Apprentice 1st Period Hydro

Northwestern Energy • Great Falls, MT

10d • Onsite

About The 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.

Requirements

• 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

Nice To Haves

• Get Into Energy - Energy Industry Fundamental 2.0 certification is a plus

Responsibilities

• 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

Benefits

• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED