Controller Level 1

Controller Level 1

Work Location: Butte, MT

Pay range: $27.11 to $52.01 per hour

- $25.97 to $32.00 for entry level with limited experience

- $32.01 and up depending on qualifications to meet level classifications. Salary growth based on individual increased knowledge applied to the job and growth in the job

Employment Status: Regular Full-time

External candidates apply at northwesternenergy.com

Internal candidates apply through iConnect.

About this position:

A Distribution Operations Controller will be responsible for managing and operating, through the use of software and an advanced distribution management system, the utility distribution system across multiple regions of NorthWestern Energy's service territory. The Controller will work in a control center environment, responding to utility system conditions, while working with and/or directing field resources.

This operation is a 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and will require 12 hour rotating shifts

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)

- 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

Benefits may vary by position or as negotiated as part of a collective bargaining agreement.

About this job:

- Perform required shift work to include days, weekends, nights, holidays and call outs

- Rotating 12 hour shifts that start at 6:00AM and 6:00PM

- Work Schedule Posted 6 months in advance

- Work overtime including evenings and weekends in response to acute service needs

- Monitor multiple systems to quickly and efficiently identify abnormal conditions (outages, alarms, etc.) as they occur

- Prepare, implement, and direct real-time and future switching programs for re-routing distribution level utilities

- Assist and direct field resources in determining probable cause for abnormal conditions and restoration efforts

- Coordinate distribution and substation switching; using SCADA systems and controls or field resources to conduct remote switching during emergency and normal operating conditions

- Accurately communicate and record system information for all internal and external customers

- Perform safety checks as required

- Other duties as assigned

- Interpret information using maps and system schematics

- Effectively communicates information both verbally and written

- Ability to communicate and work professionally and effectively with colleagues, managers, and business partners

- Strong organizational skills to coordinate workload priorities and deliver solutions in support of internal users and external customers

- Agree to live within an area approved by the company that allows for adequate response to our customers in call out and emergency situations

- 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

- Minimum of associates degree in a technical discipline, similar technical/professional education, or minimum 2 years related experience in a similar control center environment required

- Speak, read, and write in English; interpret and communicate information regarding prints, maps, technical material, time, work management, etc

- Perform required shift work and overtime to include days, weekends, nights, and holidays

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

Requisition #4912

Posting Dates: January 29, 2026 through February 12, 2026

Department/Division: Distribution Operations

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.