Hydro Compliance License Professional

NorthWestern Energy; Helena (MT); On-site; USD 57,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401K with company match up to 4%

Healthcare and wellbeing programs

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Employee Assistance Program

Life Insurance

Paid time off from day one

10 paid holidays

Job summary

NorthWestern Energy is seeking a Compliance License Specialist in Helena, MT area to support compliance activities related to FERC relicensing and water quality programs. You will work with field teams, agencies, and stakeholders to ensure regulatory permits and licenses are met.

The role requires a life sciences degree, 3+ years of related experience, field-work ability, and strong communication. Travel will be involved; safety and environmental stewardship are core expectations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in the life sciences (chemistry, biology, fisheries, etc.) required.
• 3 years of related work experience preferred.
• Experience conducting field work related to fisheries or water quality preferred.
• Knowledge of hydropower operations and their effect on regulated river systems preferred.
• Skills demonstrating ability to work with agency personnel and coworkers.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience using computerized maintenance management programs and reporting tools.
• Valid Driver's License and satisfactory driving record.
• First Aid/CPR Certification.

Responsibilities

• Conducts compliance activities safely and directs contractors to adhere to applicable safety requirements.
• Assists with fieldwork in and around hydroelectric facilities related to fisheries and water quality.
• Assists with studies, sampling and analysis and reporting required to comply with FERC license, state, and federal requirements and permits.
• Support and utilize NorthWestern Energy's environmental management system.
• Participate in Technical Advisory Committees (TAC), as needed.
• Interface with state and federal agencies, tribes, private interest, conservation groups, and general public to effectively implement NorthWestern Energy license compliance activities.
• Prepare and submit compliance reports to meet regulatory, permit, and license requirements.
• Work as an effective member of a remote team and with significant travel between office, professional meetings with stakeholders and compliance projects across NorthWestern Energy's hydro system.
• Support NWE hydro construction projects or operational plans by required monitoring programs and insure compliance with state reporting requirements.
• Ability to lift at least 50 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.

Skills

Safety

Compliance

Communication

Field work

Hydropower knowledge

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor's degree in life sciences

Tools

CMMS

Reporting tools

Job description

Work Location : Helena, Butte, Missoula or Great Falls, MT

Pay range : $57,200 to $100,000 per year

Employment Status: Regular Full-time

About this position:

Under the direction of the Manger of Hydro License Compliance, the Compliance License Specialist is primarily responsible for supporting compliance activities related to FERC relicensing and other regulatory requirements related to fisheries, wildlife or water quality.

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 Program (Offering up to six free counseling sessions, per person, per issue, per year for employees, spouses and dependents)
• Life Insurance (Company pays basic employee policy; spouse, dependent insurance also available)
• Competitive pay (Scheduled performance-based wage increases and annual incentive opportunities.)
• Paid company endorsed volunteer opportunities
• Paid training opportunities
• Paid time off starting on your first day, plus 10 paid holidays

Benefits may vary by position or as negotiated as part of a collective bargaining agreement.

About this job:

• Conducts compliance activities safely and directs contractors to adhere to applicable safety requirements
• Assists with fieldwork in and around hydroelectric facilities related to fisheries and water quality
• Assists with studies, sampling and analysis and reporting required to comply with FERC license, state, and federal requirements and permits
• Support and utilize NorthWestern Energy's environmental management system
• Participate in Technical Advisory Committees (TAC), as needed
• Interface with state and federal agencies, tribes, private interest, conservation groups, and general public to effectively implement NorthWestern Energy license compliance activities
• Prepare and submit compliance reports to meet regulatory, permit, and license requirements.
• Work as an effective member of a remote team and with significant travel between office, professional meetings with stakeholders and compliance projects across NorthWestern Energy's hydro system.
• Support NWE hydro construction projects or operational plans by required monitoring programs and insure compliance with state reporting requirements
• Ability to lift at least 50 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
• Bachelor's degree in the life sciences (chemistry, biology, fisheries, etc.) required
• 3 years of related work experience preferred
• Experience conducting field work related to fisheries or water quality preferred
• Knowledge of hydropower operations and their effect on regulated river systems preferred.
• Skills that demonstrate the ability to work effectively with a broad range of agency personnel and coworkers.
• Must possess strong written and verbal communication skills
• Experience using computerized maintenance management programs and reporting tools
• Valid Driver's License and satisfactory driving record
• First Aid/CPR Certification

Requisition #5026

Posting Dates: October 14, 2026 through November 11, 2026

Employment Physical: Required

Drug Test: Required

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 [e-mail] .