Machine Operator (Gas Ground Worker Plus)

About the role

The machine operator/gas ground worker performs various manual labor and equipment operation tasks to assist the Gas crews to install, maintain, and service the gas distribution system. This is an entry-level position that may be used to prepare the worker for entry into an Apprenticeship.

Responsibilities

• Communicate verbally and understand audible signals in emergency/safety situations and in general to assist in keeping worksite area safe
• Aid gas crews to install, maintain, and service the gas distribution system
• Observe and perform safe practices for operating in the vicinity of electric and natural gas crews
• Organize, restock, and perform basic preventative maintenance on equipment, trucks and shop
• Use hand tools and operate heavy equipment to dig ditches and expose utilities
• 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
• Use problem-solving skills and initiative to foresee equipment needs of the crew and to identify and alert the crew to potential safety concerns
• Lift, shovel, rake, install wires and pipe, pull and push heavy loads as well as driving large trucks and towing equipment

Requirements

• Lift and manipulate needed 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

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Demonstrate and maintain a good safety record
• Valid Commercial Driver's License and satisfactory driving record
• Must be able to operate equipment such as: backhoes, loaders, excavators, trenchers, hydraulic booms (excluding cranes), compressors and other medium duty equipment
• First Aid/CPR Certification
• Knowledge of applicable codes and safety policies/procedures
• Certification from a qualified pre apprentice training program a plus

Skills

• Ability to maintain regular, reliable, and punctual attendance
• Operate equipment such as: backhoes, loaders, excavators, trenchers, hydraulic booms (excluding cranes), compressors and other medium duty equipment
• Knowledge of applicable codes and safety policies/procedures
• Certification from a qualified pre apprentice training program

Benefits

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 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

Pay

Union Rate $41.61 per hour

Schedule

Seasonal Full-time (layoff expected 12/30/2026, subject to recall the following spring)

About NorthWestern Energy

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 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

Requisition

Requisition #5038

Posting Dates

July 7, 2026 through July 21, 2026

Department/Division

Operations

Employment Physical

Required

Drug Test

Required

Background Check

Required

Relocation Benefit

None

Telecommuting

None

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.