Gas Technician Apprentice - Eau Claire, WI

Are you looking for an exciting job where you can put your skills and talents to work at a company you can feel proud to be a part of? Do you want a workplace that will challenge you and offer you opportunities to learn and grow? A position at Xcel Energy could be just what you’re looking for.

We anticipate the need for one or more Apprentice Gas Technician(s) to be located at our Western Service Center location in Eau Claire, WI. 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 April 27, 2026, to May 18, 2026. Candidate skills and qualifications will be evaluated and, in conformity to union contract, appropriate step placement will be offered to a successful candidate.

Pay may also be adjusted in conformity with union contract, but in no case will it be less than the negotiated step minimum. Minimum apprentice pay levels as a percentage 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%

In this position, you will work as part of the gas construction, maintenance and operations crew.

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.

As a leading combination electricity and natural gas energy company, Xcel Energy offers a comprehensive portfolio of energy-related products and services to 3.4 million electricity and 1.9 million natural gas customers across eight Western and Midwestern states. At Xcel Energy, we strive to be the preferred and trusted provider of the energy our customers need. If you’re ready to be a part of something big, we invite you to join our team.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Individuals with a disability who need an accommodation to apply please contact us at recruiting@xcelenergy.com.

BargainingThe anticipated starting base pay for this position is: $31.52 to $52.53 per hourThis position is eligible for the following 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.

Deadline to Apply: 05/18/26

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