Power System Operator

Join our team at East River Electric Power Cooperative! We are seeking a Power System Operator to join our team in overseeing the operations of the Cooperative's electric transmission power system in the 24/7 operations center. The role requires the ability to monitor and operate the Cooperative's electric power and load management system through the use of SCADA and telecommunications systems. This position requires a rotating shift work schedule that includes nights, weekends, and holidays. It is also subject to a residency requirement to live within 35 miles of Madison, South Dakota.

At East River Electric Power Cooperative, we're dedicated to providing reliable and affordable wholesale power to our members across 40,000 square miles of service area. As a not-for-profit generation and transmission cooperative, we provide electricity to 24 rural electric distribution cooperatives, and one municipally owned electric system serving eastern South Dakota and western Minnesota. Our members, in turn, power the lives of the member-owners in their service territories.

Our Cooperative Community

As a cooperative, we do things differently! The decisions we make are made with our members in mind. We've built our foundation on Touchstone Energy's four cooperative values: integrity, accountability, innovation, and commitment to community. These values represent the cooperative difference, which is why we value things like community outreach, teamwork, and work-life balance. The unique cooperative business model is designed to provide both growth and stability. This is just a little insight into why our members trust us to provide safe, reliable, and affordable power and service every day.

This incredible job opportunity awaits you at our main campus in Madison, South Dakota. Madison offers a warm and welcoming small-town atmosphere combined with modern amenities that make it the perfect place for you and your family. Take advantage of great resources like the state-of-the-art Madison Regional Hospital, experience the innovative campus of Dakota State University, enjoy a thriving community center, and more. With two stunning lakes nearby, recreational opportunities are abundant, and you'll be just a short drive away from many of eastern South Dakota's most popular attractions.

 What You'll Accomplish

As a valued member of our team, you'll have the opportunity to make a difference every day. Your education, skills, and experience will be put to excellent use, contributing to our mission of delivering exceptional wholesale power to our members. You'll work alongside passionate professionals who embody the cooperative values of integrity, accountability, innovation, and commitment to community. We believe in investing in your growth and development, which is why we offer paid training and development opportunities to enhance your skills and advance your career. In this position you will:

• Analyze system troubles and initiate necessary action to restore normal operations.
• Write, review and coordinate switching and dispatching operations between the Cooperative and other utilities.
• Monitor and respond to emergency calls and coordinate appropriate emergency response resources. 
• Execute load control in accordance with established load management strategies.
• Analyze operational information, complete reports, and maintain records.

Showcase Your Knowledge, Abilities, and Expertise. Do you have?

• A degree in electrical technology, system operations, or related technical field.
• Five years' experience in the operational aspects of an electric utility. (Equivalent combination of education, training and experience will be considered.)
• Ability to work effectively in high stress situations and make decisions in a timely manner.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to develop positive working relationships.
• Demonstrated proficiency with computer systems and MS Office products.

Benefits that Matter

At East River, we value your well-being and want you to thrive. That's why we provide a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Medical insurance with employer contribution to a Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Retirement pension plan and contribution to a 401(k) savings plan
• Paid training and development opportunities
• Access to a wellness program and financial planning resources
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays

Want to learn more about East River? Visit our website's career pages and hear what our current employees have to say. 

Questions? Contact hr@eastriver.coop or (605) 256-4536.

Visit our Careers Page to apply. Applications accepted through January 4, 2026, with interviews expected to begin the week of January 12.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.