Apprentice System Operator Electric

Apprentice System Operator Electric

Work Location: Butte, MT

Pay range: Union Rate $39.53 to $53.52 per hour

Employment Status: Regular Full-time

External candidates apply at northwesternenergy.com

Internal candidates apply through iConnect.

About this position:

Apprentice System Operator will support the electric Transmission Operator and Balancing Authority Area crews at the Control Center.

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:

- Under supervision, responsible for controlling, scheduling and monitoring flows within the NorthWestern Energy Transmission Operator and Balancing Authority Area including transmission tie lines with other utilities

- Under supervision, responsible for monitoring and controlling NorthWestern Energy assets within the California Independent System Operator's Energy Imbalance Market

- Recording and reporting transmission system data

- Responsible for implementing real-time actions that ensure stable and reliable operations of the bulk electric transmission system

- Make decisions to maintain safe and prudent operation of the electric transmission system and all associated equipment.

- Requires decisions to be made quickly and accurately under stressful conditions

- Must pay attention to details and communicate effectively to ensure proper operation of the Transmission System and Balancing Authority Area during all operating conditions.

- Twelve hour shift work is required

- Up to 10% of travel is required

- Call outs required

- 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

- Valid Drivers License and Satisfactory Driving Record

- Must possess strong interpersonal communication skills

- High School Diploma or equivalent

- Post-secondary education is preferred but not required

- Must have personal computer operating experience including experience with Microsoft Office products

- Must have good oral and written communication skills

- Must successfully pass NERC certification within 36 months or prior to completion of apprenticeship program whichever occurs first

- Knowledge of electric systems is preferred, but not required

- Get Into Energy - Energy Industry Fundamental 2.0 certification is a plus (click here to certify at no cost)

Requisition #4880

Posting Dates: December 1, 2025 through December 15, 2025

Department/Division: Transmission

Employment Physical: Not Required

Drug Test: Required

Background Check: Required

Relocation Benefit: Negotiable

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 job.inquiries@northwestern.com.