Careers

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.

Loss Control, Safety and Compliance Instructor — Kansas Electric Cooperatives

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 years of 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 driver’s 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 send a cover letter and resume by May 30th to careers@kec.org.

Cybersecurity Program Manager — FreeState Electric Cooperative, McLouth

Job Title: Cybersecurity Program Manager
Job Classification: Exempt, Full-Time
Reporting Relationship: Chief Information Officer
Work Location: Topeka, KS

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:

Generous pension plan
401(k) matched savings
Medical, dental and vision insurance paid for at 100% for individual coverage and 90% for family coverage
Health savings account with an annual generous employer contribution
Life insurance, long-term disability, paid time off benefits, including paid holidays, and so much more.
On-the-job safety training, professional development opportunities and an employee focused work culture.
Relocation allowance available

Salary Range:

The designated salary range for this position starts at $87,989. Starting wage is based on knowledge, education and work experience.

Primary Accountability:

The Cybersecurity Program Manager (CPM) will support FreeState Electric Cooperative's (FreeState's) cybersecurity compliance efforts by assisting in the implementation and maintenance of security policies, procedures, and programs. The CPM will work under the direction of the Chief Information Officer (CIO) and collaborate closely with the IT Supervisor, OT Supervisor, and Government Contract Manager to ensure alignment with CMMC Level 2 and other relevant frameworks.

Additionally, the CPM will coordinate extensively with FreeState's external managed service provider (MSP) and managed security service provider (MSSP) dedicated to CMMC compliance requirements. The position will also engage in cybersecurity functions across the broader organization, contributing to the administration and security of a diverse array of technologies and systems.

This role is ideal for a proactive individual with strong technical skills who is eager to contribute to the organization's security posture while working collaboratively with leadership and team members.

Essential Duties:

Cybersecurity Policies: Maintains cybersecurity policies, manages risk assessments, and coordinates audits in compliance with CMMC Level 2 and other cybersecurity frameworks.
Compliance: Coordinates with key stakeholders to maintain and organize detailed records of all cybersecurity activities, policies, procedures, and compliance evidence for auditing and certification processes.
Service Provider Coordination: Acts as the primary liaison with MSPs and MSSPs for compliance and security services. Tracks and assesses performance of service providers and addresses issues, as needed.
Asset & Configuration Management: Maintains asset inventories and system baselines and ensures secure system configurations. Works with Department Leadership to execute annual processes including creating, analyzing, and reviewing procedures.
Risk & Vulnerability Management: Conducts risk assessments, oversees vulnerability scanning, and coordinates patch management.
Security Monitoring & Incident Response: Reviews security logs, investigates and responds to incidents (including after hours, as needed), and manages security event integrations. Creates and maintains alerting rules for logging events to enable timely detection of security incidents, and updates incident response plans, as needed.
Access Control & User Management: Develops, implements, and manages conditional access policies. Administers and oversees Microsoft security tools (PIM, Conditional Access, Purview).
Security Tools & Platform Management: Administers DLP, SIEM, and IAM solutions, and enhances security platforms.
Training & Awareness: Conducts security training for employees and ensures policy adherence. Collaborates with HR to integrate cybersecurity training into onboarding processes.
Reporting & Communication: Provides updates to leadership, generates reports, and tracks security metrics.

Marginal Duties:

Cybersecurity Roadmap: Assists in developing a long-term cybersecurity roadmap to identify projects and initiatives; evaluates organizational needs and budgetary impacts.
Continuing Education: Keeps abreast of the latest cybersecurity threats, technologies, and regulatory changes, and informs Department Leadership of significant developments.
Test Data Backup and Recovery: Coordinates with System Owners to verify the effectiveness of data backup and recovery processes for all IT and OT systems, and reports findings.

Qualifications:

Education & Experience: bachelor's degree in computer science, information security, or related field is required. 3-5 years of cybersecurity experience is required.
Certifications: CISSP, Microsoft Certified: Cybersecurity Architect Expert, or equivalent, preferred. Having or obtaining CMMC Certified Professional (CCP) certification within 180 days is required.
Technical Skills: Extensive experience with Microsoft 365 administration and security features is required. Experience with risk assessments, vulnerability management, and endpoint security is preferred. Experience with Microsoft Defender, CrowdStrike, and or Endpoint Privilege Management (EPM) is a plus.
Soft Skills: Strong analytical, communication, and collaboration abilities with a proactive and adaptable mindset.

