Substation Electrician or Journeyman Lineman
Work Location: Butte, MT
Pay range: Journeyman Lineman Union Rate $58.01. Substation Electrician Union Rate $55.51. (Per CBA)
Employment Status: Regular Full-time
External candidates apply at northwesternenergy.com
Internal candidates apply through iConnect.
About this position:
The Substation Electrician or Substation Journeyman Lineman constructs and maintains substation electrical equipment. They work individually and/or closely with Substation Electricians, Lineman Transmission, Operators, and the Foreman. They may be required to function short-term as a Sub-Foreman with increased responsibilities for supervision, planning, completion of paperwork, and taking the lead for job 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
- 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:
- Understand audible signals and communicate verbally in order to maintain safety on worksite and during emergency situations
- Troubleshoot service issues related to substation electric systems and install, maintain, and service substation electrical systems and equipment
- Perform rubber gloving to safely work with low-voltage lines and equipment
- Erect steel to replace or increase size of substation structures as needed
- Install or repair transformers, breakers, re-closers, regulators, airbreak switches, hook-stick disconnects, and other substation equipment
- Utilize computers and/or test equipment to test transformers, breakers, and other substation equipment
- Utilize computers and software programs to document substations inspection results
- Operate heavy equipment including digger/derrick, cranes, skidsteers, forklifts, backhoes and bucket trucks
- Electrical equipment mineral oil sampling, processing and clean up which may include Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
- Work with SF6 gas used in electrical substation equipment
- Work overtime including participating in on-call as well as planned evening and weekend shifts; especially in response to acute service needs
- Assume leadership role in response to emergency situations
- Provide education and assistance to the electrician staff at those privately operated substations supported by NorthWestern Energy
- Act as a Sub-Foreman as needed
- Complete all documentation for project planning and completion
- Oversee all individuals within the worksite
- Must be able to individually lift and manipulate needed equipment weighing up to 75 pounds
- You must agree to live within an area approved by the company that allows for adequate response to our customers in call out and emergency situations
- Overnight travel up to 80%
- Drive to installation locations
- Adapt to technological changes as they are implemented
- Perform steel or aluminum welding as part of assembling substation steel structures and bus
- Assist in patrolling and maintaining facilities and lines
- Organize equipment and perform regular and preventative maintenance
- Assist in snow removal to maintain access within substation facilities
- Shovel dirt to back fill trenches for cable conduits
- Steel and Aluminum fabrication and welding experience is beneficial
- Ability to obtain a crane operator certification
- 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
- Journeyman Electrician or Journeyman Lineman
- Valid Commercial Driver's License or the ability to obtain a CDL with 6 months of hire and satisfactory driving record
- Knowledge of applicable codes and safety
- Must be ready and willing to act as a sub-foreman or foreman
- Get Into Energy - Energy Industry Fundamental 2.0 certification is a plus (click the link to certify at no cost)
Requisition #5008
Posting Dates: May 14, 2026 through May 28, 2026
Department/Division: Distribution Operations/Substations
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
