Butte, MT, USA | Operations - MT | Hourly | 36.08-48.85 per hour | Regular Full Time
Apprentice Meter Electric
Number of Openings: 2
Work Location : Butte, MT
Pay range: Union Rate $36.08 to $48.85 per hour per CBA
Employment Status: Regular Full-time
External candidates apply at northwesternenergy.com
Internal candidates apply through iConnect (https://iconnect.nwe.northwesternenergy.com/Employee-Portal/?m) .
About this position:
The Apprentice Meter Technician works under the supervision of a Journeyman Meter Technician to develop the skills needed to install, test, maintain, and troubleshoot electric metering systems.
Through a structured apprenticeship, the apprentice gains hands-on experience and progressively performs Meter Technician duties. These duties include installing, testing and servicing metering equipment for residential, commercial, industrial, and substation applications.
This position requires completion of a structured apprenticeship program (typically three years) that combines on-the-job training, some evening classes and self study on one's own time coursework, leading to Journeyman Meter Technician status.
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:
All NorthWestern Energy employees are required to adhere to company safety standards
Ensure all actions are consistent with NorthWestern Energy's values, mission, and strategic business objectives
The ability to maintain regular, reliable, and punctual attendance is an essential function of this position, consistent with applicable laws and reasonable accommodation requirements
Apprenticeship & Development
Develop skills in meter testing, verification, and troubleshooting
Learn and maintain knowledge of company construction standards, applicable codes (NEC, NESC), and metering practices
Build proficiency with communication systems and advanced metering technologies
Participate in investigations of power quality, meter tampering, energy theft, and billing discrepancies
Progressively perform more advanced metering installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting tasks
Learn to gather and analyze load and/or capacity data to accurately size metering equipment for specific applications
Develop a working knowledge of basic AC power system principles, including voltage, current, power factor, and their relationship to metering and system operation
Develop a foundational understanding of single-phase and three-phase metering theory, including meter configurations, load characteristics, and application across various service @types
Read and interpret diagrams, schematics, maps, and other graphical information
Adapt to new technologies and system improvements as they are implemented
Install, test, calibrate, and maintain electric metering equipment for residential, commercial, industrial, and substation applications
Will install self-contained and instrument-rated metering systems
Troubleshoot metering equipment with respect to distribution system issues, power quality concerns, and communication systems including RF, cellular, and network technologies
Complete documentation, maintain accurate system data, and manage entries in company systems
Operate company vehicles and equipment as qualified
Respond to emergency and after-hours field work under supervision
Interact with customers in a professional manner
Perform general labor and maintenance tasks as needed
Successfully complete all requirements of a structured apprenticeship program, including coursework and on-the-job training
Am I right for this job? Here's the success profile:
High school diploma or equivalent
Valid Driver's License required
First Aid/CPR Certification (Will provide)
Knowledge of applicable codes and safety
Commitment to safe working practices and knowledge of safety policies/procedures
Demonstrate and maintain a good safety record
Adapt to technological changes as they are implemented
In addition to the above is the desire and commitment to dedicate oneself to a 3-year apprenticeship including classwork and homework on one's own time
Get Into Energy - Energy Industry Fundamental 2.0 certification is a plus (https://getintoenergy.org/courses/energy-industry-fundamentals-2-0/) (click the link to certify at no cost)
Requisition #4970
Posting Dates: June 10, 2026 through June 19, 2026
Department/Division: 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 .