Physical Demands:

Consistently sits for extended periods of time. Occasionally stands, walks, bends, stoops, squats, lifts, unpacks, and moves up to thirty (30) pounds.
Able to perform finger and hand manipulation and perform repetitive motions to use a computer keyboard and telephone, as well as other office equipment.
Able to read computer screens, mail, and talk on the phone.

Work Environment:

Professional and deadline-oriented environment involving both indoor and outdoor activities.
May be exposed to outside weather conditions such as extreme cold/heat.
Regular, reliable attendance is required.
Interaction with staff, vendors, and members.
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 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.

Disclaimer: The above information has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required.

Director, Power Supply — Kansas Electric Power Cooperative, Topeka

KEPCo - Director, Power Supply

Kansas Electric Power Cooperative (KEPCo), a Generation and Transmission (G&T) electric cooperative and wholesale power provider to 16 electric distribution cooperative Members serving rural Kansas, seeks qualified candidates for the position of Director, Power Supply. KEPCo is pursuing numerous power supply opportunities in order to provide a diverse, reliable, and economical power supply for its Members. These opportunities include potential equity participation in new generation projects, negotiation of power purchase agreements, and efficient oversight and management of KEPCo’s current power supply portfolio.

KEPCo has a diverse power supply portfolio, including ownership in a nuclear unit, ownership in a coal unit, a diesel peaking facility, a small utility-scale solar facility, long-term contracts for Federal hydropower, and an existing power purchase agreement with a local investor owned utility. In 2023, over 65% of KEPCo’s energy was supplied by non-greenhouse gas emitting resources. The Director, Power Supply will have a lead role in the resource planning activities of KEPCo as it works to optimize its power supply portfolio for the future.

KEPCo was incorporated in 1975 as a generation and transmission electric cooperative and is headquartered in Topeka, Kansas. Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications and includes relocation assistance and an excellent benefits package. For confidential consideration, please apply with resume, cover letter and salary history HERE!

Job Title: Director, Power Supply
Job Classification: Exempt, Full-Time
Location: Topeka, KS
Work Schedule: Monday – Friday (8 a.m.–5 p.m.)
Reporting Relationship: Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or other related technical field (e.g., statistics, mathematics, economics, finance, etc.).
Seven (7) to ten (10) years of direct electric utility or utility consulting experience in resource planning, wholesale power markets, power plant operations, load forecasting, energy risk management, and related activities.
Must be familiar with generally accepted electric utility load forecasting and resource planning methods and processes.
Must be computer literate and able to operate business, planning, and engineering software.
Must have strong interpersonal communication skills and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships across all levels of KEPCo.
Must have the ability to work independently and in team settings.
Must be able to support the goals, plans, and objectives of KEPCo.
Must have the necessary personal characteristics that make an employee a productive team member, including high integrity, good personal habits, and regular attendance at work.
Must be able to gain and maintain the respect of others, both inside and outside of the organization.
Must be able to organize, multi-task, plan, and set priorities with minimal supervision.
A valid Kansas Driver’s License is required.

Primary Accountabilities:

The primary responsibility of the Director, Power Supply is to lead and provide technical expertise for Kansas Electric Power Cooperative, Inc.’s (KEPCo) resource planning activities and power supply portfolio. This includes overseeing generation assets, wholesale contracts, risk management activities, and the work of outside consultants. This position is also responsible for monitoring and optimizing the interaction of these power supply elements with wholesale electric power markets. The ultimate goal is to provide our Members a diverse, reliable, and economical power supply portfolio while also meeting resource adequacy requirements and effectively managing supply risks.

