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.

Locations: Meade, KS & Coldwater, KS

Company: CMS Electric Cooperative, Inc.

Overview

CMS Electric Cooperative, serving Southwest to Central Kansas, is seeking qualified candidates for Groundman, Apprentice Line Worker, and Journeyman Line Worker positions at either our Meade, KS office or our District Office in Coldwater, KS. These roles play a vital part in the construction, maintenance, and operation of our electric distribution system.

Key Responsibilities

Assist with and perform construction, maintenance, and repair of electric distribution lines
Prepare job sites and handle materials, tools, and equipment
Perform pole climbing, equipment operation, and other physical tasks
Follow all safety protocols and support a safety-first work culture
Participate in an on-call rotation for outage response
Receive hands-on training with opportunities to advance through the apprenticeship program

You're a great fit if you:

Are safety-focused and team-oriented
Hold a valid CDL (or can obtain one)
Have strong work ethic and willingness to learn
Are interested in gaining experience in electrical utility work and building a long-term career

What We Offer

Competitive pay with structured advancement toward Journeyman status
Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
401(k) with company match
NRECA pension plan
Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave
Career training and professional development opportunities

How to Apply

Please visit our website at cmselectric.com and email your application to:

Michael Bushnell, Coldwater District Manager — mbushnell@cmselectric.com

Andy Alexander, Meade District Manager— aalexander@cmselectric.com

CMS Electric Cooperative, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Flint Hills Rural Electric is looking to fill the position of Billing Clerk. Qualifications include but are not limited to: HS diploma plus additional training in business skills including knowledge of basic accounting. The billing clerk is responsible for all activities connected to customer accounts (billing and capital credits), balancing of subsidiary records, sales tax record keeping and reporting, service orders, and assisting with phones and customer service. Please send resume to Flint Hills Rural Electric, Attn. Jodi Blackburn, PO Box B, Council Grove, KS 66846 or email to jblackburn@flinthillsrec.com. Applications accepted until position is filled.

At FreeState Electric Cooperative, we don't just maintain power lines - we protect the reliability of our system and the communities we serve. We are currently hiring one Right-of-Way (ROW) Worker, starting at any level from Tree Crew/Groundsman through Tree Trimmer.

Whether you're new to right-of-way work or bring years of line-clearance experience, FreeState offers a career path through our progressive Right-of-Way training program. As the largest rural electric cooperative in Eastern Kansas, FreeState serves more than 15,000 member-owners in a democratic, not-for-profit structure. Any margins are returned to members as capital credits.

What You'll Do

Perform right-of-way clearing, trimming, and vegetation control to maintain safe and reliable electric service
Work from the ground, aerial lift, or while climbing trees, depending on experience and qualification level
Safely perform work around energized and non-energized electrical conductors
Apply herbicides and vegetation control chemicals using approved techniques
Operate Cooperative vehicles, equipment, and tools in compliance with safety and traffic regulations
Assist with training and mentoring crew members as experience level increases
Complete required documentation including time sheets, inspection forms, and reports
Participate in job briefings, tailgate meetings, and monthly safety training
Respond to outages and emergency situations as needed

Minimum Requirements

Education: High school diploma or equivalent is required
Licenses: Valid Class A CDL without L or Z restriction is required
Training & Experience:
- Entry-level candidates welcome (Groundsman level)
- Prior right-of-way, tree trimming, or utility experience preferred for higher levels
- Knowledge of line-clearance trimming techniques and safe work practices
Certifications: CPR, First Aid, and Tree Top/Bucket Rescue (or ability to obtain/maintain)
Physical Demands: Ability to lift up to 75 lbs. frequently and up to 125 lbs. occasionally, climb trees or work from aerial devices, and perform physically demanding outdoor work in all weather conditions

Starting level and wages will be determined based on qualifications, certifications, and experience.

Apply online.

Summer Line Intern

507 N Union St, McLouth, KS, United States
20.00 per hour
Internship

Job Classification: Non-exempt, Seasonal

Location: One Intern in Topeka; One Intern in McLouth

Internship Dates: May 18th - August 20th

Reporting Relationship: Line Superintendent

Pay Rate: $20.00/hour

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.

Primary Accountability:

The Line Intern provides manpower, knowledge, and workmanship which are necessary to perform related job duties for proper construction, maintenance, and operation of the electric system. This internship makes correct application and use of all materials and equipment furnished in order to provide efficient and reliable service to the member in the operation and maintenance of the electric system.

Essential Duties:

Acquires, through training, a basic understanding of construction specifications and becomes familiar with most phases of distribution line construction, equipment applications, tool application and equipment operations.
Performs all required construction and maintenance on non-energized portions of the system.
Permitted to operate the extendo on energized portions of the system that can be accomplished safely from the ground level under the direct supervision of a Journeyman Lineman, Lead Journeyman, or a Line Foreman.

Qualifications:

A High School Diploma or equivalent is required.
Must be 18+ to apply (safety-sensitive position).
Enrolled in an Electrical Power and Distribution Course or equivalent, obtain hours for internship, and apply for successful completion requirements, as set forth by the granting educational institute.
Have and maintain a valid Class "A" Commercial Driver's License without an L, Z, or E restriction is required.
Must have CPR, First Aid, and Pole Top Rescue certifications, as well as climbing skills.

