Hydro Plant Foreman

Hydro Plant Foreman

Work Location: Ennis, MT / Madison Dam

Pay range: Union Rate $59.39 per hour

Employment Status: Regular Full-time

External candidates apply at northwesternenergy.com

Internal candidates apply through iConnect.

About this position:

The Hydro Foreman leads dispatching and operation activities and personnel, ensuring that all standard operating, compliance and safety procedures are followed, and that optimum hydro generation performance capabilities are maintained. The Foreman works with multiple stakeholders to balance the needs of the plant within it's operating area.

The Foreman plans, organizes, and directs work to be completed. The Foreman receives direction from the Superintendent of remote plants.

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)


• 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.

About this job:

• Plan, organize, and direct work


• Order parts, scan invoices, and complete other computer or paperwork related tasks


• Ensure completion of work to minimize out of service time of any piece of equipment


• Perform all work as requested by Superintendent


• Work overtime including evenings and weekends in response to acute service needs


• Travel away from home area and stay overnight on occasion


• Supervise personnel to ensure that their performance results in maximum safe and efficient operation of plants consistent with accepted practices, procedures and the Hydro Generation business plan


• Coordinate generating plant maintenance activities to ensure compatibility with plant operating conditions


• Coordinate transmission line switching and maintenance activities to maintain customer reliability, and system stability. Report the status of plant equipment and operations, including communication and computer-control systems to the Superintendent on a regular basis


• Review turn over sheets and log sheet entries to identify problems and ensure that specified plant parameters are maintained by all shifts


• Review all operator/maintenance time sheets to ensure accuracy and conformance with the union contract. Summarize all overtime and justify all overtime hours to the Superintendent. Review performance evaluations for all operators, ensuring objectivity and consistency


• Adjust operations shift schedules as required, to maintain a balance in crew experience levels. Coordinate with training to maintain an on-going training program to promote flexibility and efficient coverage of shift assignments


• Ensure compliance with all Federal, State and Local Regulations specific to plant location. This includes FERC license requirements and public safety, Montana DEQ, SPCC, etc


• Assist the Superintendent in the preparation of necessary reports, budgets and schedules, as required


• It is understood that this list of major duties and responsibilities is not an inclusive list and that other duties and responsibilities, which may include helping others in the same or different department(s), may be assigned by supervision


• Have general working knowledge of AC and DC equipment


• Perform individual lifts and manipulate equipment weighing up to 70 pounds


• Drive to other facility locations


• Organize equipment and perform regular and preventative maintenance


• Overall working knowledge, understanding and experience with all hydroelectric generating plant system operations. Must be able to communicate and supervise personnel in proper operation procedures. Must be able to organize, schedule, direct and evaluate the work of others and coordinate with all aspects of NorthWestern Energy, marketing and trading and regional system operations


• 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:

• A strong commitment to safety, leadership and accountability.


• High School diploma or equivalent


• Working knowledge of rotating electrical and mechanical equipment and mechanical diagrams


• 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


• Demonstrate and maintain a good safety record


• Valid driver's license and satisfactory driving record


• The ability to effectively lead and develop employees.


• Strong conflict resolution, coaching, and communication skills.


• The ability to build effective working relationships across departments.


• Proven ability to resolve conflicts, address personnel issues appropriately, and maintain professional working relationships.


• Minimum of 1 year experience in a Foreman 1 position with consistent performance of meeting expectations in order to promote to a Foreman 2


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

Requisition #5054

Posting Dates: September 1, 2026 through September 15, 2026

Department/Division: Energy Supply - Hydro

Employment Physical: Required

Drug Test: Required

Background Check: Required

Relocation Benefit: Negotiable

Telecommuting: None