Careers

All applicants MUST submit a BREC application (link below). Applications and resumes can be emailed to: BREC-HR@blackriver.coop or mailed to: 

Human Resources
Black River Electric Coop
PO Box 130
Sumter, SC 29151

Black River Electric Cooperative, Inc. is a critical infrastructure employer.

Black River Electric Cooperative, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

We do not currently offer any remote (work from home) positions.

It is the preference of the cooperative that all employees live within Lee, Clarendon, Kershaw, or Sumter counties. This preference is based on community involvement and the responsiveness of employees as it relates to the service (including after hours and emergency response) we are expected to provide to our membership.

*BREC does not currently offer a relocation package.*

*Response time to an employee’s respective on-call duty location shall not exceed 50 minutes.*

Current Openings

  • Lineman
  • Member Services Trainee
  • Accountant
  • Network Administrator
 

Lineman (experienced)

Join Our Team and Build a Career That Powers our Community!

We’re looking for motivated individuals to join our team as a Lineman (Experienced), whether you’re just starting your journey or bringing previous linework experience. This role offers hands on training, structured coursework, and real world experience in a dynamic and safety focused environment.
 
If you’re passionate about working outdoors, contributing to your community, and growing your technical skills, we want to hear from you!
 

What You’ll Do

As a Lineman, you’ll:

  • Learn and perform line construction, maintenance, and repair on distribution and transmission systems (7.2/12.47 kV)
  • Operate heavy machinery including diggers, trenchers, and bucket trucks
  • Climb poles and work at heights up to 60 feet (with proper safety gear)
  • Install and repair overhead and underground electric lines and streetlights
  • Respond to service calls, outages, and perform meter readings
  • Participate in a rotating on-call schedule for emergency service needs
  • Communicate with members, coworkers, and the public with professionalism
  • Maintain safe work practices at all times

Work Environment

  • 100% Field-Based: Work outdoors year-round, in all weather conditions (rain, snow, heat, etc.)
  • High Elevation Work: Frequent climbing, bucket truck work, and ladder use
  • Physical Demands: Frequent lifting (up to 75 lbs, occasionally up to 100 lbs), standing, bending, digging, and confined space work
  • Tools & Equipment: Use of hand tools, safety gear, heavy vehicles and machinery

What We’re Looking For

  • High school diploma or equivalent (GED)
  • Commitment to learning and growing in the trade
  • Strong safety awareness and a positive attitude
  • Physical ability to perform strenuous tasks and work at height
  • Excellent communication and teamwork skills
  • Willingness to travel and respond to call-outs as needed
  • Basic computer literacy
  • Valid Class A CDL (manual transmission)
  • Safe driving and work history required

We Offer

  • Competitive compensation and overtime pay
  • On-the-job training and advancement opportunities
  • Structured coursework and study assistance
  • Full benefits package (Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement)
  • A team-oriented workplace culture
  • Opportunities to serve and connect with your community

🔧 Ready to power up your career?

Apply today and start your journey as a Lineman!
 
 
 

Member Services Trainee

🌟 We’re Hiring: Member Services Trainee 🌟

Join a member focused team making a difference every day!

Are you a people first problem solver who loves to help others and thrives in a fast paced, team oriented environment? We’re looking for a Member Services Trainee who is ready to grow, learn, and provide exceptional service across multiple departments. If you’re looking for more than just a job (and want a place to build a career), we want to meet you!

🌟 Position Summary

As a Member Services Trainee, you’ll be an essential part of our front line team, supporting members through cashiering, call center, and service interactions. This role offers hands-on experience and cross training across departments, providing a strong foundation for career advancement.

🔑 Key Responsibilities

  • Post payments, provide accurate change, and validate receipts for members, employees, and partner agencies
  • Maintain and balance cash drawers, night deposit kiosk, and vault security
  • Greet and guide members in the lobby; respond to phone inquiries professionally
  • Assist with overflow and outage-related calls once trained
  • Update member accounts and support other service areas as needed
  • Operate standard office equipment (computer, phone system, calculator, etc.)
  • Attend team meetings, trainings, and community events relevant to your role
  • Perform other related duties as assigned

🧠 What You Bring

  • High school diploma or equivalent required
  • At least 1 year of experience in cashiering, member/customer service, or a related field
  • Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and a friendly, helpful attitude
  • Ability to adapt to new tasks and work collaboratively across teams
  • Knowledge of utility operations a plus
  • Associate’s degree or higher preferred

🌱 Why Join Us?

  • Collaborative, inclusive, and welcoming work culture
  • Opportunities for cross-training and advancement
  • Meaningful work that impacts the community
  • Ongoing professional development
  • Supportive leadership and team environment

📌 Ready to Start Your Career Journey?

Apply now and become part of a team where your work matters!