Major Duties:

Prepares, oversees, and/or supports the development of engineering and economic studies related to planning, development, and implementation of KEPCo’s power supply portfolio.
Prepares, oversees, and/or supports the evaluation and monitoring of risk associated with the KEPCo power supply portfolio. Identifies and recommends solutions to reduce risk and hedge exposure when appropriate.
Prepares, oversees, and/or supports the negotiation of power purchase agreements, wholesale power supply contracts, facilitating agreements, and confirmation letters as necessary for the KEPCo power supply portfolio.
Actively engages, communicates, and coordinates with various counterparties affiliated with KEPCo’s power supply portfolio (e.g., Evergy, SWPA, WAPA, USACE, and USBR).
Actively engages and serves on boards, committees, and stakeholder groups related to KEPCo’s owned resources, federal contracts, and wholesale market participation (e.g., Wolf Creek, Iatan 2, SPRA, LACA, and SPP).
Prepares, oversees, and/or supports the development of plans, reports, studies, and programs required to meet contractual obligations related to KEPCo’s power supply portfolio.
Monitors correspondence, reports, and other information concerning the daily operation of KEPCo’s owned resources. Serves as liaison between these facilities and KEPCo staff and Members.
Routinely reports to the KEPCo executive team and board of trustees on matters of interest related to the power supply portfolio, including performance metrics/results, wholesale market interactions, threats or concerns related to resource availability/reliability, and risk management.
Participates in professional organizations related to these responsibilities.
Performs other duties as requested or assigned.

Physical Demands:

Must be able to lift up to twenty (20) pounds.
Must be able to work for extended periods of time without being fatigued.

Work Environment:

Professional and deadline-oriented environment in an office setting.
Interaction with staff, Members, consultants, and counterparties.
Work is performed both in a private office and outside in the field. Must be willing to travel in state and out of state as necessary to meet job requirements.

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.

KEPCo provides a competitive salary, pension plan, and benefits package including health and dental insurance and 401k matching.

Gas Operations Supervisor — Midwest Energy Inc., Hays

Gas Operations Supervisor

Midwest Energy, Inc., Hays, KS

Job Summary (Overall Purpose of the Position)

The purpose of the Gas Operations Supervisor position is to ensure service reliability for Midwest Energy, Inc. customers through the supervision of personnel, staking, planning and coordination of construction, maintenance and operations of natural gas facilities.

Education and Experience

High school graduate or equivalent plus advanced trade knowledge equivalent to three years of apprenticeship. An applicable bachelor’s degree is desirable. A post secondary degree is preferred.
A minimum of five to seven years of increasingly responsible experience in construction and maintenance of a gas utility or related industry.
Management, supervisory and human relations experience is desired.

Key Competencies

Knowledge of DOT Pipeline Safety Regulations, NFPA 54, EPA, and OSHA Rules and Regulations a must.
Familiarity with construction practices utilized in distribution and transmission work is required.
Demonstrated understanding of budgeting methods.
Must be able to acquire a knowledge of Corporation Commission Regulations and Midwest's construction specifications within six months of employment.
Skilled in the areas of organizing, planning, directing and controlling in the operation and supervision of the area.
Capable of meeting Midwest's goals through the implementation of work plans, etc.
Customer service skills and possess excellent writing, verbal and interpersonal skills.
Skilled in motivating, training and evaluating subordinates in order to obtain the highest degree of productivity, and be responsible for the development of individual capabilities.
The ability to effectively deal with consultants, vendors, subcontractors and other utility companies.
1Strong analytical skills and must be proficient in the use of a personal computer (Microsoft Office Suite).
A valid Kansas driver’s license is required.

Job Duties - Responsibilities – Tasks

Planning and Controls

Schedules all construction and maintenance in his designated area.
Develops and provides the Gas Operations Manager with annual budget requirements for consideration as needed. Also monitors current expenditures related to the approved budget.
Evaluate and make recommendations for future gas system improvements. Maintains Pipeline Distribution Integrity Management Plan.
Approves invoices and purchases

Employee Development

Supports the interview, selection and termination process for reporting personnel but does not have the authority to hire or terminate without approval of the Gas Operations Manager.
Periodically reviews performance of employees and recommends changes to the Gas Operations Manager in salary and/or status in accordance with the union contract.
Counsels and advises subordinates. Assists in training sessions pertaining to safety and proper work procedures, and schedules meetings as needed.
Approve time sheets, vacation schedules and sick leave for all reporting personnel.

