Apparatus/Relay Technician

Apparatus/Relay Technician

Join our team at East River Electric Power Cooperative! Are you looking for an opportunity to use your skills to help provide reliable power? We are seeking a skilled technician to join our substation team! As the Apparatus/Relay Technician, you will play a vital role in the installation, maintenance, and testing of substation apparatus. You will have the opportunity to work on various types of equipment including substation apparatus such as power transformers and circuit breakers, protective relays, substation controls, load management equipment, and station battery systems. The ideal candidate will possess keen attention to detail, robust technical abilities, and a collaborative spirit to work effectively with team members.

This role will report to the Aberdeen Service Center following a comprehensive training period of 12 to 24 months. During the first two years, training will be intentionally focused to ensure you gain a strong understanding of general maintenance practices and East River's system. This training includes hands-on instruction in general substation maintenance, apparatus testing, and practical troubleshooting, equipping you with the essential knowledge and technical skills needed for success. Throughout this period, you'll report to Madison, SD, or the designated job site for training. Please note, this position is subject to emergency call-ins and carries a residency requirement to live within 35 miles of the current reporting location.

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.

This incredible job opportunity awaits you in Aberdeen, South Dakota. As the third largest city in South Dakota, Aberdeen offers the charm of a small town with the amenities of a larger city. You'll find an array of recreational activities, from exploring Storybook Land and the Land of Oz to enjoying the lush greenery of Wylie Park. The city is known for its strong sense of community, excellent schools, and vibrant arts scene. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, an arts lover, or someone seeking a tight-knit community, Aberdeen has something to offer everyone.

LEARN MORE ABOUT ABERDEEN >

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:

- Organize and perform the inspection, maintenance, testing, and software implementation for all substation apparatus.

- Assist in the installation and modification of equipment and relay upgrades.

- Develop and update substation and control wiring diagrams and schematics.

- Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities, testing activities, and equipment performance.

- Troubleshoot issues to determine the root cause and propose new approaches to improve operations.

- Participate in safety meetings and comply with all safety procedures.

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

- An associate degree in electrical construction, automation controls, substation, telecommunications, or powerline

- At least two (2) years of related work experience (preferred)

- A Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL), or the ability to obtain a CDL

- Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail

- Experience and proficiency with Microsoft Office products and computer technology

- The ability to work collaboratively in a team environment

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)

- Paid training and development opportunities

- Access to a wellness program and financial planning resources

- Retirement pension plan and contribution to a 401(k) savings plan

- Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays

- 9/80 work schedule, which gives you every other Friday off to encourage a work-life balance

- 4/10 work schedule during the summer months

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.

Applications accepted through September 14, 2025, with interviews expected to begin during the week of September 29.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.