Production Worker

NorthWestern Energy; Missoula (MT); On-site; USD 50,006 - 59,236; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401K with company match

Healthcare and wellbeing programs

Paid time off starting on first day

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

NorthWestern Energy is offering a full-time seasonal position in Missoula, Montana. The job involves assisting the gas crew with installation and maintenance of gas distribution lines and responding to emergencies.

Compensation ranges between $36.30 and $43.00 per hour, based on experience. The position includes benefits like healthcare, retirement plans, and paid time off starting from your first day, plus other perks.

Applications are open until April 28, 2026. Apply at NorthWestern Energy's career portal.

Qualifications

• Must meet operator qualification standards for gas work.
• Valid Driver's License required; Commercial Driver's License preferred.
• Completion of HAZMAT programs within 6 months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Assist the gas crew to install and maintain gas distribution lines.
• Respond to emergencies involving natural gas.
• Safely operate heavy equipment and tools for gas services.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Safety protocols

Computer skills

Communication skills

Tools

Backhoes

Forklifts

Jackhammers

Job description

Qualifications

• Must meet "operator qualification" standards to ensure qualification to perform assigned tasks including recognizing and reacting to abnormal operating conditions as specified in Title 49 CFR, Part 192
• Valid Driver's License and satisfactory driving record required; Commercial Driver's license highly desirable and will likely be required in the future
• Complete HAZMAT programs within 6 months of hire
• Qualified heavy equipment operator
• Access, operate and exit heavy equipment safely and effectively (e.g. backhoes, forklifts and various size trucks, with or without trailers)
• Knowledge of applicable codes and safety policies/procedures
• Computer skills essential
• Demonstrate and maintain a good safety record
• 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
• Selection into an apprenticeship will require the successful candidate to agree to live within an area approved by the company that allows for adequate response to our customers in call out and emergency situations

Duties

• Assist the gas crew to install, maintain, and service gas distribution lines and equipment
• Communicate verbally and understand audible signals in emergency/safety situations
• Respond to natural gas emergencies and service work regarding all aspects of natural gas
• Safely and skillfully operate heavy equipment, shovels and hand tools to dig around pipelines and other utilities, uncover lines, and backfill trenches
• Use heavy handheld tamping or jackhammer equipment to prepare or finish site work
• Complete finish work associated with gas services including wrapping and coating pipes
• Work overtime including call out availability for evening and weekend shifts—especially in response to acute service needs
• Work as a team member to safely and efficiently complete work activities
• Communicate as needed to maintain safe working conditions
• Work in all climates including very cold, high winds, high heat, humidity, etc
• Perform individual lift of equipment weighing up to 75 pounds
• 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

Full-time, seasonal position (layoff expected 12/19/2026, subject to recall the following spring).

$36.30 to $43.00 per hour, depending on experience, per the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

Benefits include:

• 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)
• Tuition reimbursement
• 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 11 paid holidays

Open through April 28, 2026.

Apply online at: https://northwesternenergy.applicantpro.com/jobs/4055015