Employment Opportunities

Executive Vice President (EVP) & General Manager (GM)  - Western Iowa Power Cooperative

The Board of Directors for Western Iowa Power Cooperative (WIPCO) is seeking to fill the position of Executive Vice President & General Manager. A vacancy in this position was created recently when the EVP and GM elected to take a position with another entity.  The Board has appointed an interim General Manager; but is interested in evaluating eligible candidates for the position on a more permanent basis.  Existing employees, including the interim General Manager, will also have an opportunity to apply.

WIPCO is a non-profit, member-owned rural electric distribution cooperative with approximately 2,100 miles of line serving nearly 3,500 members in west central Iowa with the headquarters in Denison, Iowa and a satellite office in Onawa, Iowa.  Denison and the surrounding communities are wonderful places to spend free time including hundreds of acres of hunting and fishing areas, one 18-hole and two 9-hole golf courses, an indoor/outdoor aquatic center, many parks, and other special attractions.  Denison also has close access to excellent healthcare and is a very affordable place to live and raise a family, while being located less than 80 miles away from Omaha, Nebraska and Sioux City, Iowa, and less than a two-hour drive from Des Moines, Iowa.

The Board seeks candidates with demonstrated competence in the management and leadership of an electric cooperative.  In addition to strong people skills, the well-qualified candidate will have “hands-on” operations experience in power supply, rates, and engineering and proficiency in finance and accounting, human resources, safety, and customer service.  The ability to work effectively with the WIPCO Board is very important, exemplified by a collaborative, team-oriented approach to governance and the ability to bring initiative, innovation, and strategic vision to the EVP/GM role.  The EVP/GM is expected to present a positive organizational image of WIPCO in interactions with the community, other cooperatives, and the public in general.

A summary of candidate qualifications is as follows, although not all inclusive:

• Five (5) or more years’ experience in electric management is required
• A Bachelor’s Degree or college-level coursework in business administration, accounting and finance, quality and safety, or human resources is desirable
• Must possess strong verbal and written communication skills and be at ease with presentations to the public
• Demonstrated success in managing a large, diverse group of people is preferred
• A working understanding of budgets, employment law, technology, safety, quality, customer service, and human resources (including union negotiations) is preferred
• Industry knowledge and leadership with a focus on legislative issues is desirable
• Experience in designing, implementing, and evaluating an organizational strategic plan is desirable
• Must conduct self with the highest levels of ethics and integrity
• Applicant is expected to reside within the WIPCO service area within six (6) months

The EVP/GM is responsible for the overall management of WIPCO and reports directly to the 10-member Board of Directors (the Board), which is elected by the WIPCO membership. The position is accountable to the Board and is responsible for administering policies and directives as established by the Board.  The position requires the ability to manage multiple tasks through a collaborative problem-solving approach, that achieves organizational objectives on a timely basis.

Candidates with an understanding of the challenges facing rural Iowa and a strong commitment to address the needs of rural communities in the state will be preferred.

WIPCO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in the NRECA defined benefit pension plan and 401k savings plan.  The Cooperative also offers medical, dental, LTD, STD and life insurance plans along with paid time off.  Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience. 

Application packages should include a cover letter and resume, with the cover letter setting forth why the applicant is seeking the position and why the applicant believes he or she is the best choice for the position. Applicant should state salary requirements or salary range requested. Other information deemed relevant may also be included by the applicant. The application package should include 4 business and 2 personal references. 

Application packages should be sent to the following, no later than January 31, 2025: 

Dennis L. Puckett

Sullivan & Ward, P.C.

6601 Westown Parkway, Suite 200

West Des Moines, Iowa 50266

E-mail: dpuckett@sullivan-ward.com

All information shall be kept strictly confidential 

Click here for position information

For details on this position click here.

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.

Position Opening: Business Development and Procurement Specialist

Location: Oahe Electric Cooperative, Blunt, SD

Position Type: Full-Time

About Us:

Oahe Electric Cooperative is committed to providing affordable, reliable, and sustainable electricity to our members. As our community grows and energy demands increase, we remain dedicated to maintaining operational efficiency while delivering excellent service. We are seeking a Business Development and Procurement Specialist to play a vital role in managing procurement processes, identifying business development opportunities, and supporting the cooperative’s strategic growth.

Position Overview:

The Business Development and Procurement Specialist will oversee the procurement of materials, services, and equipment while actively identifying and pursuing business opportunities that align with the cooperative’s goals. This position will also support load growth planning and help ensure that the cooperative can continue to deliver reliable service to our members in a cost-effective manner.

Key Responsibilities:

• Business Development & Growth: Identify and pursue new business opportunities that support the cooperative’s goals, including expanding capacity and meeting future energy demands. Collaborate with engineering, operations, and planning teams to develop solutions that address load growth and infrastructure needs.
• Procurement: Manage the procurement of equipment, materials, and services for cooperative operations. Ensure efficient and cost-effective sourcing while adhering to cooperative standards and guidelines.
• Contract Management: Assist in negotiating, drafting, and managing contracts with vendors, service providers, and contractors. Ensure compliance with cooperative policies, legal requirements, and industry standards.
• Rates & Financial Support: Work with the finance team to monitor procurement-related expenses and identify cost-saving opportunities. Assist with rate planning to ensure rates remain fair and sustainable for our members as the cooperative grows.
• Collaboration & Coordination: Work closely with internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure projects and initiatives are aligned with the cooperative’s objectives. Provide support to leadership in optimizing operations and growth efforts.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Electrical,  Mechanical, Metallurgical Engineering, or a related engineering field.
• At least 3-5 years of experience in procurement, business development, or load growth planning, ideally within an engineering, utility, or energy-related field.
• Strong technical understanding of electrical, mechanical, or metallurgical systems with experience in supporting infrastructure development and load growth.
• Experience in procurement, vendor management, contract administration, and business development.
• Knowledge of regulatory compliance, utility rate structures, and billing systems.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams and with external partners.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects in a dynamic environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in the electric utility industry or cooperative environment.
• Project management certification (PMP) or similar.
• Familiarity with regulatory compliance and industry standards related to utilities or other industries.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Retirement savings plan with cooperative contribution.
• Paid time off and holiday pay.
• Opportunities for professional development and growth.

How to Apply:

Submit your resume and cover letter to jlamb@oaheelectric.com. The deadline for applications is open until filled.

Oahe Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in the workplace. We encourage all qualified individuals to apply.