Operations

Directs personnel, advises with respect to work schedules, area activities, equipment, materials and procedures.
Supports the Gas Operations Manager in establishing procedures for personnel in handling of outages and emergencies. Provide after-hour call-out information in their area for the Dispatcher and ensures that appropriate personnel are assigned to on-call duty to provide for emergency conditions.
Maintains contact with material and equipment suppliers to gain familiarity with new products. Supports placement of new products on approved list.
Coordinates and organizes work assignments of area crews in order to accomplish the goals and objectives established.
Advises warehouse personnel in advance of construction schedules, assists in the receiving and handling of heavy materials and maintaining proper and adequate inventory level.
Inspects work in progress and observes job site work practices, making corrections as necessary.
Studies construction and maintenance reports, noting trends and analyzing operational costs.
Determines disposition of obsolete materials and advises warehouse supervisor.
Coordinates operations activities with other departments/areas that will maximize the efficient utilization of manpower, materials and equipment.
Assists Gas Compliance Coordinator in the development of Midwest Energy Codes and Standards as well as operating procedures.
Maintains KCC and DOT regulatory reports. Supports Public Official, KPA and Kansas One Call Meetings.
Respond to, manage, and oversee emergency response situations.

Staking, Engineering and Planning

Determines routing of gas distribution lines out to customers in conformance with guidelines established, and review with Gas Operations Manager.
Prepares gas staking sheets for construction and retirement work orders.
Tabulates construction units to determine bills for labor, equipment and materials used in construction work orders, third party damages and work on customer facilities.
Prepares applications to State Corporation Commission for Certificates of Convenience and Necessity, and Cease Operating Certificates.
Prepares applications to State Corporation Commission for construction, system improvements, and retirement of gas facilities. This includes construction notices to the State Corporation Commission Office of Pipeline Safety.
Assists in preparation of plans and specifications for gas distribution and transmission facilities, surveys building sites, prepares cost estimates and makes inspections during and after construction.
Obtains right-of-way easements for all required services.
Performs and/or directs the preparation of charts, graphs, sketches, and system maps.
Negotiates settlements for damages resulting from construction, retirement, or operation of facilities.
Negotiates the lease and/or purchase of land and prepares the necessary agreements for approval of the Gas Operations Manager, and records documents with the Register of Deeds.
Interviews persons requesting gas service and prepares appropriate contracts and/or applications for services, when necessary.
Assists in updating company standards. Ensures companywide standards are maintained through construction audits.

Customer Service

Assists office operations with the collection of bills and customer account adjustments.
Promptly investigates and resolves complaints as expeditiously as possible.

Marketing

Forwards inquiries regarding provided services and programs to Regional Key Account Manager.
Maintains an up-to-date customer information program.
Promotes commercial and industrial growth by participating in local organizations for economic development.

Community and Governmental Relations

Develops working relationships with other utilities, elected officials, city and county entities, civic and community organizations.
Keeps management informed on current issues that might impact utility operations.

Safety

Promotes safe working habits and enforces all safety rules and regulations adopted by the Company, including the wearing and use of protective equipment by assigned personnel.
Investigates accidents, leads root cause investigations and develops and implements action plan to mitigate further occurrences. Communicates root cause findings.
Keeps informed of changes concerning federal, state and local laws and takes appropriate action to stay in compliance with said rules and regulations.
Ensures that directed employees receive required training in safety aspects of their jobs.
Operates vehicles and/or equipment in a safe manner and within the regulations of federal, state, and local laws.
In association with the Fleet Manager, takes corrective action on defective transportation and/or working equipment, tools, materials and supplies.
Qualifies himself/herself in first aid and CPR.

General

Reviews current literature in his/her field and keeps informed on the trends in the industry.
Collects and assembles statistical data for reports.
Keeps informed regarding new developments, trends, and best practices in relevant field. Recommend changes, initiatives, etc. to management for effective processes and procedures within the company.
Keeps apprised of changes and developments in pertinent local, State and Federal laws, ordinances and rules, and take appropriate action to stay in compliance with said rules, regulations, etc.
Develops and maintains internal and external working relationships for maximum effectiveness in serving Midwest Energy customers and communities. Ensure communication and exchange of information so as to present a positive corporate image, both internally and externally. Keep Midwest Energy leadership and management informed of issues that might impact the work environment.

