Assistant Operator

Northwestern Energy•Great Falls, MT

9d•$40 - $53•Onsite

About The Position

The Hydro Assistant Operator is responsible for the safe operation of 3 Hydro Electric Power plants. This includes the turbine generator, auxiliary and station service equipment and associated transmission and distribution facilities, stream flow and transmission line energy accounting, line switching and proper clearance procedures. The Assistant Operator will be responsible for trouble shooting electrical and mechanical problems. This position will require working a 12 hour shift rotation when performing the relief duties in the Hydro System Operators position and working 10 hour shift when performing duties in the operations run position. An 8 hour shift may be required when performing maintenance duties. Relief work in both classifications will require working weekends and holidays on a 24 hour notice. 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:

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent
Must pass physical test to access all areas of the hydro plants, including climbing ladders, confined and cramped wet slippery quarters and traveling rough terrain
Valid driver's license and satisfactory driving record
Commitment to safe working practices and knowledge of safety policies/procedures
Demonstrate and maintain a good safety record

Nice To Haves

Have working knowledge of A.C. and D.C equipment; preferred
Have a working knowledge of plant relaying and metering; preferred
Get Into Energy - Energy Industry Fundamental 2.0 certification is a plus (click the link to certify at no cost)

Responsibilities

Ensure all actions are consistent with NorthWestern Energy's values, mission, and strategic business objectives
Perform all operations and maintain the GCC, and power plant in a safe, reliable, and compliant manner
Calculate hourly, daily and monthly accounting of generation and water flows
Relief of the Hydro System operator and the Great Falls area run position
Switching orders for clearance procedures
Operate plants by computerized equipment
Coordinate off hour issues/callouts
React and address alarms as necessary and diagnose plant issues
Maintain good communication with operations, maintenance, engineering, and management
Comply and follow all site safety requirements and procedures, including documented procedures and guidelines of external agencies
Identify safety hazards and take corrective actions as necessary
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 routine operational tests and adjustments on all power plant systems and components as required
Insure compliance with all applicable Federal and State regulations related to the operation of the plants as well as safe work practices and public safety
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
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 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
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; 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
Adjusting to working schedules of 12 hour, 10 hour, and occasionally 8 hour shift rotations may be required, including overtime, being called in on-call availability for holidays, evenings and weekends on short notice
Work overtime including on-call availability for evenings holidays and weekends
Safely perform individual lifts of parts, equipment, and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds
Respond from home to primary work location within 30 minutes maximum
Adapt to technological changes as they are implemented
Perform minor carpentry tasks and repairs
Assist with the assemble, disassemble, repair, and adjust all types of mechanical equipment

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 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.