Consider an Electric Cooperative Career
The search for a purposeful career can begin and end at your local electric cooperative because working toward a greater purpose is at the heart of the co-op business model. Electric co-ops are community-focused organizations that deliver safe, reliable and affordable energy to the consumer-members they serve.
Electric co-ops need a variety of skill sets to develop new technologies and infrastructure, keep the electric grid secure and power the lives and economy of our local communities.
Check out the job openings below. You may also post your résumé and search for employment with other Kansas electric cooperatives — and electric cooperatives in other states — by visiting our online nationwide Career Center.
KEC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. KEC does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.
Kansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. (KEC), the statewide association for Kansas electric co-ops, seeks an instructor for its Loss Control, Safety and Compliance department. This position plays an important role in promoting best safety practices and safety training initiatives to electric co-ops and their employees with responsibilities in preparing lesson outlines and supporting materials for safety instructions to present to the state’s distribution co-ops, G&T co-ops and other utilities.
Leading by example, this position will demonstrate, inspect, teach and follow-up on the proper use of safety features, materials and products. This position also participates in training schools, state and national meetings that relate to loss prevention and safety while also assisting in regulatory compliance services.
Required qualifications include:
- Current journeyman lineman designation with previous crew foreman experience preferred
- Minimum of five year’s experience as a journeyman lineman with responsibilities related to safety assurance or a combination of education and experience providing equivalent knowledge
- First-aid and CPR certification
- Valid drivers’ license
- Able and eager to travel (up to 50%) and meet with cooperative employees across the state; position location within Kansas is negotiable.
KEC offers a competitive benefits package including 401K with match, NRECA pension plan, health and dental, paid vacation and holidays.
If you have a passion for safety and coaching others about best practices, want to join a team of forward-looking professionals, and are looking for an opportunity to grow in your career we urge you to apply by sending your cover letter and resume to careers@kec.org.
Company: Bluestem Electric Cooperative, Inc
Job Title: CEO/General Manager
Job Classification: Exempt, Full-Time
Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm
Reporting Relationship: Board of Trustees
Location: Wamego, KS
Primary Accountabilities:
The General Manager is the Bluestem Electric Cooperative, Inc. (Bluestem) Chief Executive Officer and is expected to achieve its purposes and goals through effective discharge of planning, organizing, directing, coordinating, and controlling functions. The General Manager is employed by the Board of Trustees and is responsible to the Board for the cooperative and employed personnel's functioning to achieve cooperative purposes and carry out approved plans.
The leadership position is expected to ensure that the cooperative maintains participation, understanding, and support of its purposes, goals, and plans among Bluestem’s membership, Board of Trustees, employed personnel, and the public.
Major Duties:
- Manages structuring and staffing of the cooperative's organization, and for ensuring that its employed personnel function to achieve its purposes and goals, and carry out approved plans.
- Ensures that the cooperative achieves its goals and purposes through proper execution of the planning, organizing, directing, coordinating, and controlling functions inherent to management responsibilities.
- Ensures that cooperative purposes and goals are achieved by operations in the Key Functions of: Energy Supply, Electric Distribution Service, Marketing and Energy Usage, Communications, Financial Condition, Human Resources, Legal Requirements, and Managerial Performance.
- Advises and assists the Board of Trustees by providing accurate, timely reports and information; by interpretations and perceptions of results achieved; and, conditions that are likely to affect the cooperative's ability to achieve its purposes and goals, and, by proposing revisions in cooperative purposes, goals and overall plans, thereby enabling the Board to properly discharge its responsibilities as the cooperative's governing body.
- Participates in committees, task groups, director/trustee positions, and other responsible positions (or, ensuring that appropriate personnel participate) in organizations that offer the strengths of joint action as the best means for serving the interests and needs of the cooperative's membership.
- Studies and analyzes the cooperative’s rates and service rules and regulations periodically to ensure they meet current operating requirements, as well as to make appropriate recommendations to the Board.
- Develops a strategic marketing plan which improves the load factor, utilizes excess capacity, enables the members to efficiently utilize electric energy and allows other such products and/or services to be marketed to members and non-members as approved by the Board of Trustees.
- Reviews the activities of the cooperative periodically to determine the organization structure best suited to carry out the overall objectives of the cooperative within the limitations of the budget.
- Develops and implements a legislative program which furthers the cooperative’s objectives and policies, as well as participates with allied groups in order to obtain their increased understanding and support of the cooperative’s legislative objectives and program.
- Plans, prepares, and attends cooperative board meetings.
- Participates in the annual meeting, as required.
- Performs additional duties as required or assigned by the Board.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree: in Engineering, Economics, Business Administration, or related subject, required. Advanced study (or degree) at the graduate level is preferred but not required.