Posting Close Date: October 11, 2024

Equal Opportunity Employer

To apply, visit the link below:
https://mwenergy.clearcompany.com/careers/jobs/263cb31d-f2e5-d90e-2bc3-afc40586bb12/apply?source=2921492-CS-43756

Or visit our company career site: Careers | Midwest Energy (mwenergy.com)

Cybersecurity Specialist — Prairie Land Electric Cooperative, Norton

Are you a cybersecurity expert passionate about fostering a strong culture of cyber safety? Join our Cooperative as a Cybersecurity Specialist and play a vital role in securing our IT and OT networks, safeguarding critical systems, and educating our team on best practices.

In this role, you will strengthen the Cooperative's security framework by monitoring and protecting our networks, systems, and data from potential threats. You'll engage management and employees through training and interactive initiatives while staying at the forefront of cybersecurity developments to proactively address emerging challenges.

Learn more and apply at https://www.prairielandelectric.com/careers.

Electrical Engineer — Prairie Land Electric Cooperative, Norton

Prairie Land Electric is dedicated to serving our members by providing safe, reliable energy and education to enhance their quality of life. We are seeking individuals who align with our mission and embody our core values: Safety, Respect, Integrity, Unity, and Accountability. If you share these values and are committed to our mission, we want to hear from you!

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.

Engineering Technician — Prairie Land Electric Cooperative, Norton

Job Opening: Engineering Technician
Location: Norton, Kansas
Position Type: Full-Time

At Prairie Land Electric Cooperative, Inc., we are dedicated to fostering a culture of safety,
respect, integrity, unity, and accountability. We are looking for an Engineering Technician to join
our team, supporting our engineering and technical teams in the design, testing, and maintenance
of electrical systems. This role offers an exciting opportunity to work both in the office and in the
field, helping to ensure the success of key operations.

As an Engineering Technician, you will assist in designing, testing, and maintaining electrical
equipment and systems. This includes preparing technical documentation, supporting system
analysis, providing field support, and ensuring compliance with industry standards and company
policies. You will work closely with engineers to improve electrical distribution systems,
perform field surveys, and help manage various operational tasks.

Key Responsibilities:

Assist with drafting and designing electrical systems, including schematics, diagrams, maps, and technical drawings.
Collaborate with engineers to troubleshoot and analyze electrical systems, enhancing system efficiency.
Use engineering software (e.g., WindMil, GIS, SCADA) for planning, modeling, and operational tasks.
Conduct field surveys, gather data, and verify electrical installation layouts and specifications.
Maintain system records and databases, perform load studies, and evaluate equipment for system improvements.
Coordinate with field crews on construction and maintenance projects, tracking project timelines and ensuring proper material coordination.
Assist with testing equipment, materials, and systems as part of routine maintenance or new installations.
Other duties as appropriate.

Education and Experience:

Associate degree in electrical engineering technology or equivalent experience.
Minimum of 2 years of experience in electrical utility, with knowledge of distribution line construction,maintenance, and substation systems preferred.
Proficiency in engineering software is preferred.

Working Conditions:

Environment: Combination of office and fieldwork, including travel to various service locations. Exposure tovarying weather conditions is possible, including heat, cold, rain, or snow.
Physical Demands: Ability to sit, stand, walk, and traverse uneven terrain. Ability to occasionally lift, carry,or move materials weighing up to 50 pounds. The position may also require climbing ladders, working onelevated platforms, and reaching overhead for inspections or installations.

At Prairie Land Electric, we offer a collaborative and supportive environment where you can
grow your skills and contribute to meaningful projects. If you are committed to excellence and
looking for an exciting career opportunity, we encourage you to apply for this position!

Applications can be sent to akarnopp@ple.coop.

Journeyman Lineman — Rolling Hills Electric Cooperative, Belleville

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.

Journeyman Lineman — Rolling Hills Electric Cooperative, Beloit

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.

EIC Technician l-Senior — Sunflower Electric Power Corporation, Holcomb

Sunflower Electric Power Corporation is seeking a motivated EIC Technician I – Senior to join our team at our Holcomb, KS location.

Interested individuals can learn about this opportunity and apply for the EIC Technician I – Senior position here: https://phh.tbe.taleo.net/phh04/ats/careers/v2/viewRequisition?org=SEPC&cws=37&rid=905

Many Sunflower positions are part of a training program, which requires employees to promote through the department upon completion of on the job and computer based training and testing. This position ranges from an EIC Technician I ($41.21) through a Senior EIC Technician ($53.34). Employees in the training program must progress through each level in specified time periods.