing safe, reliable, and low cost service to customers.
Essential FunctionsProvides leadership and direction for electric line operations and electric transmission vegetation management activities, both in-house and contracted.
Leads and directs management teams, including the Manager of Vegetation Management and their team, ensure alignment with operational priorities, performance expectations, and strategic objectives.
Ensures electric infrastructure and associated vegetation programs are maintained in a safe, reliable, and compliant manner.
Ensures that contracted electric crews during restoration efforts are of quality craftsmanship per NIPSCO engineering standards
Oversees contracted crews performing line and vegetation work to ensure quality workmanship, safety performance, and compliance with engineering standards, regulatory requirements, and internal specifications
Develops and executes operational strategies that integrate line operations and transmission vegetation management to improve system reliability and reduce outage risk
Ensures adequate staffing, contractor resources, and materials are available to support daily operations and emergency/storm restoration efforts
Supports enterprise initiatives and additional projects as assigned
Builds strong partnerships with internal departments and external stakeholders to support operational coordination, regulatory engagement, and system reliability
Directs investigation and resolution of customer complaints, claims, and contractor safety incidents related to line and vegetation activities
Ensures compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, including state utility line locating requirements and electric transmission vegetation standards
Analyzes outage events, system performance data, and vegetation related risks to improve restoration response and reduce future interruptions
Manages Operations & Maintenance (O&M) and Capital budgets, including forecasting, cost control, and adherence to approved financial plans
Oversees work planning, scheduling, and quality control processes to ensure work is completed safely, efficiently, and on time
Oversees contractor selection, bid processes, contract administration, performance evaluations, compliance audits, and invoice approvals
Develops leaders and teams through coaching, performance management, training, and succession planning to support a lean and effective organization
Makes sound decisions based on customer satisfaction, economic value, and safety of field personnel
Directs problem solving in the field with respect to system operational difficulties
Establishes and directs performance metrics for line operations and vegetation programs; uses data to drive accountability, continuous improvement, and cost effectiveness
Provides strong leadership, employee development/training, and team building opportunities to maintain self-directed work teams in a lean operations environment
Communicates key operational, financial, and strategic matters to the Vice President of Power Delivery
Promotes the use of enabling technology, systems, and data tools to improve operational visibility, planning, and execution
Makes final operational decisions within assigned scope to balance safety, reliability, cost, and customer impact. Required Qualifications For PositionBachelor's Degree in a quantitative discipline or equivalent experience 7-9 years 7 years work experience in the utility industry
Prior experience proactively managing managers and multi-layered operational teams.
Proven experience developing effective self-directed work teams. Demonstrated understanding of the fundamentals of the electric industry, including transmission and distribution systems.
Strong analytical skills with experience managing performance metrics and operational data
Demonstrated ability to identify and address strategic, operational, and organizational challenges
Proven success in establishing and managing a lean staff in a fast-paced and ever-changing energy market environment.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Demonstrated integrity, accountability, attention to detail, and effective follow through
Demonstrated ability to effectively interact with all organizational levels
Knowledge and experience with the operation and maintenance of all high voltage equipment and distribution and transmission systems and associated voltages
Knowledge of proper tools and equipment required to complete various tasks for electric line maintenance
Ability to manage O&M and Capital Budgets
Knowledge of Cascade Maintenance Management System
Knowledge of Electric System Emergency and Storm Restoration plans
Ability to direct in the restoration of the electric system following major interruptions
Demonstrated ability to lead diverse departments with differing technical functions through direct and indirect leadership Preferred Additional Qualifications for Position Experience working on project teams
Previous experience providing oversight of electric transmission vegetation management or line clearance programs
Familiarity with Integrated Vegetation Management (IVM) principles and contractor based vegetation programs
Experience overseeing contractor safety, compliance, and performance in a field operations environment
Experience working on cross functional or enterprise level initiatives
Familiarity with GIS or web based systems used to manage vegetation or asset programs
Professional credentials such as ISA Certified Arborist, Utility Specialist endorsement, Indiana Pesticide License, or PMP (preferred, not required)
Previous leadership experience managing represented employees Physical DemandsStanding - Frequently
Walking - Frequently
Sitting - Frequently
Lifting - Frequently
Carrying - Occasionally
Pushing - Occasionally
Pulling - Occasionally
Climbing - Occasionally
Balancing - Rarely
Stooping - Rarely
Kneeling - Rarely
Crouching - Rarely
Crawling - Rarely
Reaching - Rarely
Handling - Rarely
Grasping - Rarely
Feeling - Frequently
Talking - Frequently
Hearing - Constantly
Repetitive Motions - Frequently
Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination - Constantly 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 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 OneHR@nisource.com 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*:
$160,100.00 - $240,100.00
*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:
2026-03-19
Posting End Date (if applicable):
2026-03-23
Please note that the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.