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Employment Opportunities

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  2. Employment Opportunities

Electric co-ops are community-focused organizations that deliver safe, reliable and affordable energy to our consumer-members. Co-ops are unique because we belong to the community we serve, giving us better insight into our consumer-members' needs.

It takes a variety of skills to develop new technologies and infrastructure, keep the electric grid secure and power the lives and economy of our local community. We’re looking for individuals to lead the charge in meeting our community’s energy needs and helping to create a brighter future for all.

Below are current job opportunities:

Journeyman Lineman – Black Hills Electric Cooperative - Hermosa, S.D.

Black Hills Electric Cooperative is seeking a Journeyman Lineman to join our team.
BHEC is a local, rural, member-owned electric cooperative proudly serving a 3,700-square-mile service territory across both the northern and southern Black Hills. Our team is committed to providing safe, reliable electric service while supporting the members and communities we serve.
This position will initially be based out of our Custer facility, with a planned transition to our new Hermosa facility in the summer of 2027. The Hermosa facility is conveniently located just 20 minutes south of Rapid City and reflects BHEC’s continued commitment to serving our growing membership.
At Black Hills Electric Cooperative, we value safety, teamwork, accountability, and exceptional member service. We are looking for a dependable Journeyman Lineman who takes pride in their work, works well as part of a crew, and is committed to serving rural communities.
This full-time position offers a competitive benefits package, including a company-matched 401(k), paid on-call rotation, training opportunities, and room for continued professional growth. The position requires participation in an on-call rotation with a 30-minute response requirement from the Hermosa facility.
If you are looking for a long-term opportunity with a rural electric cooperative, we encourage you to apply and become part of the BHEC team.

Requirements:
• Completion of an accredited Journeyman Lineman program.
• Current Journeyman Lineman certification.
• Valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) or the ability to obtain one.
• Thorough knowledge of overhead and underground electric distribution systems.
• Ability to safely construct, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair energized and de-energized distribution lines.
• Strong commitment to workplace safety and compliance with all cooperative policies and industry standards.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions and perform the physical demands of the position.
• Willingness to respond to after-hours outages and participate in an on-call rotation.
• Commitment to providing excellent service to the cooperative's members.
• Must live within a 30-minute drive of the Hermosa facility or be willing to relocate.

We encourage qualified candidates who are interested in expanding their responsibilities and pursuing future leadership opportunities to apply.

To Apply: Submit your resume & application to:
Black Hills Electric Cooperative, Inc.
c/o Jesse Sorenson
P.O. Box 792
Custer, SD 57730-0792
or e-mail: jsorenson@bhec.coop
For more information, visit: https://bhec.coop/careers
Applications will be accepted until November 6, 2026.

Facilities Maintenance Technician– East River Electric – Madison, S.D.

Facilities Maintenance Technician– East River Electric – Madison, SD  We are seeking a dedicated facilities maintenance technician to join our team. In this position, you'll help keep East River's buildings, grounds, and facility systems safe, reliable, and ready to support the people who power our cooperative. If you have experience in construction, mechanical systems, electrical work, or HVAC-and enjoy solving problems and tackling a variety of projects-we'd love to hear from you. Key requirements include:

  • An associate degree from a technical school focused on residential or commercial construction, HVAC, electrical, or mechanical systems-and hands-on experience in at least one of those areas
  • A combination of relevant education and hands-on experience is highly desired
  • A valid driver's license
  • An eye for detail and a practical, can-do approach to solving problems
  • The ability to stay organized, manage your time, work independently, and communicate clearly with others
  • Experience using Microsoft Office and other computer technology
  • A collaborative, customer-friendly approach and the ability to build positive working relationships

 

To learn more about East River, read the full job description and apply, please visit https://eastrivercoop.applicantpro.com/jobs/. Questions regarding the position can be directed to hr@eastriver.coop or 605-256-4536. Applications accepted through October 18, 2026, with interviews expected to begin the week of October 26. This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Engineering Technician – East River Electric – Madison, SD

Engineering Technician – East River Electric – Madison, SD  We're looking for an Engineering Technician who is detail-oriented, collaborative, and enthusiastic about supporting the reliable operation and development of our electric transmission system. In this role, you will assist with technical drawings, records, mapping, staking information, construction documentation, and other engineering support activities that help us continue delivering reliable and affordable wholesale power to our members. Key requirements include:

  • An associate degree in engineering technology, drafting, GIS, surveying, construction, electric utility operations, or a related technical field
  • A strong eye for detail and the ability to read, understand, and maintain technical information accurately
  • Comfort using computer applications and a willingness to learn engineering, mapping, or drafting software
  • Clear written and verbal communication skills
  • The ability to build positive working relationships and work well with others across teams
  • A commitment to working safely, staying accurate, supporting the team, and providing dependable service
  • Certifications or training in drafting, GIS, surveying, construction, or related technical software are a plus
  • Valid driver's license

 

To learn more about East River, read the full job description and apply, please visit https://eastrivercoop.applicantpro.com/jobs/. Questions regarding the position can be directed to hr@eastriver.coop or 605-256-4536. Position is open until filled. Applications will be reviewed as received, and initial interviews will be scheduled as soon as possible. This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

CEO General Manager - Southwest Iowa Rural Electric - West Des Moines, Iowa

CEO General Manager Position

Southwest Iowa Rural Electric Cooperative

Southwest Iowa Rural Electric Cooperative (SWIAREC) is seeking a qualified and experienced leader to serve as its next CEO/General Manager following the retirement of its longtime CEO.

