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:

Cherry-Todd Electric is accepting applications for a Journeyman or Apprentice Lineman Position. All applicants must have successfully completed an accredited line worker training program and have a valid Class A commercial driver’s license.  Applicants should email a cover letter along with their application to miyotte@cherry-todd.com or colleenf@cherry-todd.com .

Applications can be found on our website at www.cherry-todd.com.

If you need further information regarding this position opening, please contact us at:  605-856-4416

The Board of Directors (Board) for Connexus Energy (Connexus) is seeking to fill the position of President & Chief Executive Officer. Connexus Energy is Minnesota’s largest member-owned electric cooperative with approximately 9,500 miles of line serving more than 145,000 members across nearly 1,000 square miles. Connexus is headquartered in Ramsey, Minnesota, just north of the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. The Connexus service territory provides a balance of rural and city, which provides an abundance and breadth of activities from music, parks, restaurants, theater, sporting events, hunting, fishing, festivals, golf, and so much more!  We tout an excellent education system, access to world-class healthcare, a strong sense of community, and a great place to raise a family. We hope you will take the time to consider this opportunity – we would love to consider you as the next leader of the Connexus team!

 

Connexus Energy is proud of its many accomplishments. In 2022 Connexus reached agreement with our generation and transmission provider (G&T) and transitioned from a member owner to a customer, allowing Connexus the flexibility and autonomy to design its own future resource portfolio. In 2023, we developed a ten-year resource plan to serve as a long-term roadmap for meeting the future energy needs of Connexus members. In 2024, we have seen the value of the new agreement and the resource plan as they have been put into action with outstanding results.  Another recent accomplishment includes the cooperative being recognized by Fast Company magazine for innovative practices. Looking forward, Connexus is being considered for several Federal grants of which we are optimistically awaiting final word. Historically, Connexus ranks amongst the top utilities nationally for outstanding reliability, member satisfaction, and affordability. Our technology is leading the industry, and our staff is talented, committed, hard-working, and engaged. The culture is one of collaboration and respect, where employees are empowered to act and encouraged to be innovative. 

 

Accountabilities of the CEO include:

  • In conjunction with the Board, serve as the strategic leader, developing and driving business strategies and plans, ensuring alignment with short-term and long-term objectives.
  • Lead and motivate a six-person executive team who are responsible for day-to-day operations. As CEO, ensure senior leaders are delivering on expectations of high performance, growth, and continuous improvement across all disciplines.
  • Reporting directly to an eight-person Board of Directors; responsible for administering policies and directives established by the Board.
  • Champion the development and growth of organizational talent and advance overall employee engagement.
  • Responsible for keeping the Board well-informed and connected, providing them with ideas, options, and information to appropriately assess risk and opportunities that allow for well-informed and confident decisions, as well as keeping them abreast on the overall condition of the cooperative including member relations, financial, power supply, regulatory, risk, technology, operations, safety, and employee satisfaction.
  • Foster a culture of innovation, improvement, results, and success in every function of the cooperative, and strengthen the company’s vision, culture and values.
  • Direct and participate in matters dealing with legislators, lobbying groups, business partners, rating agencies, and other external partners and stakeholders.  
  • Lead the cooperative and the evolving business model, embracing new energy solutions and possibilities, as Connexus and other electric utilities across the state move toward 100 percent carbon-free by 2040.  

Desired qualifications include the following: 


 

  • Master’s and/or bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, or a technical-professional area such as economics, engineering, finance, etc.  
  • Several years of increasingly responsible administrative, management, and supervisory experience.
  • Deep industry knowledge.
  • Member/customer focused, with the ability to instill that same member-focus culture throughout all levels of the organization. 
  • Commitment to safety.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills, and experience in public presentations to diverse audiences.
  • Strong people and relationship-building skills to form positive connections with individuals both inside and outside the organization. 
  • Possess the emotional intelligence to manage your own emotions as well as adapt your interactions to others appropriately.
  • Experience in designing and implementing an organizational strategic plan.
  • Ability to motivate, inspire and energize staff in the drive toward accomplishment of the cooperative’s goals and strategies. 
  • A working understanding of Board-CEO/Staff relations and a foundational commitment to mutual trust and respect.
  • Long record of acting ethically, transparently, empathetically, and with the highest level of integrity. 
  • Strong work ethic, adaptable, and resilient in the face of challenging situations, changing priorities, and an evolving work environment. 
  • Commitment to the Seven Cooperative Principles.

 

All inquiries and applicant information shall be kept strictly confidential. 

 

Application packages requested by October 18, 2024, and should include:

  1. Cover letter with salary requirements
  2. Resume
  3. Written responses to the following questions:
    • Outside of what we can see from your resume, summarize what you believe are the key attributes you bring and that make you uniquely qualified to be the next CEO of Connexus Energy.
    • Describe any strategic planning experience you may have. Please also share one strategic initiative you were instrumental in identifying and leading for which you are especially proud.
    • Help us to get a picture of your leadership style and relationship building skills:
      • with direct reports and others across the organization, and
      • with members, and
      • with governmental agencies and officials.      

