Hydro Compliance Professional / Fisheries Biologist

NorthWestern Energy; Great Falls (MT); On-site; USD 76,000 - 129,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401K with company match

Health insurance

Education reimbursement

Paid time off

Volunteer opportunities

Job summary

NorthWestern Energy is seeking a Fisheries Biologist to ensure FERC license compliance for its hydro projects in the Great Falls area. The role involves monitoring fish populations, advising on wildlife and water quality considerations, and coordinating with contractors on compliance activities.

Applicants should have a master’s degree in biological sciences (fisheries preferred) or equivalent experience and strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• Requires master's degree in biological science (fisheries preferred) or equivalent years of experience.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience using computerized maintenance management programs and reporting tools.
• Valid Driver's License and satisfactory driving record.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with FERC license requirements related to fisheries and wildlife.
• Manage license compliance programs including population monitoring, movement, and species protection.
• Review fisheries and wildlife studies and reports to support hydro licenses.
• Provide technical assistance for FERC amendments and relicensing processes.
• Oversee contractors to implement compliance activities and report results.

Job description

• Pay range**: $76,400 to $129,000 per year
• Employment Status:** Regular Full-time

• Work Location**: Great Falls, MT
• Pay range**: $76,400 to $129,000 per year
• Employment Status:** Regular Full-time

About This Position

Under the direction of the Manager of Hydro License Compliance, this position is primarily responsible for ensuring that the company complies with FERC license and other regulatory requirements related to fisheries and associated resource management issues at NorthWestern Energy's hydroelectric projects. Also provides support for wildlife, water quality and recreation programs as they pertain to fisheries.

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 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.

About This Job

• Conducts compliance activities safely and directs contractors to adhere to applicable safety requirements.
• Manage License compliance programs including fishery population monitoring and movement, wildlife, genetic studies, and protection and recovery of threatened and endangered species.
• Assist in technical review of fisheries and wildlife studies, consultant reports, research reports, and professional journal publications required by or arising out of NorthWestern Energy's hydro licenses.
• Provide technical assistance for FERC license amendments and FERC relicensing process
• Supervise contractors and consultants to implement compliance activities and studies and to ensure adherence to company safety and environmental policies.
• Track and provide expertise to NWE management on emerging issues related to fisheries.
• Collaborate with operations on reservoir and flow management of the Missouri River (Fisheries Biologist only)
• Develop formal plans and implement hydro compliance activities required by FERC license and related state and federal permits with minimal guidance. Oversee and implement studies, sampling and analysis and reporting required to comply with FERC license, state, and federal requirements and permits
• Support and utilize NWE's environmental management system
• Facilitate Technical Advisory Committees (TAC) which direct the activities of the Protection, Mitigation, and Enhancement (P, M, & E) programs
• Interface with state and federal agencies, tribes, private interests, conservation groups, and public to effectively implement NorthWestern Energy license compliance activities
• Prepare and submit compliance reports to meet regulatory, permit, and license requirements.
• Prepare and manage annual and project budgets and contracts
• 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 NorthWestern Energy hydro construction projects or operational plans by overseeing or implementing required monitoring programs and ensure 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 objective

Am I right for this job? Here's the success profile:

• Demonstrate and maintain a good safety record
• Requires master's degree in biological science (fisheries preferred) or equivalent years of experience
• Experience with FERC requirements at hydroelectric projects 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
• Experience trailering and operating boats preferred
• First Aid/CPR Certification
• Commitment to safe working practices and knowledge of safety policies/procedures
• Get Into Energy -- Energy Industry Fundamental 2.0 certification is a plus

Requisition #5026

Posting Dates: June 15, 2026 through June 29, 2026

Department/Division: Planning, Development & Asset Management

Employment Physical: Required

Drug Test: Required

Background Check: Required

Relocation Benefit: Negotiable

Telecommuting: None