About SWIAREC

SWIAREC is a nonprofit, member-owned electric distribution cooperative serving approximately 6,120 meters across 2,550 miles of line in portions of 11 southwest Iowa counties. With offices in Corning and Mount Ayr and a team of 25 employees, SWIAREC is committed to providing safe, reliable electric service while supporting community and economic development through cooperative principles and values.

SWIAREC is a financially sound, well-managed cooperative with approximately $13.9 million in annual revenue, a 41% equity ratio, and approximately $62 million in utility plant. As an RUS borrower, the Cooperative has access to a stable source of lower-cost capital. The next CEO will build on that foundation while helping the Board and employees prepare the Cooperative for future industry, workforce, technology, and member-service needs.

The Position

The CEO/General Manager reports to SWIAREC's Board of Directors and is responsible for the overall leadership and management of the Cooperative. The CEO will work closely with the Board and employees to maintain safe and reliable operations, provide sound financial and strategic leadership, develop and support the Cooperative's workforce, and maintain strong relationships with members, communities, industry partners, and governmental officials.

SWIAREC is seeking a leader who demonstrates sound judgment, integrity, accountability, and a commitment to the cooperative business model. The successful candidate should have senior leadership experience in the electric utility, cooperative, or a related industry and the ability to lead an experienced workforce in a union environment.

Important Areas of Experience

  • Electric utility operations, power supply, safety, and reliability
  • Financial management, budgeting, and rate setting
  • Strategic planning and preparation for industry change
  • Employee leadership, workforce development, and labor relations
  • Working effectively with a board of directors
  • Member, community, governmental, and industry relationships
  • Clear and effective communication

Compensation and benefits will be competitive and commensurate with the successful candidate's qualifications and experience. The CEO will be eligible for the benefits generally available to the Cooperative’s regular full-time non-bargaining employees, subject to applicable plan terms and Board approval.

Living in Southwest Iowa

SWIAREC's service territory offers the advantages of small-town and rural living, including welcoming communities, accessible healthcare, strong schools, and an active civic culture. Corning and the surrounding Adams County area offer lakes, trails, camping, hunting, golf, an aquatic center, cultural attractions, and a vibrant Main Street. Mount Ayr provides hospital and clinic access, parks, a public lake, golf, a theater, bowling, and other family-oriented amenities. Together, these communities provide an attractive setting for a CEO who values meaningful work, community involvement, and the quality of life available in southwest Iowa.

Residency

The CEO is expected to reside within or near SWIAREC's geographic service area, with a preference for Corning or Mount Ayr. Residence on SWIAREC's electric lines is not required.  The Board places importance on the CEO being readily accessible and actively engaged in the communities served by the Cooperative. 

How to Apply

Applicants must submit a complete application package containing:

  • A completed SWIAREC CEO/General Manager Application Form, available as a separate download with this posting
  • A cover letter explaining the applicant's interest in the position and qualifications to serve as SWIAREC's next CEO/General Manager
  • A current résumé
  • Salary requirements or desired salary range
  • Four business references and two personal references
  • Written responses to the three supplemental questions below

Supplemental Questions

1. Beyond what is included in your résumé, what attributes and experience would you bring to this position, and what makes you particularly qualified to serve as SWIAREC's next CEO/General Manager?

2. Describe your experience with strategic planning. Please provide an example of a strategic initiative you helped identify and lead and explain why you are particularly proud of it.

3. Describe your leadership style and approach to building relationships with employees and colleagues, a board of directors, cooperative members, and governmental and industry representatives.

Application Deadline and Submission

Application Form completed and supporting materials must be received no later than October 25, 2026, and submitted electronically to:

Amanda James
Sullivan & Ward, P.C.
ajames@sullivan-ward.com

Questions concerning the application process should also be directed to Amanda James at the email address above.

Southwest Iowa Rural Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity employer.

Accounting Clerk - H-D Electric - Clear Lake, S.D.

Meter Coordinator - Southeastern Electric - Lennox, S.D.

Click here for position details and to apply for the position.  

Journeyman Electrician – Dakota Energy Cooperative, Inc., Miller, S.D.

Journeyman Electrician – Dakota Energy Cooperative, Inc., Miller, SD – Dakota Energy is hiring a licensed Journeyman Electrician for our Miller office. Work involves installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical systems and equipment with a strong focus on safety and dependable service. Must have working knowledge of construction, electrical work, and troubleshooting. Employment applications are available on our website, www.dakotaenergy.coop/your-cooperative/employment. Dakota Energy Cooperative offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, qualifications, and an excellent benefit package. To be considered, qualified individuals should submit a cover letter, resume, and a completed employment application to Dakota Energy Cooperative, Inc., P.O. Box 830, Huron, SD 57350. Documents may also be submitted via e-mail addressed to jobs@dakotaenergy.coop. Applications are accepted until filled. DEC is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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South Dakota Rural Electric Association
P.O. Box 1138
222 West Pleasant Drive
Pierre, SD 57501

Phone: 605-224-8823
Email: info@sdrea.coop

About Us

The South Dakota Rural Electric Association is devoted to unifying, promoting and protecting the interests of member electric cooperatives in South Dakota by providing leadership, training, communication, legislative representation and other member services.

 

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