Position Announcement

The Board of Directors at Central Electric Cooperative, Inc. (Central Electric) is seeking qualified applicants for the role of General Manager. This executive position will become available upon the retirement of the current long-term General Manager in July 2026. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the General Manager leads and supervises the operations, maintenance, and strategic advancement of Central Electric, ensuring reliable, efficient, and cost-effective delivery of electrical services.

About Central Electric Cooperative

Central Electric is a financially sound and operationally strong not-for-profit electric distribution cooperative in southeastern South Dakota. The Cooperative’s headquarters is situated four miles west of Mitchell, adjacent to Interstate 90. Service centers are strategically located in Howard, Kimball, Plankinton, and Wessington Springs. Central Electric upholds a safety-first culture while delivering reliable and cost-effective electric service to approximately 5,000 member-owners. The Cooperative manages 4,480 miles of overhead and underground distribution lines across eight counties. The membership includes three large industrial loads that account for over half of total sales. Central Electric employs a committed team of 43 professionals, generates annual revenues of $40 million, and manages a net utility plant valued at $88 million. Employees take pride in providing members with safe, high quality energy services at a reasonable price. 

Central Electric was created in 2000 from the merger of Intercounty Electric (founded in Mitchell in 1944) and Tri-County Electric (established in Plankinton in 1947). Both cooperatives were created by local farmers and rural residents to supply essential electric services and enhance the quality of life for their communities. The Cooperative model was chosen to provide consistent and equitable benefits for all member-owners. Today, Central Electric remains dedicated to delivering reliable energy and services, prioritizing safety and member satisfaction.

As a member-owner of East River Electric Power Cooperative and a participant in the Touchstone Energy® Cooperative network, Central Electric upholds the highest standards of member satisfaction and embodies its foundational values of integrity, accountability, innovation, and community engagement.

Our Location

Central Electric’s service area is ideally situated between Sioux Falls and the Missouri River in southeastern South Dakota. Mitchell, home to the Cooperative headquarters, is located just one hour west of Sioux Falls and was named the 2025 Community of the Year by the Governor’s Office of Economic Development. The Community of the Year award recognizes a community that has made exceptional strides in economic development, job creation, and quality of life. Mitchell has demonstrated outstanding progress, securing a major soybean plant and is investing in housing, childcare, and attracting new residents through its innovative programs. Mitchell offers top quality healthcare, public and private K-12 and postsecondary education, vibrant family-centered amenities, affordable living, and the World’s Only Corn Palace. 

Central Electric’s service area attracts hunters, anglers, and nature enthusiasts due to its proximity to the Missouri River and the variety of year-round recreational opportunities available. The Mitchell region is recognized nationally for its longstanding status as a premier pheasant hunting destination. The area offers extensive options for engaging with the natural environment, appealing both to those interested in outdoor adventure and to individuals seeking leisure activities in a welcoming community. These attributes collectively establish Central Electric’s service area as an outstanding location to live, work, and raise a family.

Candidate Profile 

The successful candidate must possess exceptional interpersonal abilities and demonstrate a passion for shaping and advancing the Cooperative’s strategic direction. Applicants must have comprehensive knowledge of utility operations, as well as established leadership, communication, management, and technological competencies required to guide the Cooperative effectively. This role demands a deep commitment to serving member-owners and the capability to work collaboratively with the nine-member elected Board of Directors. Providing positive leadership to the Cooperative’s staff is essential. The ideal candidate will embody cooperative principles and the core values of innovation, accountability, commitment to community, and integrity, ensuring the needs of members are met now and into the future.

Essential Competencies

Communication. Clearly conveys ideas, seeks clarification, answers questions, engages others, and actively participates in meetings.

Leadership. Shows confidence, supports an inclusive culture, stays composed, promotes engagement, accountability, and improvement.

Problem Solving. Applies creative thinking, accurately assesses information, proposes options, resolves issues, collaborates, and reasons logically.

Interpersonal Skills. Handles conflicts constructively, maintains confidentiality, listens well, manages emotions, and welcomes new ideas.

Relationships and Teamwork. Balances individual and team roles, supports staff, involves others in planning and decision-making, values feedback and diversity, boosts morale, and encourages group success.

Strategic Thinking. Aligns strategies with cooperative strengths, analyzes competition, identifies threats and opportunities, and adapts to change.

Judgement and Decision Making. Makes timely decisions, applies sound judgment, explains decisions, and involves others as needed.

Change Management. Manages workplace changes, creates practical plans, communicates clearly, engages teams, supports transitions, and reviews outcomes.