Send all application materials to: Chair.Bator@connexusenergy.com

 

Questions should be directed to:

Fran Bator, Board Chair

Email:    Chair.Bator@connexusenergy.com

-- Or --

Linda Maegi, Vice President of Employee Services

Email:   Linda.Maegi@connexusenergy.com

Mobile: 763-218-9660

 

Total Rewards: Connexus Energy offers competitive salary and incentive programs and an attractive benefits package including medical, dental, life, company provided disability insurance, generous company contribution and match to 401(k), tuition reimbursement, and more. 

 

An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer: Minorities, Women, Veterans, Disabilities

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or veteran status.

Are you looking for a challenging and dynamic role? We are seeking a Power Lineman to join our Marshall, MN, area maintenance team. We are searching for a highly skilled lineman to assist with the maintenance, inspection, construction, and repair of overhead transmission lines. In this role, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the safe and efficient delivery of electricity to our members. This position is subject to emergency call-in and has a residency requirement to live within 35 miles of Marshall, MN. Key requirements include:

  • A degree/certificate in power line construction and maintenance.
  • Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL), or ability to obtain a CDL.
  • USDA Certified Commercial Applicators license or the ability to obtain one within one year.
  • Excellent communication skills and ability to develop positive working relationships
  • Experience and proficiency with Microsoft Office products and computer technology
  • The ability to work collaboratively in a team environment

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 13, 2024, with interviews expected to begin during the week of October 21. This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Apparatus/Relay Technician – East River Electric – Madison, SD Are you looking for an opportunity to use your skills to help provide reliable power? We are seeking a skilled technician to join our substation team! As the Apparatus/Relay Technician, you will play a vital role in the installation, maintenance, and testing of substation apparatus. You will have the opportunity to work on various types of equipment including substation apparatus such as power transformers and circuit breakers, protective relays, substation controls, load management equipment, and station battery systems. The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented with strong technical skills and the ability to work collaboratively with team members. Key requirements include:

  • An associate degree in electrical construction, automation controls, substation, telecommunications, or powerline
  • At least two (2) years of related work experience (preferred)
  • A Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL), or the ability to obtain a CDL
  • Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
  • Experience and proficiency with Microsoft Office products and computer technology
  • The ability to work collaboratively in a team environment

 

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 6, 2024. Interviews expected to begin the week of October 21. This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Click here for position details and to apply.

Administrative Support Specialist – East River Electric – Madison, S.D. Are you an organized and detail-oriented individual looking to provide administrative support within a positive work environment? We are seeking an Administrative Support Specialist to join our team. In this position, you will play a crucial role in supporting our safety program and the engineering and operations teams. The ideal candidate must possess excellent interpersonal skills and meticulous attention to detail. Key requirements include:

  • A degree in business or a related field, along with a minimum of two years of administrative support experience preferred (A combination of education, skills, and relevant work experience will be considered.)
  • Strong competency in proofreading skills and ability to produce professional and accurate documents
  • Keen attention to detail and organizational skills
  • Outstanding communication and customer service skills
  • Ability to work under pressure at times
  • Demonstrated computer skills in using MS Office products, specifically PowerPoint, Word, SharePoint, and Outlook

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

Are you looking for an opportunity to help lead the cooperative's engineering design activities for electric utility projects? We are looking for an Engineering Resource Team Leader to join our engineering and planning services team! This leadership role provides primary oversight and coordination of the Cooperative's portfolio of construction design projects to ensure that the designs meet East River's specifications and engineering standards approved by the Rural Utilities Service (RUS). Manager or team lead role will be determined by qualifications and experience. Key requirements include:

  • A bachelor's degree in engineering with at least three years of progressively responsible experience in engineering design (A combination of education and experience will be considered.)
    • Manager level role will be considered for highly qualified candidates with five or more years of utility design experience
  • Registration as a Professional Engineer or the ability to obtain such license within four years of hire
  • Ability to operate Auto-CAD, PLS-CADD, ESRI, and other related software
  • Ability to prioritize and plan work and determine appropriate resources to accomplish goal
  • Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office products and computer software
  • A professional presence and a high level of acceptance, cooperation, and mutual respect
  • Excellent communication and team building skills

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 scheduled as soon as possible.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Click this link Staff Writer Editor or Senior Staff Writer Editor (002)_1.pdf for job listing details.

