Laborer / Patrolman Operator

(Laborer) Patrolman Operator

Work Location: Deer Lodge, MT

Pay range: $26.73 to $53.61per hour

Employment Status: Regular Full-Time

External candidates apply at northwesternenergy.com

Internal candidates apply through iConnect.

About this position:

The Patrolman Operator is expected to work around a variety of heavy equipment and assist with all phases of natural gas transmission construction, Mueller equipment, pipeline locating, gas leak detection, operations, maintenance and emergency call out. Position reports to Deer Lodge and travels to various jobs within Gas Transmission's Service Territory.

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:

• Perform various labor tasks, including moving sandbags, pipeline skids, sandblasting, coating pipes, painting, hand digging, and bolting flanges, while working near active, high-pressure pipelines transporting gas and other utilities
• May be required to operate heavy machinery including excavator, skid-steer, side boom and dump truck
• Monitor and maintain associated equipment as necessary
• Communicate verbally and understand audible signals in emergency/safety situations
• Respond to emergencies
• Work overtime including participating in rotation schedules, working evenings and weekend shifts-in response to acute service needs
• Complete required documentation, in a timely and efficient manner.
• Required to work outdoors in all weather extremes subject to gas field hazards
• Assist with overhauls, construction projects, and operate pipeline location and leak detection equipment and gas compressors
• Perform individual lifts and manipulate needed equipment weighing up to 75 pounds
• Travel up to 100% of the time - leaving the shop Monday morning, returning Friday afternoon
• Must wear protective equipment and clothing
• Must be available for call outs and gas emergencies
• Must live within 45 minutes of the assigned work location in Deer Lodge, Montana
• 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
• Must possess strong interpersonal communication skills
• Must have high school diploma or equivalent
• Experience working with digging and lifting equipment, and hand tools is preferred
• Must report to work on time and be able to follow instructions
• Must interact positively with supervisors, co-workers and customers
• The ability to complete Operator Qualified training and performance tests is required
• Required to complete NorthWestern Energy Gas Operator Qualification and HAZMAT programs within six months of hire
• Knowledge of applicable Code of Federal Regulations, CFR192, and industry standard safety
• Must have a valid Driver's License, CDL is preferred, with a satisfactory driving record
• Get Into Energy - Energy Industry Fundamental 2.0 certification is a plus (click the link to certify at no cost)

Requisition #4926

Posting Dates: January 19, 2026 through Open Until Filled

Department/Division: Gas Transmission & Storage

Employment Physical: 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