- Minimum of five (5) years experience, on the staff or in top management position, in rural electric cooperatives, utility industry, or organizations closely allied to them.
- Experience in budget preparation and fiscal management and the ability to develop and maintain recordkeeping systems and procedures.
- Proven ability to make critical decisions to drive positive operational and financial performance.
- Understanding, acceptance, and practice of basic concepts, philosophies, and principles of cooperative enterprise, and a demonstrated record of conveying these among members, employed personnel, and the public.
- Valid driver’s license and ability to travel if necessary.
- A demonstrated record of continuing personal and professional growth through study and application of current management, financial, and/or operational concepts, and techniques.
- Experience and commitment in application of management-by-objectives principles, with demonstrated record of managerial style that invites and permits personnel to participate in functions of management (planning, organizing, directing, coordinating, and controlling), and to evaluate, and be evaluated on, performance compared to results achieved.
- The ability to make decisions in a responsible, well-considered manner, to take immediate action when conditions require it, and to encourage/involve subordinates in making operational decisions in their spheres of responsibility and authority.
- Skilled in communications—especially public speaking and writing clearly. Demonstrated record of leadership that generates confidence and respect among members, employed personnel, and the public.
- Is persuasive, perceptive, and analytical, possessing the ability to accurately assess situations from scattered and sometimes few and seemingly disassociated facts, data and information, and the ability to attack or defend (as the case may require) issues and conditions from a foundation of sound reasoning and judgment.
- Demonstrated ability to be creative and innovative in managerial functioning, development of services, member communications, planning, and marketing. Demonstrated experience and interest in managing a multi-faceted cooperative system, which may involve subsidiary and/or associated organizations.
- Must possess basic computer skills, including experience in Microsoft Office products and enterprise information systems.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality of information.
- Ability to exercise discretion and use sound judgement in dealing with people and confidential information.
Physical Demands:
- Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time.
- Ability to stand, lift, carry, push, pull, balance, stoop, reach, handle, talk, hear, see, grasp, move head and neck.
- Ability to lift up to thirty (30) pounds with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to twenty-five (25) pounds.
- Finger dexterity, manual dexterity, alertness, precision, motor coordination, auditory discrimination and tactile discrimination.
Work Environment:
- Inside/Indoor environment which provides protection from weather conditions, but not necessarily temperature changes.
- Performance of duties will occasionally require exposure to outside weather: including extreme cold; extreme heat and risk of electrical shock.
- There will be occasional exposure to moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles.
- Work is performed in the Wamego Headquarters with travel throughout Bluestem territory. Travel as needed for events and state meetings.
- Schedule includes irregular hours — weekend and evening meetings — and off-system travel is required.
Additional Duties:
Additional duties and responsibilities may be added to this job description at any time. The job description does not state or imply that these are the only activities to be performed by the employee(s) holding this position. Employees are required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related responsibilities as requested by their supervisor.
Primary Accountability:
The Human Resources Coordinator plays a pivotal role in supporting the Human Resources (HR) team, ensuring smooth operations, and contributing to a positive employee experience within the organization. This position assists with the administration of benefits, performance evaluations, recruitment, onboarding, compliance with employment laws, training, and policy implementation.
Essential Duties:
- Collaborate with the Chief People Officer to organize, direct, and coordinate HR operations, aligning them with the established policies and legal requirements at federal, state, and local levels.
- Administer compensation and benefits policies, ensuring competitiveness and compliance with legal mandates.
- Develop departmental goals in line with the Cooperative's strategic initiatives.
- Assist with interviewing, hiring, training, coaching, conflict resolution, and grievance handling.
- Enhance the HR Department be designing, implementing, and evaluating employee relations policies, programs, and practices while ensuring legal compliance.
- Offer guidance to management on policy matters such as counseling, disciplinary actions, terminations, and employee relations issues.
- Identify and recommend training programs for staff development, enhancing employee efficiency.
- Administer benefit plans, including insurance, retirement, wellness programs, and leave benefits.
- Manage the FMLA program in compliance with legal requirements, providing guidance to managers on communication protocols.
- Facilitate the performance management program and ensure that regular employee evaluations occur for inside and outside employees.
- Maintain DOT compliance for designated employees, overseeing files and certifications.
- Oversee the recruitment process, from advertising open positions to onboarding new hires.
- Facilitate new employee orientation/onboarding and ensures new employees receive proper education and training in the areas of HR policies and benefits.
- Coordinate workers' compensation claims and act as a liaison with the insurance carrier.
- Prepare and maintain employee demographic data for required reports and plans.
- Coordinate annual open enrollment for benefits which includes processing enrollment forms.
- Maintain job descriptions and ensure essential functions and physical demands are identified as well as ensure appropriate FLSA classification is assigned.
- Conduct benefits and compensation analyses and compile necessary reports and surveys.
