Operations & Warehouse Technician

Work Location: Deer Lodge, MT

About the Role

The Operations & Warehouse Technician will oversee the daily operation of the gas transmission materials warehouse. Responsibilities include reviewing the daily material requisition process, validating the pedigree of received materials, and batching materials within the SAP linear asset management (LAM) system. The role involves reconciling materials issued, installed, and scrapped, researching and purchasing non-stores materials, and reviewing daily transactions for reasonableness using various SAP reports. The technician will also oversee the complete yearly inventory of all storage locations in gas transmission.

Responsibilities

• Establish working relationships with vendors and handle material requests and quote processes.
• Work directly with the procurement group to perform materials and supplies requisition and procurement procedures.
• Process material requests, evaluate available materials, and determine materials to order; create purchase requests.
• Perform all tasks associated with receiving and shipping materials to/from vendors, suppliers, other warehouses, and designated work sites.
• Validate material documentation and complete batching of validated materials in the LAM system, including applying batch numbers or barcodes.
• Perform required inventory functions (monthly, quarterly, annually).
• Gather, prepare, and stage materials for shop fabrication and field construction and maintenance work.
• Process all daily SAP transactions for issues, returns, transfers, and receipts via PC or barcode handheld device.
• Review reports to ensure accurate on-hand quantities/values, dates of last physical inventory, and proper receipt of open transfers/POs.
• Serve as the contact person for fleet and facility maintenance issues, ensuring the warehouse, yards, and related equipment are safe and orderly.
• Oversee and participate in the plastic gas pipe expiration process as required for gas transmission needs.
• Act as the local contact for the yearly company Obsolete Material Review.
• Manage the purchase and tracking of tool requests.
• Perform and document daily forklift inspections.
• Attend staff meetings to ensure efficient flow of materials and review job planning information.
• Assist in the development of material standards, processes, and material specifications (masters).
• Evaluate and improve layouts of warehouse and material yards for efficiency gains and safe operation.
• Respond to, research, and fulfill purchase requests from management and crews.
• Manage freight and small package shipping needs for Deer Lodge.
• Supervise temporary summer workers where applicable.
• Travel to other work locations with some overnight travel required (up to 25% to 30% travel per year).
• Safely perform physical tasks such as lifting up to 50 lbs repeatedly.
• Adhere to company safety standards and the Code of Business Conduct & Ethics.
• Ensure all actions align with NorthWestern Energy's values, mission, and strategic business objectives.

Requirements

• Demonstrate and maintain a good safety record.
• High school diploma or equivalency.
• Valid Driver’s license and satisfactory driving record.
• Forklift Certification or ability to obtain (training provided if necessary).
• Equipment operator license for backhoe, excavator, and side-boom is a plus (training provided if necessary).
• Knowledge of Code of Federal Regulations 49 Part 192 is beneficial.
• Understanding of utility and gas transmission processes, policies, and standards is a plus.
• Pipeline material knowledge is preferred.
• Knowledge of steel materials is preferred.
• Experience with asset tracking and inventory processes is beneficial.
• Knowledge of inventory procedures and warehouse safety.
• Computer skills are essential (email, Microsoft Office, material management systems).
• Experience with the SAP platform and material management module is a bonus.
• Knowledge of SAP’s linear asset management (LAM) system is a plus.
• Strong record-keeping, filing, and organizational skills.
• Get Into Energy - Energy Industry Fundamental 2.0 certification is a plus.

Benefits

• 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) and healthcare/dependent care flexible spending accounts (FSA).
• Employee Assistance Programs (up to six free counseling sessions per person, per issue, per year for employees, spouses, and dependents, including financial health).
• Life Insurance (company-paid basic employee policy; spouse and dependent insurance also available).
• Continuing education reimbursement.
• Competitive pay with 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.

Pay

$27.65 to $48.07 per hour

Schedule

Regular Full-time