Currently there are two job opportunities available.
June 6, 2025
Position Opening
Electrical Engineer
Position Location
Carrington, ND
Purpose
This position is responsible for the design and planning of the electric power distribution system. Primary responsibilities include overcurrent protection/coordination, voltage regulation, load balancing, troubleshooting and mapping of the distribution system. Additionally, this position will assist with the Cooperative’s AMI, load management, SCADA and supporting communication infrastructure.
Essential Duties
• Maintains acceptable distribution system voltages and capacity through assessment, system improvements, and the application of voltage regulators, capacitors, and reactors as necessary.
• Conducts system planning studies including load projections and modeling of the distribution system with Milsoft Windmil. This includes keeping an up-to-date winter and summer model.
• Assists in the development of all studies required by RUS (Construction Work Plan, Long Range Plan, Sectionalizing Study, Contingencies Study, Environmental Reviews, etc.).
• Assures safe, efficient, and reliable transmission, distribution, and substation design for new construction and modifications to existing facilities.
• Assists with managing the Cooperative’s metering system.
• Assists with managing the Cooperative’s load management system.
• Assists with the prioritization of work plan projects for staking technicians.
• Monitors, evaluates, develops and maintains the SCADA system including interpreting data, installing, and specifying system information as necessary.
• Assists with the review of completed work orders for compliance with applicable codes and construction practices. If corrective action is needed, documents, distributes and enforces the corrective action.
• Reviews applications for the installation of distributed generation.
• Recommends specifications of transformers, meters, regulators, and line protection devices.
• Advises and assists with the repair of distribution equipment.
• Assists with maintaining accurate system mapping using GIS system.
• Active role in the Cooperative’s safety programs, initiatives and performance.
• Respond to member inquiries regarding technical information, power quality issues and maintain a high level of customer service.
• Support other department activities.
• Assist with other special projects as needed.
• Maintain confidential information and engineering records.
The above responsibilities are a guide and are not all-inclusive for the responsibilities of the position.
Qualifications
• Ability to become knowledgeable in electrical distribution system equipment for the purposes of designing and documenting new electrical services and system improvements.
• Ability to become knowledgeable in electrical construction as it interacts with electric distribution systems is required; Experience with a public utility or rural electric cooperative is preferred.
• Knowledge of Rural Utilities Service (RUS) specifications and the National Electric Safety Code (NESC).
• Knowledge of Microsoft Suite, NISC Software, ESRI GIS, Survalent SCADA, Milsoft WindMil (preferred).
• Detail oriented, self-motivated with ability to organize and perform work efficiently.
• Possess excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to maintain a harmonious working relationship with all Cooperative employees.
• Capable of presenting oneself in a professional manner with the general public, vendors and associated cooperative organizations.
• First Aid and CPR certification or the ability to be certified is required.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license with a good driving record.
Education / Experience
• Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from a college or university accredited by the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology.
• Prefer experience in the areas of distribution line design, power systems planning, power systems maintenance and controls, distribution system planning and metering.
• Experience requirements may be adjusted if the appropriate formal education and applicable work experience is demonstrated.
Working Conditions
• Full-time permanent position located at the Cooperative’s Carrington office.
• Hours associated with this position are normally 8 am – 4:30 pm, Monday – Friday.
• Salary position with a 40 – hour per week pay period.
• Additional hours may be required during emergencies or when workload demands.
• Position will require work to be performed both inside and outside.
• Travel throughout the Cooperative’s service territory is required.
• Infrequent overnight travel may be necessary.
Physical Demands
• Frequently required to stand, walk, reach, sit and bend.
• Occasionally required to twist, lift, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and handle materials.
• Repetitive use of hands for grasping, pushing pulling, fine manipulation and feeling.
• Must be able to occasionally lift, carry, push, pull or move weights up to 75 lbs.
Reporting / Supervision
Reports to: Engineering Manager
Supervises Directly: None
Application Timeline
Position open until filled.
To apply for the position, please fill out an application (see blue button below). Send in completed NPEC application and cover letter to chrisp@nplains.com or mail to:
Northern Plains Electric Cooperative
Attn: Chris Pierson
PO Box 180
Carrington, ND 58421
Northern Plains Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity employer.
________________________________________________________
May 21, 2025
Position Opening
Line Crew Foreman
Position Location
Carrington, ND
Purpose
The Line Crew Foreman shall provide effective leadership of assigned personnel and assure adherence to safety requirements. Foreman shall understand the requirements for the construction and maintenance of all utility plant. This position description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of job responsibilities and requirements.
Responsibilities
- Maintains responsibility and authority in directing the activities of all personnel assigned to them.
- Prepares, approves crew payroll time sheet, verifies, and sends to billing department daily.
- Prepare appropriate records and reports such as staking sheets and material sheets.
- Ensure all paperwork for assigned crew is complete and accurate, in a neat and timely manner.
- Report all property damages with proper documentation.
- Recommend to supervisor where improvements can be made in operations, procedure, or safety.
- Promote and present a positive professional image when performing his/her duties.
- Accept responsibility for the accuracy for the work as it is completed.
- Comply with all of the Cooperative's safety rules and use safe working practices and methods and look out for the safety of others.
- Have a working knowledge of all substation switching operations, system apparatus or devices in assigned area.
- Must be able to accurately read and interpret NPEC staking sheets and mapping system.
- Maintain a working knowledge of the Cooperative and the department policies and procedures.
- Must be able to use and navigate a tablet or other device to perform Cooperative work in the field such as navigate system maps, read emails, and take photos.
- Attend applicable safety meetings and other special training sessions when requested.
- Assist in on-the-job training of apprentice linemen as needed. Be a leader and a role model to promote learning in the best possible environment.
- Work with Cooperative contractors to verify they are following the cooperative safety and construction guidelines. Verify the material being used for the contractor constructed jobs.
- Ensure that cooperative tools, equipment, and material are properly maintained and stored securely.
- Responds to service calls in a timely manner to restore power outages and problems during and after normal working hours, on holidays and on weekends.
Physical Demands
Frequently required to stand, walk, sit, bend, twist, reach, lift, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and handle materials. Possibility of working continuous and lengthy hours with minimal rest. Majority of work occurs outside. Must be able to regularly lift, carry, push, pull or move weights up to 75 pounds and occasionally up to 100 pounds. Climb poles or structures and operate power tools and equipment as needed to perform the tasks required for the position.
Safety
Employees shall be trained in and familiar with the safety related work practices, safety procedures and other safety requirements in the cooperative’s safety manual that pertain to their respective job assignments. Safety should be held to the highest priority. The following are also required:
- Skillful in Pole top and Bucket Rescue
- Safe and defensive driving skills
- Promote safe work practice with assigned personnel
- Speak up and take corrective action for any unsafe work practices
- Listen to safety suggestions and give them thorough consideration
- Attend and Participate in Required Safety meetings
Requirements
The applicant must meet the minimum requirements listed below to be considered.
- Certified CPR/First Aid
- Journeyman Lineman for a minimum of 2 years
- Valid driver’s license
- Commercial driver’s license
- Speak and write clearly and accurately
- Knowledge of the North Dakota Safe Work Practice Manual
- Working Knowledge of RUS specifications and the NESC
Application Timeline
Closing date for this position is June 11, 2025.
To apply for the position, please fill out an application (see blue button below). Send in completed NPEC application and cover letter to joshc@nplains.com or mail to:
Northern Plains Electric Cooperative
Attn: Josh Cabler
PO Box 180
Carrington, ND 58421
Northern Plains Electric Cooperative is an equal opportunity employer.