Electric Laborer
Work Location: Huron, SD
Pay range: Union Rate $27.88 per hour
Employment Status: Seasonal Full-time (layoff expected 12/31/2025, subject to recall the following spring)
External candidates, apply at northwesternenergy.com
Internal candidates apply through iConnect.
About this position:
The Electric Laborer constructs and maintains substation electrical equipment. They work individually and/or closely with Substation Electricians, Line technicians, Transmission operators, and the Lead Technicians. The Laborer 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 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 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:
- Understand audible signals and communicate verbally to maintain safety on worksite and during emergency situations
- Assist in troubleshooting service issues related to substation electric systems and install, maintain, and service substation electrical systems and equipment
- Assist in erecting steel to replace or increase size of substation structures as needed
- Assist in installing or repairing transformers, breakers, re-closers, regulators, airbreak switches, hook-stick disconnects, and other substation equipment
- Assist in documenting substation inspection results
- Assist in electrical equipment mineral oil sampling, processing and cleanup which may include Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
- Must be able to individually lift and manipulate needed equipment weighing up to 75 pounds
- Overnight travel up to 80%
- Drive to installation locations
- Adapt to technological changes as they are implemented
- Assist in patrolling and maintaining facilities and lines
- Assist in organizing equipment and perform regular and preventative maintenance
- Assist in snow removal to maintain access within substation facilities
- Shovel dirt to back fill trenches for cable conduits
- Assist in steel and aluminum fabrication and welding under supervision
- 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:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Certification from a qualified pre apprentice training program a plus
- Valid Driver's License and satisfactory driving record Commercial Driver's License is a plus
- First Aid/CPR Certification is a plus
- Knowledge of applicable codes and safety policies/procedures
- Demonstrate and maintain a good safety record
- 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
- Selection into an apprenticeship will require the successful candidate to be able to respond from home to primary work location within a reasonable amount of time
- Get Into Energy - Energy Industry Fundamental 2.0 certification is a plus (click here to certify at no cost)
Requisition #4805
Posting Dates: August 5, 2025 through August 19, 2025
Department/Division: SD/NE 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 ... or at ...