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:

Position Title: Manager of Loss Control

Location: Western/Central South Dakota

Duration: Full-time

Association Information:

South Dakota Rural Electric Association (SDREA) is a member services organization serving rural electric cooperatives across the state. We provide communication, legislative representation, loss control and training services to a diverse membership. The association’s headquarters is located in Pierre, S.D., and serves 31 electric cooperatives in the state. SDREA is a nonprofit, member-owned organization controlled by a board of directors elected by the members.

Position Summary:

SDREA is seeking a qualified individual for the position of Manager of Loss Control. The successful candidate will work remotely while primarily serving western South Dakota. They should have a comprehensive knowledge of safety laws and regulations and have the ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing. They must also have computer skills, including experience with Microsoft Office Suite. Responsibilities include implementing programs on safety and loss control for the state’s electric cooperatives, promoting a high-performing culture of safety, developing informational and training material, monitoring safety laws and regulations, managing mutual aid coordination, performing safety visits across the state, and attending local, state and national meetings as needed. The position will require a self-motivated individual with power line experience and a passion to be a leader of safety for electrical cooperatives in South Dakota. Travel is required in this position, and an association vehicle will be provided.

Essential Job Functions:

  • Lead and mentor the Loss Control Department team to achieve program goals and maintain a high-performing, collaborative culture.
  • Develop and deliver safety and technical training programs aligned with SDREA’s Safety Manual and regulatory requirements.
  • Conduct safety visits, audits, and assessments for member cooperatives to ensure safe work practices and compliance.
  • Oversee SDREA’s RESAP, Risk Audit, and Emergency Recovery programs.
  • Support cooperatives in incident investigations, mutual aid coordination, and emergency management.
  • Monitor and interpret safety regulations (OSHA, NESC, NEC, DOT, etc.) and provide expert guidance to members.
  • Maintain safety records and accident data; prepare reports for the Group Retention Committee.
  • Develop and manage the annual budget, training schedules, and department objectives.
  • Represent SDREA at state and national safety meetings and conferences.

Required Education:

A high school education or equivalent is required. Industry-related post-secondary education is preferred. The ability to complete NRECA Loss Control Internship Program is required. Some administrative experience is preferred. Knowledge of electrical programs and safety applications is also required.

Interested candidates should e-mail their resume, references and cover letter to jobs@sdrea.coop. Position will remain open until filled.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER M/F/DISABLED/VETERAN 

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.

West Central Electric has a full-time Pole Tester/Groundman position open.  The position is located in Murdo, SD, and the applicant must have a valid SD driver's license.  This job involves working by yourself and traveling.  Applicant must be proficient with Microsoft Excel and able to use GPS gathering technology.  A job application can be found at www.wce.coop.  The application can be mailed to PO Box 17, Murdo SD, 57559 or emailed to scott.kittelson@wce.coop.  Call Scott Kittelson at 605-669-8100 with any questions.  The position will remain open until filled.  West Central Electric is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Join our operations leadership team as the Transmission Policy Administrator, where your expertise and forward-thinking vision will really make a difference. In this role, you'll lead our transmission policy team, helping set our cooperative's strategic direction and keeping us on track with important compliance standards-all while making sure we deliver reliable and affordable power to our members. You'll actively collaborate with regional transmission organizations (RTOs) such as Southwest Power Pool (SPP) and Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), building strong relationships and playing an active part in shaping transmission policy. Key requirements include:

  1. Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field

  2. At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in utility planning, engineering, operations, or RTO activities

  3. Professional Engineering License in South Dakota and Minnesota

  4. Strong knowledge of RTO structures, policy, and market mechanisms

  5. Effective written and verbal communication skills-you'll need to articulate ideas clearly!

  6. Sharp analytical and problem-solving abilities with attention to detail

  7. Leadership skills to inspire, coach, and develop others

  8. Ability to build constructive relationships in collaboration with internal and external teams

  9. Proficiency in using Microsoft Office products and computer technology

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, with interviews expected to begin during the week of October 27. This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

 

Click here for position details.

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 to apply: November 21, 2025

Cass County Electric Cooperative is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Application due date: November 30, 2025

Location: Elk River/Big Lake or New Prague or St. James, or Grand Rapids, MN (Position requires frequent day travel for field activities and is eligible for hybrid when possible)

 Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without restriction. Visa sponsorship is not available.

Your perspective is powerful. To do what’s never been done before, we need to think differently. We seek out people with unique backgrounds, unique skillsets and unique perspectives who want to help shape what’s next.

Summary:

Manage the overall commissioning, operation and maintenance of GRE’s transmission and generation system substation apparatus equipment to ensure optimal performance and reliability. Lead our transformer, breaker, battery testing and maintenance crews. Provide hands-on leadership, technical guidance, and daily direction for approximately 10-15 apparatus technicians and apprentices to ensure best utility practices and guidelines are implemented within the department. Collaborate with leadership, professional staff and external entities to successfully execute safe, reliable, cost-effective operation and maintenance of substation equipment.


Total Rewards:

A typical starting range for this position is $131,000 - $187,000 annually. We offer market competitive base pay and adjust our offer accordingly based upon the value of the candidate’s knowledge, skills and experience. In addition, our Total Rewards strategy focuses on recognizing individual performance and rewarding business results. Our robust Total Rewards package includes exceptional benefits and retirement, a focus on continuous engagement, recognition, personal and professional development, and an emphasis on work-life effectiveness.

Responsibilities: Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Lead efforts for optimal performance and reliable efficient operations in support of the transmission system grid, HVDC converter stations, generation plants, and distribution facilities.  
  • Direct and implement substation apparatus upgrades, replacements, and retirements as driven by business requirements and asset lifecycle management
  • Ensure maintenance schedules adhere to GRE guidelines and NERC requirements for substation apparatus equipment, inspections, and to maximize system integrity and reliability
  • Keep informed of system sites and equipment to make proper decisions for maintenance issues and future construction projects, as well as industry developments in the areas of substation apparatus, commissioning, maintenance, materials, and equipment
  • Partner with leadership, business partners, and vendors to maintain and improve AC and DC transmission performance. Identify trends for future improvements
  • Manage substation pool equipment for distribution cooperatives and ensure equipment is properly maintained and available for distribution system upgrades and emergencies
  • Ensure that standards are met and installation practices are consistent
  • Ensure standard operating procedures, “as built” and documentation are maintained
  • Strategically coordinate planning, construction and maintenance with other departments
  • Manage and maintain positive relationships with distribution cooperatives, municipal utilities, and surrounding transmission companies
  • Recommend needs and priorities for replacement of existing equipment
  • Monitor project start and end dates, resource assignments and status. Ensure projects are completed in a timely manner
  • Manage and proactively lead the scheduling, testing, and documenting of maintenance for substation apparatus
  • Interact and negotiate with vendors and contractors as it relates to existing products and services, and to secure new products and services
  • Organize external resources and related data collection and processes to ensure appropriate and required documents are completed to support FEMA public assistance processes
  • Lead, manage, coach, and provide work direction to staff. 
  • Develop departmental goals and individual performance goals in collaboration with leadership 
     

Qualifications:

Education requirements include a two-year technical degree, or completion of a four-year IBEW Joint Apprentice Training Committee (JATC) program preferably in electrical/electronic, or a four-year degree in engineering, preferably in electrical, and a minimum of six years of testing transformers and breakers in the electric utility industry, with formal or informal leadership experience.

Apply: Qualified candidates please apply at www.greatriverenergy.com (under the Careers tab) by November 30, 2025. GRE values diversity, equity and inclusion and we are an equal employment opportunity employer.