Professionalism. Acts tactfully, stays calm under pressure, respects others, accepts responsibility, and honors commitments.

Qualifications

• Comprehensive understanding of electric utility operations is required.
• A minimum of five years’ progressively responsible experience in a rural electric cooperative, electric utility, or a closely related organization is preferred.
• A relevant post-secondary degree is desired; however, equivalent combinations of education and experience may also be considered.
• Proficiency in computer technology, with experience using Microsoft Office and enterprise information systems.
• A valid driver’s license and willingness to travel is required.

Compensation and Benefits

Central Electric offers a competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. The benefits package includes a retirement pension plan through the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), a matching contribution to the 401(k) plan, medical insurance, life insurance, paid holidays, and a generous PTO plan. The General Manager is expected to reside within the Cooperative’s service territory, preferably within 20 miles of the headquarters office near Mitchell. Relocation assistance may be available as part of an employment offer.

How to Apply

The Central Electric Board of Directors has retained Liz Avery Recruiting LLC to facilitate the search process. Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information (including email addresses) for at least three professional references via this link Job Listings - Central Electric Cooperative Jobs. Inquiries regarding the recruitment process can be directed to Liz Avery at jobs@centralec.coop.

Applications will be accepted through February 15, 2026. Final interviews are anticipated in mid-April.

For more information about Central Electric, please visit the cooperative website at https://www.centralec.coop/

Central Electric Cooperative, Inc. is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Whetstone Valley Electric Cooperative is seeking a highly motivated Member Service
Advisor to join our team. This role serves as a primary point of contact for our members
and the public—providing accurate information, resolving inquiries, and supporting
programs that promote safe, efficient electricity use. If you enjoy helping people, solving
problems, and working in a dynamic, service-oriented environment, we invite you to apply.
What You’ll Do
 Promote effective use of electricity for our members.
 Serve members through phone, email, walk-ins, and digital platforms with
professionalism and empathy.
 Analyze meter data, energy usage, and billing concerns; assist members in
understanding rates and consumption patterns.
 Investigate power quality issues (blinks, voltage fluctuations, etc.) and support
members exploring distributed energy resources such as solar or wind.
 Build strong relationships with key commercial accounts and support their evolving
service needs.
 Educate members on rebates, energy-efficiency incentives, grants, loans, and load
management programs.
 Assist with cooperative communications, newsletters, public events, and member
outreach activities.
 Support cooperative departments with member-related activities, service orders,
and load-control equipment.
 Contribute to the Cooperative’s mission of providing exceptional service, quality,
and value.

What We’re Looking For
 High school diploma required; post-secondary education preferred.
 At least 2 years of customer service, technical service, call center, or utility-related
experience preferred.
 Strong communication and problem-solving skills, including the ability to handle
challenging conversations professionally.
 Comfortable working with data, learning new technologies, and using customer
information systems.
 Ability to work indoors and outdoors, lift up to 50 lbs., and manage high call
volumes.
 Commitment to data privacy, cybersecurity awareness, and ongoing professional
development.
 Valid driver’s license required.
Why You’ll Love Working Here
 Meaningful work serving member-owners in your community
 Opportunities for training, growth, and continued education
 Supportive team environment with cross-department collaboration
 Competitive compensation and benefits (customizable to your organization)
How to Apply
Submit your resume and cover letter to: office.manager@whetstone.coop
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

We are seeking an Engineering Intern to join our engineering services team. In this role you will provide engineering assistance to the engineering and planning services department. You'll be part of a supportive learning environment where you can develop your skills and contribute to exciting projects. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with experienced engineers, work on real-world challenges, and gain insight into the engineering field. This is a temporary position available to work full-time hours during the summer of 2026. Key requirements include:

• Currently enrolled in a college or university pursuing a degree in engineering with at least one (1) year of engineering coursework completed
• Some experience with or exposure to the electric industry is preferred but not required
• Proficiency with personal computers and Microsoft Office products
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities
• Willingness to learn and take on new tasks in a team environment
• A 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 interviews will be scheduled as soon as possible. This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Project Services Intern– East River Electric – Madison, SD  We are seeking a Project Services Intern to join our project services team. In this role you will assist our Project Services department with the coordination of all aspects of the project lifecycle-from planning and design to procurement, construction, commissioning, and final documentation. You'll be part of a collaborative team environment where open communication and cooperation are valued. This is a temporary, full-time position available during the summer of 2026. Key requirements include:

