Ground Worker Electric

NorthWestern Energy is seeking a Ground Worker Electric in Great Falls, MT, for a seasonal full-time role. The position involves assisting Lineman crews with manual labor and equipment operation related to electrical distribution and transmission systems. It is an entry-level job with a pay of $36.03 per hour, requiring teamwork, safety practices, and maintenance tasks. Benefits include healthcare, 401K, and paid time off.
Ground Worker Electric


Work Location: Great Falls, MT


Pay range: $36.03 per hour per the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA)


Employment Status: Seasonal Full-time (layoff expected December 31, 2026, subject to recall the following spring)


External candidates apply at northwesternenergy.com


Internal candidates apply through iConnect.


About this position:


The Ground Worker Electric performs various manual labor and equipment operation tasks to assist the Lineman crew to install, maintain, and service the electrical distribution/transmission system. This is an entry-level position that may be used to prepare the worker for entry into a Lineman Apprenticeship. The Ground Worker Electric may be called upon in emergency situations.


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:



Communicate verbally and understand audible signals in emergency/safety situations and in general to assist in keeping worksite area safe
Assist line crews to install, maintain, and service the electric power-line transmission system
Observe and perform safe practices for operating in the vicinity of crews working on potentially hazardous electrified equipment
Organize, restock, and perform basic preventative maintenance on equipment, trucks and shop
Use hand tools and operate heavy equipment to dig ditches and pole holes
Work overtime including call out availability for evening and weekend shifts-especially in response to acute service needs
Follow directions from crew members
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
Tie specific knots and use blocks, tackles, pulleys and hand lines
Adapt to technological changes as they are implemented*
Organize and perform regular and preventative maintenance on equipment
Interact with the public appropriately to maintain safety on work site
Perform individual lift of 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
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
High school diploma or equivalent
Certification from a qualified pre apprentice training program a plus
Valid Commercial Driver's License and satisfactory driving record
First Aid/CPR Certification
Knowledge of applicable codes and safety policies/procedures
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
You must agree to live within an area approved by the company that allows for adequate response to our customers in call out and emergency situations
Get Into Energy - Energy Industry Fundamental 2.0 certification is a plus (click the link to certify at no cost)

Requisition #5049


Posting Dates: July 30, 2026 through August 13, 2026


Department/Division: Distribution Operations


Employment Physical: Required


Drug Test: Required


Background Check: Required


Relocation Benefit: None


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