Job Description

Hydro System Operator

Work Location Great Falls, MT / Rainbow Dam

Pay range Union Rate $55.92 per hour

Employment Status: Regular Full-time

External candidates apply at northwesternenergy.com

Internal candidates apply through iConnect

About this position:

The Hydro System Operator (HSO) is responsible for the safe operation of hydroelectric power plant equipment, including turbine generators, auxiliary and station ancillary equipment, associated transmission and distribution facilities, generation and river flows. This includes, but is not limited to issuing line clearances, understanding plant equipment clearances, communicating unit shutdowns and start up times, forecasting available generation according to unit availability and river flows, working with other business units pertaining to area load demands. This position is responsible for understanding and reacting to continuous changing river conditions and various plant alarms. The HSO will also be responsible for creating and updating reports and outage information daily.

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:

• Perform all operations and maintain the GCC in a safe, reliable, and compliant manner
• Calculate hourly, daily, and monthly accounting of generation and water flows
• Issue switching orders for line clearances
• Operate and monitor plants using computers/HMIs
• Coordinate alarms and callouts
• React and address alarms as necessary
• 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
• Maintain power generation and safeguard station equipment during emergency situations
• Assist in Investigating and troubleshooting 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; provide feedback to production teams and operators
• Ensure 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 paperwork, computer work, and documentation
• Maintain and update control room operating manuals and technical references.
• Perform and maintain housekeeping standards and duties including sweeping, mopping, taking out trash, and shoveling snow
• Work 12-hour shift rotation, including overtime, on-call availability for holidays, evenings and weekends
• Safely perform lifting and carrying requirements of parts and tools up to 30 pounds occasionally, not to exceed 50 pounds
• This job description is not meant to be inclusive, and will include other reasonable work expectations as assigned
• Maintain list of employees and vehicle radio numbers
• Adapt to technological changes as they are implemented
• Facilitate plant tours and monitor necessary sign in/out areas of control
• Communicate with local law and fire enforcement agencies
• May be required to fill-in for vacancies in the operator classification (GCC) when needed. (Available for overtime)
• 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

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

• Demonstrate and maintain a good safety record
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Valid driver's license and satisfactory driving record
• Power plant operations or power plant control room experience preferred
• Possess a working knowledge of hydro plant operations
• Commitment to safe working practices and knowledge of safety policies/procedures
• Have working knowledge of A.C. and D.C equipment
• 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 #4994

Posting Dates: April 1, 2026 through April 15, 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