According to a news release, the company plans to fill 125 positions statewide on its construction and field operations teams. The openings include about 12 positions in eastern Ohio.

Columbia Gas plans to invest a total of $2 billion to upgrade nearly 4,000 miles of natural gas pipeline across its Ohio service territory over the next 25 years. According to a release from the gas company, the projects are estimated to have a $3.2 billion economic impact on the state of Ohio.

This year, the Columbus-based company is completing gas pipeline replacement projects in Alliance, Bellaire, East Liverpool, Salem, Steubenville and other communities in eastern Ohio.

"We have been working hard for more than two years to upgrade our natural gas distribution system with new infrastructure that will enhance safety and drive economic development," said Columbia Gas of Ohio President Jack Partridge. "As we ramp up our program, we will create more jobs at Columbia, as well as in the communities we serve through the use of contractors and the purchase of other services and materials."

Public Utilities Commission of Ohio Chairman Todd A. Snitchler said the commission is "pleased to see Columbia Gas of Ohio add new jobs as part of the company's ongoing effort to improve the safety and reliability of natural gas service."

Snitchler also said in the release that "the infrastructure investments approved by the PUCO will help stimulate the regional economy and ultimately lead to better service for customers."

Job openings include construction coordinator, field technician, service technician and field/service technician positions. For more information or to apply, qualified applicants are asked to visit www.nisource.jobs.