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:
Apprentice Lineman
Whetstone Valley Electric Cooperative headquartered in Milbank, SD is looking for a an Apprentice Lineman. Must hold Class A CDL. Must have graduated from an accredited Line School. Please send resume or application to Whetstone Valley Electric, ATTN: Jon, PO Box 512 Milbank, SD 57252 or email to jonc@whetstone.coop . Application can be obtained on our website www.whetstone.coop. This position is open until filled.
Traverse Electric Cooperative, Inc. is accepting applications for the position of Load Management/ Electrician. The successful candidate must possess a strong work ethic, positive attitude, good oral and written skills, and a strong commitment to safety and our members. Responsibilities include installation of load management equipment and meters, low voltage wiring to comply with NEC, and member services duties. A complete job description is available upon request.
Requirements:
- The successful candidate must have a current Journeyworker Electrician license in the State of Minnesota and/or South Dakota.
- Valid driver’s license and a good driving record.
Applications can be found on our website: www.traverseelectric.com or can be mailed or emailed to interested candidates upon request. Completed application and resume should be directed to Karen Lupkes, Office Manager, P.O. Box 66, Wheaton, M.N. 56296 or emailed to klupkes@traverseelectric.com. For more information or to request a job description please contact Karen Lupkes at 800-927-5443 or klupkes@traverseelectric.com. Application deadline is March 16, 2026. EOE.
Wheaton, M.N. is located in Traverse County, near the South Dakota and North Dakota borders, and is primarily agriculture centered. Wheaton is near Lake Traverse and Big Stone Lake. Wheaton offers walleye fishing, goose, pheasant, duck and deer hunting – and, more recently, turkey and coyote. Wheaton also has superb healthcare access (hospital, clinic, long term care, eye and dental clinics) and an excellent PreK-12 public school system. Please visit www.cityofwheaton.com to see all the great things our community has to offer.
Apprentice or Journeyman Lineman – Northern Electric Cooperative – Bath, S.D. – Northern Electric Cooperative has an opening for an apprentice or journeyman lineman on our distribution construction and maintenance crew. This position is based in Bath, S.D. Key responsibilities include: Installing or replacing equipment on distribution poles at heights up to 50 feet. Working outdoors with considerable physical exertion, occasionally in adverse weather conditions. Working extra and irregular hours as needed to restore power. Key requirements include: Completion of a power line technical program and a Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). Submit cover letter, resume and application by e-mail to employment@northernelectric.coop or mail to PO Box 457, Bath, SD 57427. Applications are available at www.northernelectric.coop. Applications are being accepted until February 23, 2026. For further information, call 605-225-0310. Northern Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Northern Electric is accepting applications for a 1000-hour line worker. This is a seasonal position of 40+ hours a week. Job duties include working with other operations employees in the construction and retirement of distribution utility lines. Powerline Construction and Maintenance School is preferred but not required. All hours worked can be recorded and applied towards the Line Worker Apprenticeship program. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and have a valid driver’s license. This position will be in Redfield, South Dakota. Submit cover letter, resume and application by e-mail to employment@northernelectric.coop or mail to PO Box 457, Bath, SD 57427. Applications are available at www.northernelectric.coop. For further information, call 800-529-0310. Northern Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Southeastern is looking for a Distribution System Engineer. Click on the link for job details: https://recruiting.paylocity.com/Recruiting/Jobs/Details/3829131
The Board of Directors for Clay-Union Electric Cooperative (Clay-Union) invites applications for the position of General Manager/CEO. This executive leadership role reports to the Board of Directors and is responsible for the day-to-day management, administration, and operation of the Cooperative. The ideal candidate will be an inspired leader with strong communication, management, and strategic planning skills, and a passion for serving member-owners.
Our Cooperative
Clay-Union Electric Cooperative proudly serves 2,836 member-owners across five southeastern South Dakota counties, maintaining 1,174 miles of distribution line. The Cooperative operates from a new, modern headquarters located on Highway 19 in Vermillion. As a not-for-profit distribution cooperative and a member-owner of East River Electric Power Cooperative, Clay-Union is committed to safety, reliability, operational excellence, and community engagement.
Our Service Territory
Vermillion, home to Clay-Union's headquarters, is a vibrant community known for its cultural, educational, and recreational opportunities. As the home of the University of South Dakota, the region offers an excellent quality of life with strong schools, abundant outdoor recreation, and a welcoming community atmosphere. The Cooperative's five-county service area blends rural charm with access to modern amenities, making it an exceptional place to live and work.
Key Requirements
· Knowledge of electric utility operations is required; a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in a rural electric cooperative, electric utility, or related organization is preferred.
· Experience with labor relations is a plus.
· Demonstrated leadership with the ability to build confidence and respect among employees, members, and community partners.
· Strong interpersonal skills, including communication, active listening, and conflict resolution.
· Ability to make sound decisions, seek input appropriately, and empower the leadership team.
· Proven success fostering a culture focused on safety, accountability, and operational excellence.
· Commitment to being an active and visible member of the Cooperative's service area communities.
· High ethical standards and integrity.
· Proficiency with technology, including Microsoft Office and enterprise information systems.
· Valid driver's license and willingness to travel as necessary.
· Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, communications, or related field preferred; equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
Compensation and Benefits
Clay-Union Electric Cooperative offers a competitive salary based on qualifications and an excellent benefits package, including retirement benefits through the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). Relocation assistance is available, and the General Manager is expected to reside within the Cooperative's service territory.
How to Apply Visit our Careers Site to apply online. Please include a cover letter, resume, and at least three professional references. Questions regarding the recruitment should be directed to jobs@clayunionelectric.coop. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Final interviews are expected in early April. For more information about Clay-Union Electric, please visit our website.
Clay-Union Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity provider and employer
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.
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.
Successful applicant will be located at our Huron, SD, service center. Work involves installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical systems and motors. 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.