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Employment Opportunities

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  1. About Us
  2. Employment Opportunities

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:

Apparatus/Relay Technician – East River Electric – Aberdeen, S.D.

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 possess keen attention to detail, robust technical abilities, and a collaborative spirit to work effectively with team members. This role will report to the Aberdeen Service Center following a training period of 12 to 24 months. During the training period, this position will report to Madison, SD, or the designated job site for training. Key requirements include:

  1. An associate degree in electrical construction, automation controls, substation, telecommunications, or powerline

  2. At least two (2) years of related work experience (preferred)

  3. A Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL), or the ability to obtain a CDL

  4. Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail

  5. Experience and proficiency with Microsoft Office products and computer technology

  6. 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 September 14, 2025, with interviews expected to begin during the week of September 29. This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

 

Chief Financial Officer – Butte Electric – Newell, S.D.

Butte Electric Cooperative, Inc. has an opening for a full-time Chief Financial Officer at our headquarters in Newell, SD.  The successful applicant must have a background in accounting, finance, or related field with a minimum of five years of management experience in accounting or finance.  Job Duties and Responsibilities include developing annual budgets and long-range forecasts, managing all finance, accounting, billing, human resource, and customer service functions of the cooperative, preparing all regulatory reports, documents, and financial requirements.  The applicant must possess excellent management, analytical, organizational, and communications skills.  This position offers excellent pay and benefits.  Full job description and application for employment are available on our website: www.butteelectric.com/careers.  To be considered for employment qualified applicants must submit a completed application with a cover letter and resume to Butte Electric Cooperative, Inc., Attn: Chief Executive Officer, P.O. Box 137, Newell, SD 57760.  Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.  Butte Electric is an Equal opportunity Employer.

Accountant – Dakota Energy Cooperative - Huron, S.D.

Dakota Energy Cooperative has an opening for an Accountant in the Huron, South Dakota office. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance, PTO, holidays, and retirement benefits. The position involves a variety of accounting tasks, including general ledger maintenance, account reconciliations, financial reporting, and assisting with audits and budgeting processes. The candidate will be highly organized and possess excellent problem-solving and analytical skills. Qualified candidates must have a bachelor’s or associate degree in accounting or finance. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and previous electric utility experience are preferred but not required. Applications can be downloaded at www.dakotaenergy.coop. Applications and resumes must be submitted to jobs@dakotaenergy.coop. This position will remain open until filled. DEC is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Communications & Marketing Specialist – Dakota Energy Cooperative - Huron, S.D.

Dakota Energy Cooperative has an opening for a Communications & Marketing Specialist at the Huron, South Dakota office. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance, PTO, holidays, and retirement plans. The position is responsible for developing and implementing marketing and public relations strategies. The candidate should be highly organized with strong analytical skills and proficient in writing and graphic design. A degree in marketing, business, or a related field, or equivalent experience, is preferred. Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite is also preferred. Applications can be downloaded at www.dakotaenergy.coop. Both applications and resumes must be submitted to jobs@dakotaenergy.coop. This position will remain open until filled. DEC is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

1000-Hour Line Worker/Electrician – FEM Electric – Ipswich, S.D.

FEM Electric is accepting résumés for a 1000-hour line worker/electrician position.  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 as well as troubleshooting, installing and maintaining commercial, residential and farm or ag electrical systems. Power line Construction/Electrical Construction and Maintenance School is preferred but not required. All hours worked can be recorded and applied towards the Line Worker Apprenticeship/Electrician Apprenticeship program. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and have a valid driver license. CDL required. This position will be in Ipswich, South Dakota.  Cover letters and résumés can be sent to Sean Christiansen, Operations Manager via email at christiansen@femelectric.coop| Opens Email, fax at 605-426-6791 or mailed to FEM Electric, Attn: Sean Christiansen, PO Box 468, Ipswich, SD 57451, and will be accepted until the position is filled.

FEM Electric is an equal opportunity employer.

General Manager - Custer Public Power District - Broken Bow, NE

The Board of Directors of Custer Public Power District (Custer PPD) in Broken Bow, NE is seeking a demonstrated utility leader to serve as its next General Manager (GM). A strong communicator with a safety focus and solid financial acumen, this leader will actively engage with employees, customers, and the broader community to help drive Custer PPD’s mission forward with integrity and vision.

The Custer PPD Board has retained NRECA Executive Search to facilitate the search process.

About Custer PPD

Custer Public Power District, headquartered in Broken Bow, Nebraska, is geographically the larget rural public power district in Nebraska serving over 8,000 square miles of territory.

