waste water operator

service delivery manager

plant operator

field engineer

enterprise architect

NW Natural

I've worked with NW Natural for over three years. I am relocating and have to exit my position soon- which is the only reason I am leaving.
I work in the Customer Contact Center answering a variety of inquiries from residential customer, contractor/builders, and commercial customers. 
With COVID, many things have shifted with "work-from-home" but the company was proactive in getting employees set-up to work remotely and accomplish the goals of providing service to the customers we serve.
Benefits (my position is Union and offering not include great health benefits *same price for your entire family: spouse/kids/dependents; Free College Benefit for *employee, spouse, children, siblings, etc; EAP; 401K with a generous match; and many more.
The company has recently placed a focus on DEI<like most others> and have ERGs<employee resource groups> to support an array from BIPOC to Veterans, etc.
The two things I would like to see more of = more flexibility with work schedules and more ease when health issues, etc arise.  Also, leadership and development opportunities. You can advance and move around in the company after you meet a minimum time-frame of 6mos to 1 year *in most cases.. but if you are not familiar with the other groups or work with them on only a situational basis- it is hard to see of that may be a good fit? 

A typical day at work would be checking emails/phone messages, udpating daily schedule if needed due to people calling in sick or having to re-route crews based on urgency or job change, time entry for employees, scheduling upcoming jobs, coordinating with related departments in order to get work scheduled, post daily schedule, schedule meetings, assign work to computers, monitor incoming work.  I learned how to manage an Outlook schedule very well along with managing my time and the time of 22 field employees.  Management seems to be either detached from their employees or micromanaging, hard to find a happy medium.  Coworkers tend to be good, however, accountability is a big issue here.  The hardest part of the job would be covering work schedules with not enough employees.  The most enjoyable part of the job is seeing how everything worked out successfully at the end of the day and also the customer service aspect.

NWN is a great place to work. There are great people in leadership here, and our bargaining unit folks are the best in the business! The insurance is comprehensive, and there are numerous options for both NBU and BU. NBU new hires are able to negotiate the amount of PTO they will have. The company also allows a ton of flexible schedules (4-10s, 9-4-5, WFH, etc) where it is feasible. In addition to traditional benefits, there is also a great 401k, training, tuition assistance, etc. 

I worked on consolidating their Historical Archives which was really a lot of fun. I made the best of the resources available within in the Company who were familiar with the History of North West Natural. I was able to meet with a past President of the Company and the Corporate Secretary at the time who were both great resources on Company History. In summary I would work there again.

What they don't tell you before you're hired is that 99% of the calls are collection calls from angry customers so if you want to be constantly yelled at all day then apply here. Also, you have to follow their script of what to say and they are constantly monitoring your calls and listening in so if you forget to say something on the script you will be in trouble. Also, no way to move up or into a new position very quickly as they go by seniority so if you're a newbie expect to be stuck where you are for a long time.

While the pay and benefits are very competitive, the environment and staff lack diversity, relying too much on process and ignoring the benefits of creative and new ways of thinking. If working for pay and benefits alone, this company would work very well for you. If you are looking for work/life balance, diversity and modern environment, you might consider another employer.

My workday is constantly interacting with various employees across the company. I have truly enjoyed every interaction as everyone I talk to and engage with is kind and treat me as if we have known each other for years even though I am on the newer side. I am given autonomy in my work and am very well supported by my team and supervisor whenever I need help. This is a great place to work and a very welcoming company with the willingness to hear and implement any new ideas. 

I was a contractor on a team for 4 contractors working on transitioning the company's SharePoint site to the latest version. Management assumed that I knew what to do; I had to find out on my own and develop ,y own project plan etc. This project had been in the works for 1.5 years; they had no project plan or roadmap, no milestones or testing. The atmosphere was high pressure, poor communication, etc. It may be the perfect place for some but not for those who like organization and tangible goals.

For a company that's been around over 150 years NW Natural is a good place to work.  In the last several years they have been shifting their culture and going through growing pains.  Depending on the department you work for it is a wonderful company.  There is a mix of long term employees and newer recruits to shake up long held beliefs. Benefits are good, great if you find the right department.  A good place to build your skills.

What is the best part of working at the company?
Mostly great people. Brand-new office, good salary and benefits. 

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
NW Natural is slow to pull the plug on toxic managers.

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
It's fair. I've worked in personable, supportive cultures where I felt high levels of trust, and I've worked in ridiculously amateurish cultures, and I'd rate NW Natural maybe a 5 or 6.

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Waste water operator 1 salary reported	$32.29 per hour
Service delivery manager 1 salary reported	$87,838 per year
Plant operator 1 salary reported	$47.12 per hour
Field engineer 1 salary reported	$135,325 per year
Enterprise architect 1 salary reported	$158,900 per year

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