• Currently enrolled in a college or university pursuing a degree in project management, construction management, or a related field, with at least one (1) year of coursework completed
• Ability to prioritize and organize a variety of tasks effectively
• Proficiency with personal computers and Microsoft Office products
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities
• Willingness to learn and take on new tasks in a team environment
• A 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 interviews will be scheduled as soon as possible. This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Substation Engineer– East River Electric – Madison, SD  We are seeking a Substation Engineer to join our engineering services team. In this position, you will play a crucial role in designing, preparing, and reviewing plans and specifications for both distribution and transmission substations. Your responsibilities will include ensuring our cooperative's adherence to industry standards, as well as preparing project specifications and cost estimates. The ideal candidate will possess strong technical skills and keen attention to detail. Engineer level within the job family will be determined by qualifications and experience. Key requirements include:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, electrical engineering preferred
• Working knowledge of applicable industry standards (IEEE, RUS, NESC, NEC).
• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred; combination of education and experience considered.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to develop positive working relationships.
• Demonstrated proficiency with Auto-CAD and MS Office products.

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 interviews will be scheduled as soon as possible. This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Facilities & Grounds Technician
Cass County Electric Cooperative is looking for a Facilities & Grounds Technician to join our team! This full-time position has opened due to a retirement and offers an opportunity to take ownership of the upkeep and performance of our buildings and grounds across all CCEC properties.

What You’ll Do

As a Facilities & Grounds Technician, you’ll support the Manager of Purchasing and Facilities by coordinating and performing a wide range of maintenance and repair tasks. Your day-to-day work will include:

• Overseeing the general cleaning, upkeep, and appearance of buildings and grounds
• Maintaining and troubleshooting building systems and equipment
• Coordinating renovation and repair projects with staff and contractors
• Scheduling and tracking maintenance activities to ensure projects are completed safely and efficiently
• Serving as the main point of contact between employees, tenants, and facility management

What We’re Looking For

We’re seeking a hands-on, detail-oriented professional who takes pride in keeping facilities running smoothly. Ideal candidates will have:

• Associate’s degree in HVAC or Electrical Technology, plus 1–2 years of related experience
  • Equivalent, progressive experience may substitute for part of the education requirement
• Strong communication skills—both written and verbal
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Solid problem-solving and organizational skills
• Proficiency using hand tools, maintenance equipment, and digital tools (computer/tablet)
• Self-motivation and the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively
• Ability to obtain and maintain Forklift Certification

Why Cass County Electric Cooperative?

We're more than an energy provider—we're a member-focused, community-driven cooperative where your work truly matters. You’ll have the opportunity to make a tangible impact every day by ensuring our facilities remain safe, efficient, and welcoming.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Visit our website to view the full job description and apply today. We’re excited to meet the next great member of our team!

Deadline for applying: January 5, 2026

Cass County Electric Cooperative is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative (ILEC) is seeking a qualified candidate to fill the position of Lineworker at our Pocahontas, Iowa, Service Center.

Position objective is as follows:
• To perform construction, operation and maintenance activities necessary to ensure safe, reliable and 
efficient operation of the Cooperative’s overhead and underground distribution system
Position Responsibilities are as follows:
• Must possess and consistently demonstrate a thorough working knowledge of basic electricity
• Must be able to safely install, change, transfer, move and remove any and all forms of electrical 
equipment, material and accessories utilized in the construction, maintenance and operation of all 
overhead and underground electric distribution facilities
• Must have an understanding of the installation of transformers, wiring of transformer banks, regulators 
capacitors, meters, switching, sectionalizing and other complicated equipment
• Must be able to perform “hotline” work in a safe manner
• Must be familiar with and capable of operating all types of equipment associated with the work being 
performed
• Must be able to properly read and interpret staking sheets
• Must be knowledgeable in the safe operation of the rural distribution system including patrolling lines, 
inspecting poles, switching, troubleshooting and outage response
• Will participate in the after-hours on call rotation for outage response
• Must have an understanding of RUS line construction specifications, National Electric Safety Code and 
rural electric operating methods and procedures.
• Must be constantly aware of all hazards and observe all safety rules, regulations and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned

High school graduate or equivalent required. A Power Line Technical Degree or related training program is required. 3-4 years of line work experience or Journeyman Lineworker status is preferred. Must possess and maintain a valid Iowa (“Class A” CDL) driver’s license. The successful candidate must live or relocate within the required distance from the assigned service center. Pre-employment drug test required. 

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are necessary. This position requires the ability to effectively, read and understand technical drawings and specifications, complete routine reports and have the ability to meet and deal tactfully and courteously with co-workers, associates, member-owners, vendors and the public.

