Apprentice 1st Period Hydro

Job Description

Job Description

Apprentice 1st Period Hydro

Work Location : Great Falls, MT

Pay range : Union Rate $35.62 per hour

Employment Status: Regular Full-time

External candidates apply at northwesternenergy.com

Internal candidates apply through iConnect.

About this position:

The Apprentice trains and works under the supervision of a Journeyman Operator/Maintenance position to develop the abilities and functions to perform labor, and operation/maintenance jobs. During their training, they will learn and progressively perform the responsibilities of the specific above mentioned operation/maintenance areas as qualified.

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 heath)
• Life Insurance (Company pays basic employee policy; spouse, dependent insurance also available)
• Tuition 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:

*These functions may be considered essential based on location and other factors.

• Perform those physical and mental requirements necessary to undertake a multi-step apprenticeship process designed to train the worker to safely and efficiently perform all aspects related to the operation/maintenance areas of the Hydro facilities. Communicate verbally and understand audible signals in emergency/safety situations
• Work together as a team member to safely and efficiently complete work activities
• Satisfactorily complete required programs to progress to qualified Journeyman status
• Respond from home to primary work location within 30 minutes during on call
• Safely perform individual lifts of parts, equipment, and supplies weighing up to 50 lbs
• Adjusting to working schedules of 12 hour, 10 hour, and occasionally 8 hour shift rotations may be required in response to acute and/or planned service needs, including overtime, being called in on-call availability for holidays, evenings and weekends on short notice
• 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*
• 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*
• 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 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*
• Satisfy all program requirements to complete the Hydro apprenticeship program.
• Will be required to work on apprentice program materials on own time
• Perform routine operational tests and adjustments on all power plant systems and components as required*
• Have general knowledge and familiarity with mechanic's tools (hand and power tools), electrical tools, measuring equipment, and experience with troubleshooting mechanical and electrical problems.
• Maintain and update plant operating manuals, technical references, prints and diagrams and preventive/predictive maintenance records; develop and revise plant operation and maintenance procedures*
• 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 and the public; 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*
• This job description is not meant to be inclusive, and will include other reasonable work expectations as assigned*
• The ability to maintain regular, reliable, and punctual attendance is an essential function of this position, consistent with applicable laws and reasonable accommodation requirements
• 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
• Knowledge of applicable codes and safety
• Commitment to safe working practices and knowledge of safety policies/procedures
• Adapt to technological changes as they are implemented
• Must pass physical test to access all areas of the hydro plants including climbing ladders, confined & cramped, wet slippery, quarters and traveling rough terrain
• Get Into Energy - Energy Industry Fundamental 2.0 certification is a plus (click the link to certify at no cost)

Requisition #5044

Posting Dates: July 10, 2026 through July 23, 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 View phone number on ziprecruiter.com or at View email address on ziprecruiter.com .