Job Description

Assistant Operator

Work Location Great Falls, MT / Black Eagle Dam

Pay rangeUnion Rate $39.52 to 52.69 per hour

Employment Status: Regular Full-time

External candidates apply at northwesternenergy.com

Internal candidates apply through iConnect

About this position:

The Hydro Assistant Operator is responsible for the safe operation of 3 Hydro Electric Power plants. This includes the turbine generator, auxiliary and station service equipment and associated transmission and distribution facilities, stream flow and transmission line energy accounting, line switching and proper clearance procedures. The Assistant Operator will be responsible for trouble shooting electrical and mechanical problems. This position will require working a 12 hour shift rotation when performing the relief duties in the Hydro System Operators position and working 10 hour shift when performing duties in the operations run position. An 8 hour shift may be required when performing maintenance duties. Relief work in both classifications will require working weekends and holidays on a 24 hour notice.

We offer great benefits:

NorthWestern Energy is a fully regulated electric and natural gas utility serving Montana, South Dakota and Nebraska. We employ over 1,600 amazing people and serve over 800,000 customers who are our neighbors in our communities. We are a top employer and offer competitive benefits, including:

• 401K with company match up to 4% and non-elective contribution up to 7%
• Healthcare and wellbeing programs, including dental and vision for you, your spouse and dependents, Health Savings Account (HSA), healthcare and dependent care flexible spending account (FSA)
• Employee Assistance Programs (Offering up to six free counseling sessions, per person, per issue, per year for employees, spouses and dependents to include financial health)
• Life Insurance (Company pays basic employee policy; spouse, dependent insurance also available)
• Continuing education reimbursement
• Competitive pay (Scheduled performance-based wage increases and annual incentive opportunities.)
• Paid company endorsed volunteer opportunities
• Paid parental leave
• Paid bereavement leave
• Paid training opportunities
• Paid time off starting on your first day, plus 11 paid holidays

Benefits may vary by position or as negotiated as part of a collective bargaining agreement.

About this job:

• All NorthWestern Energy employees are required to adhere to company safety standards and the Code of Business Conduct & Ethics
• Ensure all actions are consistent with NorthWestern Energy's values, mission, and strategic business objectives
• Perform all operations and maintain the GCC, and power plant in a safe, reliable, and compliant manner
• Calculate hourly, daily and monthly accounting of generation and water flows
• Relief of the Hydro System operator and the Great Falls area run position
• Switching orders for clearance procedures
• Operate plants by computerized equipment
• Coordinate off hour issues/callouts
• React and address alarms as necessary and diagnose plant issues
• Maintain good communication with operations, maintenance, engineering, and management
• Comply and follow all site safety requirements and procedures, including documented procedures and guidelines of external agencies
• Identify safety hazards and take corrective actions as necessary
• Respond to Control Center power generation requests
• Safely and efficiently operate plant control systems equipment
• Maintain power generation and safeguard station equipment during emergency situations
• Perform startup and shutdown of main plant components and auxiliaries
• Perform routine operational tests and adjustments on all power plant systems and components as required
• Insure compliance with all applicable Federal and State regulations related to the operation of the plants as well as safe work practices and public safety
• Maintain accurate operating logs, reports, records, time sheets, work orders and other administrative documents related to the power plants; complete any other required paper work, computer work, and documentation
• Maintain and update plant operating manuals, technical references, prints and diagrams and preventive/predictive maintenance records; develop and revise plant operation and maintenance procedures
• Perform and maintain housekeeping standards and duties including sweeping, mopping, taking out trash, shoveling snow and chopping ice by hand or with portable crane
• Conduct routine inspections of plant systems and equipment including reading and recording gauges and meters
• Investigate and trouble shoot problems with plant power generation including turbine control equipment and electrical and mechanical systems; provide follow-up reports/analysis as needed
• Represent NorthWestern Energy and interact effectively and responsibly with internal company employees and external agencies; includes providing feedback to production teams and operators
• Issue and perform Lockout/Tagouts as required
• Perform preventive and predictive maintenance duties on all major equipment and systems as well as emergency backup systems
• Adjusting to working schedules of 12 hour, 10 hour, and occasionally 8 hour shift rotations may be required, including overtime, being called in on-call availability for holidays, evenings and weekends on short notice
• Work overtime including on-call availability for evenings holidays and weekends
• This job description is not meant to be inclusive, and will include other reasonable work expectations as assigned
• Safely perform individual lifts of parts, equipment, and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds
• Respond from home to primary work location within 30 minutes maximum
• Adapt to technological changes as they are implemented
• Perform minor carpentry tasks and repairs
• Assist with the assemble, disassemble, repair, and adjust all types of mechanical equipment

Am I right for this job? Here's the success profile:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Must pass physical test to access all areas of the hydro plants, including climbing ladders, confined and cramped wet slippery quarters and traveling rough terrain
• Valid driver's license and satisfactory driving record
• Commitment to safe working practices and knowledge of safety policies/procedures
• Demonstrate and maintain a good safety record
• Have working knowledge of A.C. and D.C equipment; preferred
• Have a working knowledge of plant relaying and metering; preferred
• Get Into Energy - Energy Industry Fundamental 2.0 certification is a plus (click the link to certify at no cost)

Requisition #4909

Posting Dates: January 26, 2026 through February 9, 2026

Department/Division: Energy Supply/Hydro

Employment Physical: Required

Drug Test: Required

Background Check: Required

Relocation Benefit: Negotiable

Telecommuting: None

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information or any other protected class in accordance with applicable federal or state laws and statutes. In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act, should you have a disability that requires assistance and/or reasonable accommodation with the job application process, please contact the Human Resources department at 1-800-245-6977 or at job.inquiries@northwestern.com