Wage is commensurate with qualifications and experience. ILEC offers a strong benefits package including IAEC and NRECA retirement and insurance programs. 

Qualified applicants should forward a resume and cover letter to: Human Resources, Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative, 702 S 1st Street, Estherville, IA 51334. Documents may also be submitted via e-mail addressed to hr@ilec.coop. The position will remain open until January 12, 2026.

Iowa Lakes Electric Cooperative is an electric distribution cooperative headquartered in Estherville, Iowa. ILEC serves approximately 13,200 members and owns and maintains 4,800 miles of distribution line. Additional information may be found by visiting ILEC's web site at www.ilec.coop

Chief Executive Officer

Tongue River Electric Cooperative — Ashland, Montana

The Board of Directors of Tongue River Electric Cooperative (TRECO) is seeking an experienced, visionary leader to serve as its next Chief Executive Officer (CEO) following the planned retirement of the current CEO after 11 years of service.

Position Overview

TRECO is seeking a dynamic Chief Executive Officer with outstanding leadership and communication skills and a proven ability to build strong, lasting relationships. The ideal candidate will bring a strategic, forward-thinking mindset and a deep commitment to collaboration, innovation, and service excellence. The CEO will lead an engaged team dedicated to delivering safe, reliable, and affordable electric service to more than 2,700 members.

The CEO must lead with integrity and demonstrate a strong commitment to safety, ethical leadership, and cooperative values. A high degree of self-awareness, teamwork, and the ability to foster a culture of trust, accountability, and member focus are essential.

About Tongue River Electric Cooperative

Tongue River Electric Cooperative, Inc. (TRECO) was incorporated on January 22, 1946, and first energized its system on September 9, 1949. Today, TRECO proudly serves more than 2,700 members and over 5,000 service locations across rural eastern Montana. Approximately 60% of TRECO’s load is residential, 30% commercial/industrial, and 10% irrigation.

TRECO’s headquarters is located in Ashland, Montana, along U.S. Highway 212 in Rosebud County. The cooperative operates two outpost shops—one in Broadus, Montana (44 miles east of Ashland) and one in Miles City, Montana (80 miles north of Ashland). TRECO maintains a four-person line crew at each outpost and a five-person line crew at the Ashland headquarters.

TRECO serves the communities of Ashland, Broadus, Birney, Lame Deer, and Busby, along with rural members across Prairie, Custer, Rosebud and Powder River Counties. The cooperative also serves rural areas surrounding Miles City, Terry, and Colstrip.

Required Qualifications

Applicants who do not meet the required qualifications will not be considered.

• Verifiable, successful leadership experience with an electric utility
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to develop and execute a compelling vision and strategic plan aligned with Board goals
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with the Board of Directors, staff, employees, members, and external stakeholders
• Strong knowledge of electric utility operations, safety protocols, power supply, member services, finance, strategic planning, and risk management
• Understanding of electric utility industry trends and the ability to leverage them to benefit cooperative members
• Knowledge and appreciation of the cooperative business model and the Seven Cooperative Principles
• Proven success in building high-performing teams and positive organizational cultures
• Ability to maintain a workplace aligned with TRECO’s vision, values, and policies while complying with federal and state employment regulations
• Commitment to ongoing professional development
• Willingness to travel for local, regional, and national meetings

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or a minimum of five years of leadership or management experience within an electric utility, preferably an electric cooperative.
• Advanced degree or professional certification relevant to electric utility leadership, including engineering, management, finance, accounting, economics, or law

Compensation and Benefits

TRECO offers a competitive salary along with a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Pension retirement plan
• 401(k) plan base contribution of 17% plus a 6% employer match (up to 23% total of base pay)
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Long-term disability insurance
• Life insurance
• Health savings account (HSA)
• Eight paid holidays (plus two floating holidays)
• Starting annual accrual of 168 hours of personal time off (PTO)

Application Process & Deadline

Interested individuals who meet the required qualifications must submit:

• A cover letter
• A resume
• Three professional references

Final candidates will be required to successfully complete a comprehensive background check and a pre-employment drug test.

To receive full consideration, applications are strongly preferred by February 13, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Mountain Time. Applications will continue to be reviewed until the position is filled.

Questions may be directed to Board President Jim D. Collins at amigo1@rangeweb.net or 406.427-5424.  Completed applications may be submitted to the following address:

Tongue River Electric Cooperative/CEO Search

2435 US Hwy 212

Ashland, MT 59003

More information about Tongue River Electric may be found on the website at www.tongueriverelectric.com

Tongue River Electric Cooperative is an Equal Opportunity Employer.