Job Summary

The Damage Prevention Specialist II is to develop partnerships and deliver effective programs that target frequent damagers in order to prevent damage to company-owned facilities.

Key Results:

Timely and effective in-person site visits, phone calls, texts or emails completed for 811 tickets deemed to be the most high risk

Accurate interpretation and timely documentation of actions taken on high risk tickets

Quantity of field educational outreach events completed

Effectiveness of presentation/facilitation/delivery of educational outreach events

Reduction of damage incidents per 1000 given assigned geography

Quantity of field educational outreach events completed

Effectiveness of presentation/facilitation/delivery of educational outreach events

Quality and effectiveness of educational outreach programs (delivery of multiple events over time) with municipalities, excavators, locators, and the general public

Improvement in contracted locator performance where targeted efforts and partnership have occurred

Reduction of damage incidents per 1000 reduction given targeted partnerships (municipalities, excavators, locators and the general public)

Essential Functions

• Outreach and Education

• Operate as the company subject-matter expert in damage prevention within assigned geography for public safety, employee safety and continuity of service for customers

• Maintain knowledge of and effectively communicate safe digging laws, best practices and the impact of hitting company-owned facilities

• Promote the current state digging laws and the locate request process with various excavators, developers, other digging contractors and associated resources

• Prioritize and conduct frequent job site visits, navigating a wide variety of ground territory, to speak directly with and advise various excavators, developers, digging contractors, and project owners

• Make judgment-based decisions related to evaluating one-call legislation compliance, if and when to notify emergency responders, issuing stop work orders, and addressing safety concerns in a fast-paced environment

• Plan, participate in, and document local pre-construction meetings and stand-by on high risk construction projects to ensure that facilities are accurately located and that proper steps are taken by the contractor to protect all facilities

• Deliver and facilitate educational outreach programs for high risk / frequent damagers such as municipalities, excavators, locators and the general public relative to policy, procedures, and state one-call laws

• Influence repeat damage offenders to change their behavior and turn their attention to safe digging practices

• Maintain a professional partnership with regulatory and municipal entities

• Short-Term Planning

• Assess daily high risk ticket volume and prioritize top site visits and contacts to make each day in order to prevent damages and promote safe digging practices

• Medium-Term Planning

• Drive the execution of the initiatives outlined in the integrated NiSource and state DP plan

• Build relationships and organize educational outreach programs for high risk / frequent damagers such as municipalities, excavators, locators and the general public relative to policy, procedures, and state one-call laws

• Locator Performance Management

• Conduct visual quality audits on locates to evaluate compliance with NiSource standards, and provide feedback and coaching when needed

• Liaison

• Proactively communicate and coordinate with NiSource operational partners to address high risks in the field, where DPS can’t personally make contact or visit the job site

• Facilitate one on one or group training sessions tailored to various internal/external audiences (contractors, public, other utilities, etc.) relative to policy, procedures, and state one-call laws

• Serve as a SME for public safety events (e.g. touch a truck, etc.), and lead the damage prevention discussions at safety and employee meetings

• Serve as conduit for best practices and effective actions within state, collaborating across states and with the COE, and compile recommendations for senior leadership as needed

• Documentation

• Document actions taken after responding to high risk tickets to aid in the evaluation of what actions were most effective in preventing damages

• Monitor mapping accuracy as compared to original job orders and report discrepancies back to engineering or mapping, through the creation of facility map revisions

Required Qualifications For Position

• High School Diploma or equivalent

• 1-3 years Minimum of two years of experience in utility operations, damage prevention, safety, or related field

• Experience delivering training, conducting formal presentations, and/or facilitating group meetings and events

• Knowledge of utility operations (i.e. gas, electric, construction, engineering)

• Subject matter expertise in gas and/or electric standards

• Knowledge and understanding of damage prevention plans at the NiSource and state level

• Awareness of NiSource’s vendor contract with locators

• Operator Qualified on locates

• Ability to read and interpret reports and make data based decisions

• Effective communication skills (written, oral, public speaking)

• Demonstrated ability to adjust messaging and approach to various audiences

• Willingness to be flexible, as needed

• Ability to prioritize and manage work

• Ability to influence others

• Willingness to travel outside of normal territory as business conditions require

• Self-reliant, self-directed

• Proficient in computer applications (i.e. Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

• Knowledge of utility operations (i.e. gas, electric, construction, engineering)

• Knowledge of gas and/or electric standards

• Knowledge and understanding of damage prevention plans at the NiSource and state level

• Knowledge of the damage prevention process (i.e. one call and safe digging laws)

Preferred Additional Qualifications for Position

• Associate's Degree or above

• Experience working on special projects

Work Authorization

Authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship.

Inclusion & Diversity

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 and take into consideration diversity within your Team/Customers and external work partners by valuing different world views, challenges, and cultures that represent 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.

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.

Salary Range*:

$60,200.00 - $101,900.00

*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:

2025-04-21

Posting End Date (if applicable):

2025-05-09

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.