- Audit HR activities to ensure compliance with policies, procedures, and regulations.
- Assist in document preparation, report evaluation, and suggest improvement to enhance service efficiency.
- Organize and oversee employee events to foster a positive workplace culture, boost morale, and encourage team cohesion.
- Actively participates in the Cooperative's safety committee to enhance workplace safety, promote awareness, and contribute to the development and implementation of safety protocols.
- Represent the Cooperative positively and professionally as an ambassador.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Psychology, or a related field is required.
- 2-3 years of HR experience required.
- PHR or SHRM-CP certification is preferred.
- Valid driver's license required.
- Proficiency in employment laws, regulations, and standards.
- Experience in recruitment, benefits administration, employee relations, and HR compliance is required.
- Ability to write reports, business correspondence and procedure manuals.
- Strong communication, analytical, organizational, and multitasking skills.
- Ability to analyze data or information by identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively, exercising good judgment and attention to detail.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and discretion in handling sensitive information.
- Proficient in the use of technology software used for data management and analysis.
Physical Demands:
- Primarily sedentary work; occasional standing walking, lifting up to 30 pounds.
- Manual dexterity for computer use and office equipment.
- Ability to read computer screens, mail, and talk on the phone.
Work Environment:
- Office-based, deadline-oriented, and professional setting.
- Regular, reliable attendance is required.
- Interaction with staff, Trustees and vendors.
- Must be able to report to their primary worksite after regular business hours, as soon as possible, in the event of an emergency situation such as electrical outages, inclement weather, etc.
- Ability to travel between offices and attend meetings, trainings, workshops, and seminars, as directed.
How to Apply:
- If you would like to apply for this position, please visit https://freestate.coop/jobs to complete an Application for Employment.
Job Title: Tree Crew/Groundsman, 1st, 2nd, 3rd Year or Tree Trimmer
Job Classification: Non-exempt, Full-time
Location: Topeka
Who We Are:
FreeState is the largest rural electric cooperative in Eastern Kansas, with more than 15,000 member-owners. It functions as a democratic, not-for-profit organization. We are controlled by our members who actively participate in setting cooperative policy and making decisions in the best interest of the cooperative. Unlike investor-owned utilities, our profits are returned to our members as capital credits.
FreeState offers excellent benefits including a pension plan, 401(k) matched savings, and medical, dental and vision insurance paid for at 100% for individual coverage. FreeState also provides a health savings account with an annual generous employer contribution, life insurance, long-term disability, paid time off benefits and so much more. Employees are provided with on-the-job safety training, professional development opportunities and an employee focused work culture.
Summary: FreeState is currently seeking a qualified candidate for a position ranging from Tree Crew Groundsman to Tree Trimmer. There is one position available, and the position will be filled based on the candidate's knowledge and years of relevant job experience.
Starting Wages:
- Tree Crew/Groundsman: $23.45/hour
- 1st Year Tree Trimmer: $27.40/hour
- 2nd Year Tree Trimmer: $29.06/hour
- 3rd Year Tree Trimmer: $31.42/hour
- Tree Trimmer: $34.19/hour
Primary Accountability and Qualifications: The Tree Crew Groundsman, 1st Year Tree Trimmer, 2nd Year Tree Trimmer, 3rd Year Tree Trimmer, and Tree Trimmer positions are part of FreeState's 4-year ROW Apprentice program. Each of these positions are responsible for effectively and efficiently conducting all ROW clearing and spraying in a safe and professional manner and in accordance with the system requirements, to ensure quality electric service to our members. Each of these positions understand minimum separation as it applies to line clearance and has knowledge of clearing and trimming techniques used to clear ROW. Additionally, each level within the ROW Apprentice program must be trained in administering CPR, First Aid, and Tree Top and Bucket Rescue.
The electrical engineer will perform professional engineering work to evaluate and recommend distribution planning practices and procedures for Prairie Land and its members. The position will provide support to achieve the lowest cost and most reliable and environmentally sound electric distribution possible.
Applications can be sent to akarnopp@ple.coop
Interested individuals can review and apply for the Journeyman Lineman position at Belleville here: https://rollinghills.coop/form/journeyman-lineman-application-b.
Review all open positions by visiting the career page at https://rollinghills.coop/careers.
Interested individuals can review and apply for the Journeyman Lineman position at Beloit here: https://www.rollinghills.coop/form/journeyman-lineman.
Review all open positions by visiting the career page at https://rollinghills.coop/careers.
Interested individuals can review and apply for the Administrative Assistant position here: Position Description (taleo.net)
Applicants can review all the open positions by visiting Sunflower's career page at https://www.sunflower.net/careers/ and select Job Opportunities.
