Co-op Careers

Across the nation, 64 generation and transmission (G&T) cooperatives provide access to wholesale (at-cost) power at a better price than each of their member co-ops could obtain on their own. In Iowa, electric co-ops are members of various G&T cooperatives, which generate electricity at multiple sites using a diverse mix of fuels such as coal, natural gas, wind, solar, hydro and landfill gas.

On July 26, Leslie Kaufman began her new role as the executive vice president and general manager (EVP/GM) of the Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives (IAEC), the statewide trade association serving Iowa’s electric cooperatives.

In April, we officially celebrate Lineworker Appreciation Day to honor the men and women who power our lives. However, the work of lineworkers is celebrated and appreciated every day of the year.

Today, women represent an increasing share of the electric cooperative workforce and governance structure. 

The energy industry depends on such a vast range of abilities offers job seekers a variety of career opportunities. Here are six reasons electric co-ops are a great place to work.

In many families, the tradition of being a lineman may involve some family members across generations. For the Freml family of western Iowa, all six children in a single generation became linemen.

Recently, the Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives began offering a four-year linemen apprenticeship training program. The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)-certified program includes 7,000 hours of online and hands-on training, study and tests.