Job Description

Operator Maintenance Journeyman

Work Location Ryan Dam/Great Falls, MT

Pay range Union Rate $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 operator/maintenance Journeyman is responsible for the safe maintenance and operation of hydro-electric power equipment at the Hydroelectric Dam Power stations. This includes the turbine generator, auxiliary and station ancillary equipment, housekeeping at associated facilities, stream flow management and documentation, line switching and proper clearance procedures. Maintenance of all powerhouse, dam, and recreation facilities is also required. The individual must ensure compliance with all applicable federal and state regulations related to the operation and maintenance of the project as well as safe work practices and public safety.

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 power plant in a safe, reliable, and compliant manner
• Comply and follow all site safety requirements and procedures
• Identify safety hazards and take corrective actions as necessary
• 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
• 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; this includes providing feedback to production teams and operators
• Issue Lockout/Tagouts as required
• Maintain accurate operating logs, records, time sheets, work orders and other administrative documents related to the power plant; complete any other required paperwork, 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 preventive and predictive maintenance duties on all major equipment and systems as well as emergency backup systems
• Assist with the assembly, disassembly, repair, and adjustments of all mechanical equipment
• Perform and maintain housekeeping standards and duties including sweeping, mopping, taking out trash, shoveling snow
• Work overtime including on-call availability for evenings and weekends -especially in response to acute service needs
• Perform math skills sufficient to account for water flow, generation, etc
• Have a good understanding of plant computerized automation.
• Working knowledge of AC and DC equipment
• Working knowledge of dams and related equipment.
• Safely perform individual lifts of parts, equipment, and supplies weighing up to a maximum of 50 pounds
• 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
• Commitment to safe working practices and knowledge of safety policies/procedures
• Working knowledge of rotating electrical and mechanical equipment
• Demonstrate knowledge of protective relaying and control devices and computerized automation
• 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
• Electrical experience or familiarity with troubleshooting electrical systems and components preferred
• Get Into Energy - Energy Industry Fundamental 2.0 certification is a plus (click the link to certify at no cost)

Requisition #4871

Posting Dates: March 13, 2026 through March 27, 2026

Department/Division: Energy Supply

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