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Operator Maintenance Journeyman

Northwestern Energy
Great Falls, United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 13 Mar 2026
💰 $104,000/yr

About the role

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

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Company

Northwestern Energy

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