OPERATIONS MANAGER

Job Specifications

Post High school education required. Specialized training in electric utility maintenance, construction, operations, and planning is highly desirable. Experience in the design, construction, operations and maintenance of distribution and transmission line and substations required. Must have knowledge of work planning and budgeting and electric utility construction and maintenance. Must be able to supervise and direct department personnel in constructing, operating and maintaining electric plant.  Must have the ability to effectively cooperate and work with all employees and departments. Must be able to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

Bachelor's degree in engineering, business management or other related disciplines preferred. Should have experience in supervision and management. At least 10 years’ experience in electric distribution, construction, operations, and maintenance is preferred.

Job Description

Coordinate work plans among line crews, engineering and management.  Prepares an annual work plan and budget for the department. Supervise and coordinate the work required by the plan, evaluate the results, and takes corrective action as required.

Participates in the development of operating policies for the construction, operation and maintenance department and the cooperative. Participates in the review of such policies to make sure they met current operating conditions and to determine any revisions that may be required.

Participates as a member of the General Manager’s staff to confer on mutual problems and to develop plans.

Sees that written operating procedures are developed for the department and with other departments to assure a smooth workflow and sees that they are revised as necessary to meet changing operating conditions and needs.

Prepares daily, weekly, and monthly work plans to complete projects on a timely basis and with the best utilization of workforce and equipment.

Studies safety rules, regulations and practices and implements an effective loss control program.

Continually monitors safety practices and procedures to see if improvements can be made.

Schedules safety meetings and presents subjects relating to safety and job activities within the department.

Authorizes the purchase of materials and supplies for the operation of construction, operations and maintenance department and inventory control in accordance with the work plan and budget, including authorize repairs and other items for vehicles and work equipment.

Develops annual and long-range plans relating to construction and maintenance of the system and recommends them to the General Manager for approval.

Collaborates with the Engineering Consultant and provides information on the development of a four-year plan to be used for requesting loan funds from or preparing loan applications to RUS.

Collaborates with the Engineering Consultant in the development of a System Sectionalizing Study which includes coordination of transmission and distribution protection devices.

Evaluates construction practices and initiates changes that will speed up construction and make the best of personnel and equipment.

Sees that a materials management system is maintained to provide control over inventory and procurement of material, apparatus, and equipment.

Contributes data and other information to the engineering consultant for the preparation of the Long Range (10/20 year) Engineering Study. Participates in the review of the study before it is finalized.

Monitors supervisory control daily to determine the working status of supervisory equipment and takes remedial action, as necessary.

Reviews the results of the annual inventory and sees that any areas in the department requiring corrective action are taken care of.

Directs the inspection of the fleet condition and work equipment reports daily and determines any corrective action necessary to ensure that they are up to safety and operational standards.

Reviews monthly substation reports on power, energy, voltage, phase balance, voltage regulations, transmission losses, power factor, load factor to determine any corrective action required.

Monitors work accomplished by the department through daily, weekly, and monthly reports, time sheets, consumer complaints personal work inspection and personal interviews and personnel and takes remedial action when necessary.

Sees that the personnel reporting directly to him/her are trained to meet the requirements of their positions.

Minnesota Valley Cooperative Light and Power Association is a transmission and distribution cooperative based out of Montevideo Minnesota. Check out the website mnvalleyrec.com for more information.

Are you looking for an opportunity to use your skills to help provide reliable power? We are seeking a skilled technician to join our substation team! As a Relay/Load Management Technician, you will install and maintain protective relays, substation controls, load management equipment, and station batteries, as well as test high voltage electrical equipment, with an emphasis on relaying duties. The ideal candidate will be detail and safety oriented, with strong technical skills and the ability to work collaboratively with team members. This position is subject to emergency call-in and has a residency requirement to live within 35 miles of Madison, South Dakota. Key requirements include:

  • An associate degree in electrical construction, automation controls, substation, telecommunications, or powerline with a minimum of two years of related experience preferred
  • A Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
  • Demonstrated commitment to job performance and attention to detail, showing motivation to grow technical job skills and providing additional benefit to the Cooperative
  • Demonstrated respect for others and a commitment to effective communication
  • Experience and proficiency with Microsoft Office products and computer technology
  • The ability to work collaboratively in a team environment

 

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

Are you looking for a challenging and dynamic role? We are searching for a highly skilled technician to assist with the configuration, installation, and maintenance of the telecommunications transport network that supports the Cooperative's electric transmission system. As a Digital Communications Systems Technician, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of our microwave radio, MPLS routers, and fiber optic systems. This position is subject to emergency call-in and has a residency requirement to live within 35 miles of Madison, South Dakota. Key requirements include:

  • An associate degree in electronics or digital communications or a closely related technical field (A technical degree with at least five years of relevant electronics experience may be considered.)
  • Excellent communication skills and ability to develop positive working relationships
  • The ability to gain and apply technical knowledge and troubleshoot operational issues
  • A valid driver's license and the ability to obtain a DOT medical certification
  • Experience and proficiency with Microsoft Office products and computer technology
  • The ability to work collaboratively in a team environment

 

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