Substation Utility Assistants

Overview

Join our team at East River Electric Power Cooperative! Are you looking to gain valuable utility experience and apply classroom knowledge to real-world situations? We are seeking two (2) temporary Substation Utility Assistants to join our substation team in Madison. As a Substation Utility Assistant, you will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a fast-paced and dynamic work environment, working closely with experienced team members to see first-hand the construction and maintenance activities needed to keep electrical substations in good working order.

Both positions begin in May 2026 with the length of employment available as stated below.

As Substation Equipment Utility Assistant (seasonal work with up to 1000 hours possible) you will:

• Assist with the maintenance and testing of substation apparatus.
• Help gather oil samples and conduct testing of samples.
• Assist with testing and troubleshooting AC/DC control circuits.
• Update and maintain records.
• Assist with general facilities maintenance.
• Participate in safety meetings and comply with all safety procedures.

As Substation Utility Assistant (summer intern with up to 500 hours possible) you will:

• Assist with the installation, maintenance and testing of substation apparatus and motor operated switches.
• Help transport heavy equipment.
• Travel with substation crew to various work site locations in eastern SD and western MN.
• Assist with general facilities maintenance.
• Update and maintain records.
• Participate in safety meetings and comply with all safety procedures.

• A high school degree or equivalent
• A valid driver's license; CDL highly desired
• Substation Equipment Utility Assistant: A technical degree in substation or power line construction
• Substation Utility Assistant:
  Preference given to returning students in an electrical utilities & substation technology program
• Strong interest in understanding electrical systems and substation operations

• Hourly pay rate is $27.00
• Paid work-related travel expenses
• PPE gear provided
• Summer work schedule is a 4/10 work week with 10-hour days M-Th and every Friday off

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.

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

Questions? Contact hrp or .

Applications accepted through February 8, 2026, with interviews expected to begin during the week of February 23.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

All positions are subject to a post-offer, pre-employment background check and drug screen. Some positions may be subject to a job-based physical exam.