Custer PPD supplies electric power over 4,600 miles of distribution lines to Custer, Thomas, Blaine, Logan, McPherson, Loup, and Hooker counties plus portions of Sherman, Dawson, Cherry, Lincoln, Brown, and Garfield counties. Custer is divided into six service areas; two areas are served out of the main headquarters in Broken Bow. The other four areas have their own service centers strategically located within their service area. This concept places our service personnel closer to the customer. We maintain Area Service Centers in Sargent, Callaway, Stapleton, and Thedford, Nebraska, providing top-notch service to their customers/owners.

With annual revenue exceeding $32 million, total utility plant of approximately $156 million, Custer PPD serve over 11,000 customer/owners.  The District employs 46 full time employees that are focused on its mission to safely deliver electricity, to keep the organization in a sound financial position, and to exceed expectations in service and reliability to its customer/owners. Custer PPD’s wholesale power provider is Nebraska Electric G&T, through its contract with Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD).

 

The General Manager, acting as the Chief Executive Officer of Custer PPD, reports to a 7-member Board of Directors and is entrusted with leading the District in a way that supports both its employees and its customers. 

The Ideal Candidate

Leadership Competencies

  • Vision and Strategic Orientation: Takes a comprehensive, long-term view, that focuses on the future needs of the organization and its customers
  • Ability to Lead Change and Manage Risk: Identifies and actively manages change and risk throughout the organization
  • Analytical Thinking and Decision Making: Thinks systematically, conceptually, and analytically to determine effective solutions that will enable the utility to achieve desired goals
  • Relationship and teambuilding experience: Creates and fosters constructive working relationships and cohesive teams
  • Exceptional communication skills, both formally and informally: Listens, relates and communicates in a manner that is effective and supports mutual understanding
  • Ability to motivate, develop and positively influence others: Develops, persuades and motivates others towards an outcome aligned with the organization’s mission, vision, and values
  • Industry Knowledge and Leadership: Has extensive knowledge of the utility industry and uses this knowledge to guide the future direction of the organization
  • Strong Focus on Safety: Upholds and provides focus on the safety standards of the utility
  • Understanding of Financial Issues: Has an excellent understanding of the key financial opportunities and risks entailed in operating a public utility as well as intimate familiarity with the budgeting process

Experience and Expertise

  • A Bachelor’s Degree is preferred.
  • An advanced degree such as an MBA or graduation from the NRECA MIP program is a plus.
  • Education or Experience in Accounting & Finance, Engineering or Business is preferred.
  • A minimum of 5 years of leadership experience is required.
  • At least 5 years of electric utility experience is required.
  • Understanding of Public Power/Cooperative values will set you apart.

 

Our Location

Custer Public Power District (Custer PPD) is headquartered in Broken Bow, Nebraska, a rural community located in the heart of Custer County. Broken Bow, with a population of approximately 3,500, offers a high quality of life with affordable housing, excellent schools, and a strong sense of community.

The region offers the benefits of rural living with the advantages of being within driving distance of larger cities like Kearney and Grand Island, which provide expanded options for shopping, healthcare, entertainment, and higher education. Broken Bow is home to a modern medical center, a regional airport, and Mid-Plains Community College, supporting both education and workforce development in the area.

Nebraska’s landscape and four-season climate offer abundant outdoor recreational opportunities including hunting, fishing, hiking, boating, and golf. The Sandhills region, in particular, is known for its scenic beauty, ranching heritage, and outdoor lifestyle. Custer PPD’s location allows employees to enjoy a balanced lifestyle rooted in community, with access to both natural beauty and essential services.

Our Benefits

Custer PPD provides its employees with an attractive and competitive benefits package which includes NRECA medical, 401k plan and RS Plan, dental (100% employee paid), vision (exams only) long term disability, short term disability, life insurance (3x salary) and wellness activities.

 

Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience. 

 

How to Apply

If interested, please apply at https://nreca.applytojob.com/apply/C97v1xphBd/Custer-PPD-General-Manager

 

Applications must be received by September 8, 2025 and are required to include the following: 1) cover letter, 2) resume and 3) contact information, including email addresses, for 3 professional references. If you have any questions, please contact Leigh Taylor, NRECA Executive Search, Email:  Leigh.Taylor@nreca.coop.

All replies are confidential.

 

11,000
customers

 

46
employees

$32 million

2024 revenue

 

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South Dakota Rural Electric Association
P.O. Box 1138
222 West Pleasant Drive
Pierre, SD 57501

Phone: 605-224-8823
Email: info@sdrea.coop

About Us

The South Dakota Rural Electric Association is devoted to unifying, promoting and protecting the interests of member electric cooperatives in South Dakota by providing leadership, training, communication, legislative representation and other member services.

 

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