Physical Demands:

Frequently requires talking, hearing, standing, walking, pulling/pushing, reaching, crawling, squatting, climbing, balancing, bending, kneeling, lifting, and good hand/finger dexterity.
Frequently lifts and/or moves up to fifty (50) pounds and occasionally lifts and/or moves up to one hundred (100) pounds.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.
Limited exposure to chemicals, oil, gasoline and dirt as long as proper Personal Protective Equipment is used, and Safety Rules are followed.

Work Environment:

Frequently exposed to high, precarious places, outside weather conditions, extreme cold, extreme heat, and risk of electrical hazard.
Occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes, or airborne particles, and vibration.
Moderate noise level.
Regular, reliable attendance is required.
This position is subject to after hour calls as required which may include night, weekend and/or holiday work.

How to Apply:

If you would like to apply for this position, please visit https://freestate.applicantpro.com/jobs/3993865 to complete an Application for Employment.

FreeState is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

Summer Tree Crew/Groundsman Intern

1100 Southwest Auburn Road, Topeka, KS, USA
15.00 per hour
Internship

Title: Summer Tree Crew Groundsman Intern

Internship Date: May 18th - August 20th

Location: One Intern in Topeka; One Intern in McLouth

Reports to: ROW Superintendent

Pay Rate: $15.00/hour

Application deadline is Monday, March 2, 2026.

Primary Accountability:

The Summer Tree Crew/Groundsman Intern assists with right-of-way clearing and spraying in a safe and professional manner, and in accordance with the system requirements, to ensure quality electric service.

Essential Duties:

Assists with all right-of-way activities that can be accomplished safely from the ground level.
Assists with trimming and cutting operations necessary for right-of-way control.
Assists with applying chemicals under the direction of the Foreman or designated supervisor, using recommended techniques and precautions.

Qualifications:

Must be 18+ to apply (safety-sensitive position).
Must have a valid driver's license.

Physical Demands:

Frequently requires talking, hearing, standing, walking, pulling/pushing, reaching, crawling, squatting, climbing, balancing, bending, kneeling, lifting, and good hand/finger dexterity.
Frequently lifts and/or moves up to seventy-five (75) pounds; occasionally may be required to lift and/or move up to one hundred and twenty-five (125) pounds.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
Limited exposure to chemicals, oil, gasoline and dirt as long as proper Personal Protective Equipment is used, and Safety Rules are followed.

Work Environment:

Frequently exposed to high, precarious places, outside weather conditions, extreme cold, extreme heat, and risk of electrical hazards.
Exposure to poison oak, ivy and sumac is likely.
Occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes, or airborne particles and vibration.
Moderate noise level.
Regular, reliable attendance is required.

How to Apply:

If you would like to apply for this position, please visit https://freestate.applicantpro.com/jobs/3993898 to complete an Application for Employment.

Job Classification: Exempt, Full-Time

Work Schedule: Regular Office Hours, Monday through Friday

Reporting Relationship: Executive Vice President/CEO

Primary Accountabilities:

The primary objective of the Vice President/Chief Financial Officer is to be responsible for development and administration of effective financing programs, accounting procedures and reports that effectively meet the requirements of the Members, management, bankers and jurisdictional agencies. The Vice President/Chief Financial Officer is also responsible for the management/supervision of the activities and programs of the Accounting and Finance Department in accordance with established policies, procedures, objectives, and budgets.

Major Duties:

Planning and Policy

Participates with the Executive Vice President/Chief Executive Officer (EVP/CEO) and top management in developing objectives, policies and procedures for KEPCo and guides the development of policies for Committee and Board consideration that affect the finances of KEPCo and KEPCo Services, Inc. (KSI).
Develops and presents KSI’s and KEPCo's annual budget for consideration by the Executive Vice President, appropriate Board Committees and the Board.
Develops the financial components of KEPCo's strategic and operational long-range plans.
Assists the EVP/CEO in the formulation and recommendation of operational policies for KEPCo.

Departmental Management

Develops annual departmental budget and reviews periodically to determine whether goals and budgets are being met.
Conducts departmental staff meetings to interchange information, confers on mutual problems, and develops plans for future action.
Interviews and selects new employees for the department, disciplines and terminates employment of personnel, and recommends promotions in accordance with KEPCo policy and procedures.
Reviews departmental organization structure periodically and recommends changes or new positions to meet assigned responsibilities and long-range objectives.
Appraises departmental personnel periodically and counsels with employees to help them develop and improve.
Reviews position descriptions and job specifications to ensure currency in detailing responsibilities of positions.
Ensures that departmental personnel are trained adequately for their respective positions.
Reviews wages and salaries for departmental personnel and recommends adjustments in accordance with wage and salary program.
Directs the activities of the departmental personnel, making work assignments, and delegating responsibility and authority to perform assignments in accordance with accounting policies and procedures.

