Reliability starts with strong leadership.

Lake Region Electric Cooperative (LREC), a member-owned electric utility serving more than 30,000 member-consumers in the counties of Otter Tail, Wilkin, Grant, Douglas, Clay, and Becker (service territory), is seeking an Operations Manager to lead system operations, outage response, and field teams in delivering safe, reliable electric service to our members.

This role provides leadership across system operations, outage response, dispatch, fleet, and field personnel while ensuring alignment with safety standards, regulatory requirements, and Cooperative priorities. The Operations Manager plays a critical role in supporting system reliability and delivering high-quality service to our members.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Lead construction, maintenance, and operation of the electric distribution system, including substations
• Provide leadership and accountability for outage response and dispatch operations
• Promote and enforce a strong safety culture in compliance with OSHA, NESC, and Cooperative standards
• Oversee vegetation management and contractor performance
• Manage fleet and equipment lifecycle, including planning, maintenance, and replacement
• Support strategic planning and operational decision-making Lead and develop a team, including supervisory staff, to achieve high performance and accountability

Qualifications:

• Combination of education and experience equivalent to 10 years in electric utility operations, including progressive linework experience
• Demonstrated leadership experience in an operations or field environment
• Strong knowledge of electric distribution systems, construction practices, and system operations
• Working knowledge of RUS, NESC, and OSHA standards Effective leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Valid driver’s license with ability to obtain and maintain a Class A CDL
• Availability to respond to outages and emergency situations outside of normal business hours
• Ability to lead during critical events and support system restoration efforts Join a member-focused cooperative committed to safety, reliability, and service.

Join a member-focused cooperative committed to safety, reliability, and service.

LREC offers a generous compensation package including fully paid single coverage health insurance premium, company 401k match and substantial paid time off, including front loading accrual. This position’s starting wage range, based on previous experience, is $130,000 - $145,000 with a training progression period and wage adjustments to conclude over 2 years. Job offer rates are determined based on the candidate’s specific education, experience, knowledge, skills, and in alignment with market data.

Questions regarding the position can be directed to HR@lrec.coop. This position will remain open for 10 days or until filled; however, applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible as the review process will begin right away. Apply and view a full position description by visiting our website at www.lrec.coop.

LREC is an equal opportunity employer (EOE).

About Lake Region Electric Cooperative

Lake Region Electric Cooperative’s membership is a mix of residential, commercial and industrial, and seasonal homes. The cooperative averages 4.6 members per mile in our 3,200 square mile service territory. We own and maintain 5,600 miles of line. Because we are a cooperative, margins (or profits) are allocated to members’ capital credits accounts. Periodically, capital credits are returned to members based on the amount of electricity they purchased.

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