Technician Operator
Work Location: Anaconda, MT
Pay range: Union Rate $37.49 to $50.21 per hour per the CBA
Technician Operator I - Pay Rate: $37.49
Entry-level operator position. High school diploma required, associate's degree in a related technical field or relevant technical certification preferred. Basic understanding of industrial systems (e.g.: meters, gauges, valves) and ability to operate simple tools and equipment (e.g.: flow rates, pressure readings).
Technician Operator II - Pay Rate: $46.87
Mid-level operator position. Must have high school diploma, 1 or more years of relevant Control Room Operator experience, and utility or company experience. An associate's degree or certification is preferred. Proficiency in operating and maintaining BOP and generating equipment, familiarity with regulatory compliance requirements (eg.: EPA, OSHA, NERC/FERC), and ability to interpret SCADA system data.
Technician Operator III - Pay Rate: $50.21
Mid-to senior level operator position. Must have high school diploma, 3 or more years of relevant Control Room Operator experience, and utility or company experience. An associate's degree or certification is preferred. Must have three years of DGGS operating experience or 3 years of similar experience with 2 years of DGGS experience.
Employment Status: Regular Full-time
External candidates apply at northwesternenergy.com
Internal candidates apply through iConnect.
About this position:
The Technician Operator primarily works in a Control Center environment and is responsible for monitoring engine emissions and performing daily inspections of the DGGS facility. The Technician Operator responds to alarms and takes appropriate corrective actions, performs plant shutdown and start-up procedures, and completes preventative and predictive maintenance.
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:
- Receive and respond to electrical and fuel dispatcher's orders and requests
- Operate controls to regulate the load on turbines, emissions, and fuel supply to maintain safe, reliable, and compliant conditions
- Perform shipping and receiving functions including loading, unloading, inventory auditing, and materials handling; issue, receive, and maintain inventory
- Perform emergency activities to maintain power generation and safeguard station equipment
- Report upset conditions or other anomalies in plant status to plant management
- Make entries in the operating log and approve and issue tagouts
- Perform all shift operations, including startup and shutdown of main plant components and auxiliaries
- Conduct routine inspection of plant facilities and equipment; provide status reports
- Comply with all site safety requirements and procedures
- Identify safety hazards and takes corrective actions as necessary
- Check daily consumption rates of chemicals, gases, fuels, water and other consumables; monitor inventories and initiate action to replenish when appropriate
- Perform electrical and mechanical inspections and trouble-shooting
- Investigate plant problems, incidents, accidents and unusual events; provide analyses, recommendations, reports, and appropriate follow-up plans
- Perform routine operational tests and adjustments on all power plant systems and components
- Develop, assist, and revise operations and maintenance related procedures
- Perform and maintain housekeeping standards and duties
- Lift up to 75 pounds from floor level to waist level on a minimal basis
- Perform routine preventive maintenance on all systems and equipment, support corrective maintenance efforts on equipment
- Work 12 hour rotating shift to support 24/7 plant operation
- Work overtime including evenings and weekends in response to acute service needs
- Operate snowplow, forklift and man lift
- Maintain accuracy of operating logs, records, time sheets, work orders and other administrative documents related to the power plant
- Acts as representative and routinely interface with various agencies and vendors, including Transmission Operators, Reliability Coordinators, and Scheduling Coordinators following their documented procedures and guidelines
- Train new employees
- Perform other duties as assigned
- 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
- Associate Degree in Instrumentation and Controls Technology, Power Plant Technology, Process Plant Technology or related Technical discipline or 4 years of experience in electrical power generation operations, maintenance or related experience
- Preferred Combustion Turbine Generator Control Room Operations and either Electrical or Mechanical maintenance experience
- Valid driver's license and satisfactory driving record
- Commitment to safe working practices and knowledge of safety policies and procedures
- Successfully complete an Operator Technician Novice Qualification within 6 months
Requisition #5009
Posting Dates: April 29, 2026 through May 13, 2026
Department/Division: Energy Supply - DGGS
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.
