What are the responsibilities and job description for the Ground Worker Electric position at Northwestern Energy?
Ground Worker Electric
Work Location: Great Falls, MT
Pay range: $36.03 per hour per the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA)
Employment Status: Seasonal Full-time (layoff expected December 31, 2026, subject to recall the following spring)
External candidates apply at northwesternenergy.com
Internal candidates apply through iConnect.
About this position:
The Ground Worker Electric performs various manual labor and equipment operation tasks to assist the Lineman crew to install, maintain, and service the electrical distribution/transmission system. This is an entry-level position that may be used to prepare the worker for entry into a Lineman Apprenticeship. The Ground Worker Electric may be called upon in emergency situations.
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:
- Communicate verbally and understand audible signals in emergency/safety situations and in general to assist in keeping worksite area safe
- Assist line crews to install, maintain, and service the electric power-line transmission system
- Observe and perform safe practices for operating in the vicinity of crews working on potentially hazardous electrified equipment
- Organize, restock, and perform basic preventative maintenance on equipment, trucks and shop
- Use hand tools and operate heavy equipment to dig ditches and pole holes
- Work overtime including call out availability for evening and weekend shifts-especially in response to acute service needs
- Follow directions from crew members
- Work as a team member to safely and efficiently complete work activities
- Use problem-solving skills and initiative to foresee equipment needs of the crew and to identify and alert the crew to potential safety concerns
- Tie specific knots and use blocks, tackles, pulleys and hand lines
- Adapt to technological changes as they are implemented*
- Organize and perform regular and preventative maintenance on equipment
- Interact with the public appropriately to maintain safety on work site
- Perform individual lift of equipment weighing up to 75 pounds
- 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
- Certification from a qualified pre apprentice training program a plus
- Valid Commercial Driver's License and satisfactory driving record
- First Aid/CPR Certification
- Knowledge of applicable codes and safety policies/procedures
- Looking for candidates with interest/aptitude potential to move into apprenticeship
- Continued employment dependent upon overall performance and success in moving into the apprenticeship program
- 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
- Get Into Energy - Energy Industry Fundamental 2.0 certification is a plus (click the link to certify at no cost)
Requisition #5049
Posting Dates: July 30, 2026 through August 13, 2026
Department/Division: Distribution Operations
Employment Physical: Required
Drug Test: Required
Background Check: Required
Relocation Benefit: None
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
Salary : $36