Civil Engineer Hydro Generation

The Civil Engineer, FERC Dam Safety, is responsible for using sound analytical skills to conduct engineering tasks in support of NorthWestern Energy’s Dam Safety Program for eleven hydro projects in Montana.  This includes working closely with an Engineering Team, to conduct detailed dam structure inspections, collecting and evaluating dam instrumentation and monitoring data, evaluating data trends and measurements, and preparing detailed reports documenting inspection results to ensure that all dam safety regulatory requirements are met.

In conjunction with the NorthWestern Energy Dam Safety Team, this position interacts and coordinates with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s (FERC’s) Portland Regional Office and D2SI (Washington, DC FERC dam safety) office in matters related to dam safety, public safety, and project operations. This position will also perform the role of NorthWestern Energy’s Emergency Action Plan Coordinator, managing the NorthWestern Energy’s Emergency Action Plan (EAP) program for each of the eleven dams. 

We offer great benefits:

NorthWestern Energy is a fully regulated electric and natural gas utility serving Montana, South Dakota and Nebraska. We employ over 1,500 amazing people and serve 775,300 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

About this job:

• Ensure all dam safety related instrumentation; surveillance and monitoring and regulatory compliance matters are addressed in a timely manner
• Collect and analyze field data using computer related functions such as spreadsheets, graphs, and drawings
• Use sound analytical skills and statistical analysis to analyze collected data and report results
• Receive, interpret, and write technical reports and summaries in support of the Northwestern Energy Dam Safety Program. Present information to management and FERC
• Oversee and direct Contract and Company crews while directing field and office work activities
• Work with Engineering Team to implement, oversee, and update (when required) the NorthWestern Energy’s Dam Safety Surveillance and Monitoring Plans (DSSMP) and assists with the preparation of annual Dam Safety Surveillance and Monitoring Reports (DSSMR)
• Work with Engineering Team to maintain Supporting Technical Information Documents (STIDs) for all eleven dams
• Evaluate, plan, conduct, and direct EAP compliance activities as required by FERC regulation, with minimal guidance
• Prepare, update and submit eleven annual EAP Plans and associated maps to meet FERC regulatory dam safety license requirements
• Coordinate annual EAP drills for each of the designated NorthWestern Energy hydro facilities 
• Responsible for training all NorthWestern Energy employees regarding proper EAP procedures 
• Conduct the annual EAP tabletop and functional exercises for the FERC selected hydro facility  
• Provide technical review of state and federal regulations, license requirements, and NorthWestern Energy flood inundation maps to ensure EAP compliance is maintained in an efficient, cost-effective manner
• Travel through 13 counties affected by NorthWestern Energy hydro facilities and schedule orientation seminars with law enforcement, emergency management, agency, and private individual plan holders and stakeholders
• Stay current on emerging technologies and identify beneficial improvements to the dam safety program and processes
• Participate in national dam safety organizations (e.g. CEATI, NHA, NWHA, USSD, etc.)
• Job time is spent in office and field environment with exposure to all field hazards and weather
• Perform individual lifts and manipulate items up to 35 pounds
• Occasional travel required, up to 30% including overnights
• 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
• BS in engineering required, (preferably in Civil or Geotechnical (December 2024 and May 2025 graduates are welcome to apply. Must have diploma by start date.)
• MS in engineering a plus
• Must possess strong interpersonal communication skills, communicating clearly with others both in writing and orally
• Must have ability to organize and conduct large meetings
• Must have a basic understanding of dam structural and hydraulic fundamentals
• Must have a solid understanding of spreadsheet, graphing, and statistical analysis
• Must be organized and have the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously
• Must have a positive, self-motivated attitude and ability to work with minimum supervision
• Must have excellent computer, communication and technical writing skills
• Valid driver's license and satisfactory driving record
• Must pass physical test to access all areas of the hydro plants, including climbing ladders, confined and cramped wet slippery quarters and traveling rough terrain

Requisition #4352

Posting Dates: September 4, 2024 through Open Until Filled

Department/Division: Energy Supply/Hydro

Employment Physical: Required

Drug Test: Required

Background Check: Required

Relocation Benefit: Negotiable

Telecommuting: Part-time (50 days per year)