Interested individuals can learn about this opportunity and apply for the Coal and Material Handler Helper position here: https://phh.tbe.taleo.net/phh04/ats/careers/v2/viewRequisition?org=SEPC&cws=37&rid=847
Applicants can review all the open positions by visiting Sunflower's career page at https://www.sunflower.net/careers/ and select Job Opportunities.
Interested individuals can learn about this opportunity and apply for the Computer Systems Intern position here: https://phh.tbe.taleo.net/phh04/ats/careers/v2/viewRequisition?org=SEPC&cws=37&rid=846
Applicants can review all the open positions by visiting Sunflower's career page at https://www.sunflower.net/careers/ and select Job Opportunities.
Interested individuals can review and apply for the EIC (Electrical, Instrumentation, Controls) Technician I – Senior position here: https://phh.tbe.taleo.net/phh04/ats/careers/v2/viewRequisition?org=SEPC&cws=37&rid=806
Applicants can review all the open positions by visiting Sunflower's career page at https://www.sunflower.net/careers/ and select Job Opportunities.
Interested individuals can review and apply for the Elevator Operator position here: https://phh.tbe.taleo.net/phh04/ats/careers/v2/viewRequisition?org=SEPC&cws=37&rid=832
Applicants can review all the open positions by visiting Sunflower's career page at https://www.sunflower.net/careers/ and select Job Opportunities.
Interested individuals can learn about this opportunity and apply for the Engine Operator Technician I or II position here: https://phh.tbe.taleo.net/phh04/ats/careers/v2/viewRequisition?org=SEPC&cws=37&rid=849
This position is open for an Engine Operator Technician I ($44.06) or Engine Operator Technician II ($46.66). Placement at a level II will be considered if the applicant has prior power generation experience.
Applicants can review all the open positions by visiting Sunflower's career page at https://www.sunflower.net/careers/ and select Job Opportunities.
Interested individuals can review and apply for the Generation Engineer I or II position here: https://phh.tbe.taleo.net/phh04/ats/careers/v2/viewRequisition?org=SEPC&cws=37&rid=837
Applicants can review all the open positions by visiting Sunflower's career page at https://www.sunflower.net/careers/ and select Job Opportunities.
Interested individuals can review and apply for the Operator Technician EI&C I-IV position here: https://phh.tbe.taleo.net/phh04/ats/careers/v2/viewRequisition?org=SEPC&cws=37&rid=820
Review all open positions by visiting the career page at https://www.sunflower.net/careers/ and select Job Opportunities.
Interested individuals can learn about this opportunity and apply for the Operator Technician EI&C I-IV position here: https://phh.tbe.taleo.net/phh04/ats/careers/v2/viewRequisition?org=SEPC&cws=37&rid=843
Applicants can review all the open positions by visiting Sunflower's career page at https://www.sunflower.net/careers/ and select Job Opportunities.
Interested individuals can learn about this opportunity and apply for the Operator Technician Mechanic I-IV position here: https://phh.tbe.taleo.net/phh04/ats/careers/v2/viewRequisition?org=SEPC&cws=37&rid=842
Applicants can review all the open positions by visiting Sunflower's career page at https://www.sunflower.net/careers/ and select Job Opportunities.
Interested individuals can review and apply for the Operator Trainee position here: https://phh.tbe.taleo.net/phh04/ats/careers/v2/viewRequisition?org=SEPC&cws=37&rid=829
Applicants can review all the open positions by visiting Sunflower's career page at https://www.sunflower.net/careers/ and select Job Opportunities.
Interested individuals can learn about this opportunity and apply for the Purchasing & Contract Specialist position here: https://phh.tbe.taleo.net/phh04/ats/careers/v2/viewRequisition?org=SEPC&cws=37&rid=845
Applicants can review all the open positions by visiting Sunflower's career page at https://www.sunflower.net/careers/ and select Job Opportunities.
Interested individuals can learn about this opportunity and apply for the Safety Specialist position here: https://phh.tbe.taleo.net/phh04/ats/careers/v2/viewRequisition?org=SEPC&cws=37&rid=848
Applicants can review all the open positions by visiting Sunflower's career page at https://www.sunflower.net/careers/ and select Job Opportunities.
Rain, sleet, snow, or heat our linemen are there to keep the lights on! We have an opening for a Lineman Summer Intern at our Garden City location. Lineman interns will work with experienced line crews learning various aspects of construction, maintenance, and replacement of distribution line equipment while traveling around western Kansas. Each day is an opportunity to learn at Wheatland Electric! Interns will practice and enhance their skills at climbing, metering, trouble shooting, operating heavy equipment, and applying personal protective grounds. Applicants should have a high school diploma or equivalent, currently be enrolled in an Electrical Power Technology program, and have a Class A Commercial Driver’s License. Apply online today at https://www.applicantpro.com/openings/weci/jobs/3271887-673489 for this great opportunity!
Wheatland is an Equal Opportunity Employer.