Accounting and Tax

Reports at least monthly to the KEPCo Board, Board Committees and management on the financial condition of KEPCo, including the results of operations of KSI.
Coordinates actions of the Accounting and Finance staff to develop accounting policies and procedures that assure the keeping of KEPCo's records in accordance with established RUS guidelines and GAAP, and in conformity with KEPCo's by-laws and Board adopted policies. Reviews KEPCo's accounting practices with staff and outside auditors to assure they are correct.
Assumes ultimate responsibility for KEPCo's overall accounting functions, including accounts payable and receivable, payroll, preparation of monthly financial statements, general ledger and other operating and statistical reports.
Supervises preparation of KEPCo's annual financial reports and respective filings with bankers, regulatory authorities and governmental agencies.
Supervises and coordinates appropriate outside audits conducted by KEPCo's independent auditor, KCC auditors, RUS field personnel and other regulators or agencies as required. Provides recommendations to the KEPCo Board, Committees, and Management regarding the use of consultants to meet audit and other financial requirements.
Determines proper tax accounting methods are followed by KEPCO and any subsidiaries, and that all required tax returns are completed by KEPCo. Provides recommendations to the KEPCo Board, Committees, and Management regarding the use of consultants to meet tax filing requirements, and to do tax planning.
Monitors KEPCo’s appraised value for property tax purposes. Performs analysis to determine whether value is reasonable. Responsible for presenting an appeal to the Kansas and Missouri Directors of Property Valuation when value appears to be unreasonable.

Finance

Acquires needed financing to meet KEPCo’s operational and capital requirements.
Establishes investment policies, and provides recommendations to the EVP/CEO, KEPCo Finance Committee and Board to maximize returns of KEPCo funds, with a reasonable level of risk. Supervises KEPCo's cash management, including investment of construction funds and general funds.
Determines and recommends the EVP/CEO, Finance Committee, and KEPCo Board the investment policy for KEPCo’s decommissioning trust fund. Makes investment decisions regarding the investment of the funds by the trustee with the advice of the investment manager. Supports and testifies in regulatory filings regarding the required contributions by KEPCo into the fund.
Provides recommendations to the EVP/CEO on the financing of KEPCo’s capital projects, and determining whether KEPCo’s working capital needs are being met. Performs cash flow analysis and financial analysis on potential financing alternatives. Maintains outside contacts with potential financing organizations.
Supervises KEPCo's requisitioning and accounting for loan funds from the Federal Financing Bank (FFB), US Treasury, CFC and Co-Bank, including the lines-of-credit.
Administers all of KEPCo’s financing.
Coordinates with KEPCo's regulatory staff and consultants as needed regarding rates, billing and collections, and regulatory issues. Includes exhibit preparation and formulation of data request responses, and writing testimony related to KEPCo regulatory filings.

Audit

Assists Board in selection of KEPCo’s outside auditor.
Assists KEPCo’s outside auditor in completing an annual comprehensive audit of KEPCo’s books and records to meet all applicable accounting rules and requirements, including those of RUS, CFC, CoBank and others.

Employee Benefits

Administers employee benefit programs. Ensures compliance with all wage and hour laws, 401k plan requirements, health insurance and all other benefit programs.

Additional Responsibilities and Authority

Represents KEPCo, as assigned, at meetings of associated organizations including civic and community organizations, technical advice committees, Member annual meetings, KEC committee and board meetings and WCNOC committee and board meetings.
Serves as a resource person for committee meetings and Board of Trustee meetings for KEPCo and KSI.
Performs other duties, as requested or assigned.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor of Science from accredited college or university with degree in finance or accounting. Post-graduate degree or professional certification also required.
Minimum of ten (10) years of experience required, five (5) of those years in a regulated utility environment. Desirable experience would include exposure to the Rural Utility Services, and other electric cooperative entities.
Management experience is highly desirable.
Valid Kansas Drivers’ License is required.
Must be knowledgeable in accounting, tax, finance and audit, with experience in each area.
Basic knowledge in other utility functions such as power supply, engineering, rates, insurance and benefits administration also required.
Must have good computer skills and be able to operate various accounting and other software packages used by KEPCo.
Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Must be able to communicate clearly and concisely.
Strong interpersonal communication skills and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships across all levels of KEPCo.
Ability to work independently and in team settings.
Ability to support the goals, plans, and programs of KEPCo.
Must have ability to assimilate sometimes-disparate data and information and synthesize this information into a workable plan.
Must possess good analytical and computational skills. Must have ability to present ideas and information in a persuasive manner.
Possess the necessary personal characteristics that make an employee a productive team member, including: high integrity, good personal habits, and regular attendance at work.
Ability to gain and maintain respect of others, both inside and outside of the organization.
Ability to organize, multi-task, plan and set priorities with minimal supervision.
Demonstrate poise, tact and diplomacy with the ability to handle sensitive and confidential information and situations.

Physical Demands:

Ability to read computer screens and email, mail and talk on the phone.
Ability to lift up to twenty (20) pounds.

Work Environment:

Professional and deadline-oriented environment in an office setting.
Interaction with staff and customers.

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.

_______________________ _______ _________________________ _______

Employee Signature Date Supervisor Signature Date

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