Craftsman 1st Class Pipeline Welder

Craftsman 1st Class Pipeline Welder

Work Location: Deer Lodge, MT

Pay range: $26.73 to $45.00 per hour

Employment Status: Regular Full-time

External candidates apply at northwesternenergy.com

Internal candidates apply through iConnect.

About this position:

The Craftsman 1st Class Pipeline Welder will be responsible for welding, fabrication, and various assigned tasks, including general labor, pipe bending, tapping, and stopping work on high-pressure transmission pipelines and related facilities, such as compressor stations and city gate stations. In some cases, duties may also include welding on low-pressure production lines and facilities, as well as gas distribution pipelines and associated infrastructure.

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)


• Continued 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.

About this job:

• Will be expected to successfully complete both the butt weld and full size branch-connection weld on 12 ¾ " pipe in accordance with API 1104 requirements. Requalification will occur every six months


• Complete an in-service qualification test in accordance with API 1104 Appendix B utilizing E7018 electrodes


• Possess the welding skills and experience necessary to make welds acceptable to the levels established by the API Standard 1104 - Welding of Pipelines and Related Facilities. Craftsman's welds will be subject to non-destructive testing (radiography) to establish soundness


• Weld repair sleeves, pressure control fittings or hot tap fittings onto high-pressure transmission pipelines while in service is required.


• Perform all labor-type duties assigned such as; shoveling, coating (tape, wax, epoxy) pipe, loading and unloading material, filling and placing sandbags under pipe, pouring concrete, installing and tightening flange bolts and other work required to complete construction and maintenance activities on the gas transmission system


• Work in stressful situations, managing multiple projects with conflicting goals under strict deadlines


• Communicate regularly with other departments, groups, and staff within the organization to achieve organizational goals


• Have a high level for detail, including tracking material instillation and ensuring proper documentation processes are completed


• Have a high level of safety awareness in the shop, field and able to communicate effectively with all associates


• Must be able to lift up to 30 pounds regularly and up to 50 pounds occasionally


• Must live within 45 minutes of the assigned work location in Deer Lodge, Montana


• Overtime up to 500 hours a year may be required


• Craftsman must respond to call-outs for any pipeline related emergencies on a 24/7 basis


• Extensive travel away from home, up to 100% of the time within all NorthWestern Energy operating areas


• All NorthWestern Energy employees are required to adhere to company safety standards and the Code of Business Conduct & Ethics


• Demonstrates leadership consistent with NorthWestern Energy's code, values, policies, processes and controls


• 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


• 5 years of experience in natural gas or oil pipeline construction or fabrication is desired


• Ability to build good working relationships within workgroup, engineering, supervisors, and others.


• Ability to perform work primarily outdoors during all times of the year


• Craftsman position subject to all shop, field and weather hazards including: smoke, grinding dust, loud noises, open flames, welding arcs, hot and cold outdoor temperatures


• Must possess a valid Montana driver's license. Required to have or be able to obtain a Montana State Commercial Driver's License (CDL)


• Must be physically fit and flexible enough to perform pipe welds in various positions. Requires bending and twisting to successfully perform welds


• Get Into Energy - Energy Industry Fundamental 2.0 certification is a plus (click the link to certify at no cost)

Requisition #4934

Posting Dates: February 6, 2025 through Open until filled

Department/Division: Gas Transmission and Storage

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.