NiSource

Field Leader Electric Operations - ESSO

Merrillville IN-SLC Full time

Job Summary 
A Leader for Electric Operations, ESSO provides leadership to a team of employees and/or contractors directly responsible for supporting emergencies on the Transmission & Distribution Electric System, performing general dispatching and system switching for operational & maintenance tasks and the installation of asset improvements. They oversee the electric service territory and are expected to ensure safe, reliable, delivery of service to customers and communities. Field Leaders serve as role models for safe work practices. They also actively manage the development and training of employees to improve individual and team performance. Field Leaders are generally on call 24 hours a day to support operational activities and electric system emergencies, as necessary.  
 
Essential Functions 

  • Demonstrate Safety Leadership by promoting and assuring a safe working environment, as well as, helping to support the continued improvement of electric operations public safety. In addition, ensure all personnel perform safe work habits according to the NIPSCO’s Safety Manual.  

  • Provide leadership, direction, and performance coaching to the front-line workforce. Facilitate effective two-way communication, especially between front-line workers and the rest of the organization.  

  • Serve as a consistent and regular presence in the dispatch center providing leadership, direction, and feedback to the front-line employees.  

  • Actively manage the development, training, and evaluation of front-line workers to improve individual and team performance.  

  • Manage and enforce the terms in the Collective Bargaining Agreement (where applicable)  

  • Promote Operational Excellence by motivating, coaching, and developing staff to meet established objectives  

  • Create an environment in which front-line workers are actively involved in the spirit and steps of Continuous Improvement.  

  • Ensure optimal use of resources by supporting the development and driving the execution of the teams’ work plans along with proper management of Operating and Maintenance and Capital Budgets.  

  • Collaborate with and build strong working relationships with internal and external groups to coordinate work efforts.  

  • Ensures that work is completed according to company standards, regulations, processes, and procedures.  

  • Ensure employees effectively use tools and technology to complete their daily work.  

  • Cultivate and advance a diverse and inclusive environment.  

  • Convey a leadership image that is consistent with the organization's values, demonstrating the qualities, traits, and demeanor that commands leadership respect.  

  • Troubleshoot process systems, equipment failure/concerns, or inefficiencies when they occur.  

  • Respond to emergencies within the company’s established procedures, incident command system structure, and storm recovery structure.  

  • Ensures all personnel training is up to date and compliant.  

  • Must possess valid State Driver’s License and clean driving record, and clean driving record.  

 

 

Required Qualifications for Position 

  • High school diploma or equivalent. 

  • 4+ years of experience in the electric utility industry and/or background within a related utility, and skilled trades.  

  • Demonstrated Leadership experience  

  • Demonstrated knowledge and ability to quickly assess and make sound decisions in emergency situations  

  • Strong knowledge of on-the-job safety and compliance requirements  

  • Ability to motivate stakeholders with varying priorities to accomplish a common goal.  

  • Strong organizational and planning skills  

  • Ability to coach and develop employees  

  • Demonstrated ability to use a variety of technologies used for everyday tasks  

  • Knowledgeable of distribution and transmission line and substations (troubleshooting, maintenance, and operational activities)  

  • Understanding single line diagrams, engineering drawings, prints, and standards.  

  • Periodically assumes the duties of the department manager.  

  • Additional hours more than 40/week and a shift rotation 4 days on 4 days off (days and nights) will be required to meet expectations of this position  

  • Review, write and approve a proper switching order in accordance with NIPSCOs General Orders.  

  • Basic understanding of electrical concepts and theories.  

  • Responsible for directing their teams to meet CAIDI, SAIDI, SAIFI, ETR, and other customer commitment goals.  

  • Directs field damage assessment and restoration work for electric system outages.  

  • Work closely within the following software platforms; ITOA, NMS, NIMS, Salesforce, SAP, CIS, ESO1 and GIS  

  • Provides technical support and operational data to various operating, planning, and engineering groups to assist in the planning, installation, and operation of new equipment additions to the electric system with emphasis on future operational needs, system reliability, and safe switching practices.  

  • Assigns equipment designations for electric line switches, new and existing lines, and addresses special operating conditions within these areas.  

  • Monitors current electric system operating conditions using Network Management System (NMS) and other computer data-based systems, as they become available, for abnormalities affecting or having the potential to affect safety and/or system reliability.  

  • Works with Dispatcher -Operators and other operating groups to resolve these issues.  

  • Conducts frequent communications to keep abreast of construction progress and maintains close affiliation with all field operating personnel.  

  • Supervise and provides guidance to Dispatcher-Operators, addressing and resolving routine and emergency substation and line switching, electric system restoration, and outage evaluation issues.  

  • Communicates frequently with Leadership, Planning, Engineering, Substation, Construction, Technical Service, Local Operating personnel, and customer groups to address current and future operational and construction issues.  

  • Valid driver’s license. 

 

 

Preferred Additional Qualifications for Position 

  • Associate degree or bachelor's degree from an accredited institution  

  • additional relevant certifications such as: Project Management Professional, Certified Safety Professional, Professional Engineer Certification Upon Hire  
     
     
    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*:

$96,600.00 - $144,900.00

*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:

2026-05-08

Posting End Date (if applicable):

2026-05-22

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