 

Accountant

Department: Finance
Reports to: CFO

Summary:

Under regular supervision the Accountant is responsible for the accurate processing, recording, and reporting of the Cooperative’s financial transactions. This position oversees accounts payable and receivable functions, cash management activities, general ledger maintenance, financial reporting, and audit support. Additionally, the Accountant ensures compliance with Cooperative policies, GAAP, RUS guidelines, and applicable state and federal regulations while maintaining strong internal controls.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field required
  • Required experience in Microsoft Excel with excellent data entry skills
  • 3–5 years of progressive accounting experience preferred
  • Utility or electric cooperative accounting experience preferred
  • Knowledge of RUS accounting guidelines and GAAP preferred

Essential Job Functions:

  • Process and pay all accounts payable for the Cooperative, including selecting invoices for weekly payment runs per CFO guidance
  • Review and verify invoice accuracy, obtain departmental and CEO approval, code invoices to general ledger accounts, and enter data into the accounting system
  • Prepare and issue checks, distribute payment documentation, and maintain proper files.
  • Post daily cash reports and Certificates of Interest from repurchase agreement investments
  • Process returned checks, bank fees, and general ledger corrections; maintain all bank accounts on the general ledger
  • Prepare cash status reports for review by the CFO and CEO
  • Reconcile daily credit card, echeck, pay station and consumer collection reports to bank statements
  • Process accounts receivable transactions including joint use billing, sale of vehicles/materials, and other services
  • Process employee accounts receivable for uniforms, insurance, personal items, 401(k) contributions, and loans
  • Post daily entries from CIS accounting system to the general ledger
  • Reconcile and balance cash accounts and verify/submit ACH files to the bank
  • Prepare financial statements including Balance Sheets, Statements of Operations, trial balances, and journal summaries
  • Prepare daily journal entries with supporting documentation and handle month-end and year-end closing processes
  • Print refund checks generated by the billing clerk
  • Process payroll garnishment checks and related journal entries
  • Prepare and assist with tax filings including Power Excise Tax Return, Local/Sales Option Tax, Form 1099-MISC, Annual Form 7, and other required filings
  • Prepare records and reports for the CPA during the annual audit and assist auditors as needed.
  • Maintain insurance files on independent contractors
  • Answer employee accounting-related questions
  • Perform miscellaneous duties as directed by the CFO and other related duties as assigned
  • Works with other entities to provide information for the generation of analytical reports
  • Maintains insurance files on independent contractors

Additional Job Functions:

Attends and participates in employee meetings, Cooperative annual meeting, and other meetings of public interest. Also attends various meetings sponsored by affiliated organizations including Cooperative Accounting groups and other seminars or programs designated by supervisor to have a direct and relevant impact on the performance of “Essential Job Functions”.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Must be physically able to operate a variety of automated office machines including calculator, copier, computer, etc. Must be physically able to exert up to ten pounds of force occasionally, and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Position involves mostly sedentary work, but may require walking, standing, reaching, or stooping for brief periods of time. Must be able to lift and/or carry weights of up to twenty pounds.

 

Network Administrator

Department: Information Technology

Summary:

Under limited supervision the Network Administrator is responsible for designing, implementing, securing, maintaining, and supporting the Cooperative’s IT infrastructure, including LAN/WAN systems, voice and data networks, servers, cyber security, and mobile technologies. The role ensures high availability, performance, and security of all systems while supporting end users, internal departments, and Cooperative operations. The role includes monitoring timelines and addressing issues that may impact progress, while adhering to departmental and organizational standards.

Minimum Qualifications:

Requires a high school diploma or equivalent with a minimum of three years of progressive experience in complex computing environments, emphasizing networking, security, and e-Business systems. Experience with LAN/WAN concepts, telecommunications, micro/mini/mainframe operating systems, and data communications fundamentals. Experience with hardware/software installation, testing, and troubleshooting with specialized training in various information technology areas or any equivalent combination of education and experience.

Certifications (Preferred):

  • CCNA, Network+, or equivalent networking certification.
  • RHCE, Linux+, or equivalent Linux management certification.
  • A+ or equivalent PC management certification.

Essential Job Functions:

  • Network & Systems Administration
    • Design, deploy, configure, maintain, and troubleshoot LANs, WANs, network segments, Internet/intranet systems, and related hardware (servers, routers, switches, firewalls, VPNs, printers, end-user devices).
    • Configure, maintain, and support Windows and Linux server and workstation environments.
    • Install, configure, and administer Microsoft Active Directory within a Windows domain.
    • Maintain network appliances, including storage systems, intrusion detection/prevention systems, VPN gateways, and firewalls.
    • Analyze and resolve issues with server hardware, operating systems, and network application software.
    • Monitor all network systems to ensure security, performance, compliance, and availability.
  • Cyber Security & Compliance
    • Maintain cyber security systems to protect Cooperative data from unauthorized access, modification, or destruction.
    • Implement and maintain network security policies, segmentation, and appropriate compliance considerations.
    • Identify and resolve security violations; report incidents as required.
    • Work with consultants on firewall/security appliance configurations and maintenance.
  • Voice & Communication Systems
    • Install, configure, support, and maintain Cooperative voice systems including VOIP, IVR, and associated hardware/software.
    • Provide training, troubleshooting, and support for telephone/voice communication systems.
  • Web, Internet, and Intranet Support
    • Support web-related network and security needs for Cooperative websites.
    • Assist in monitoring site traffic, ensuring performance, and scaling capacity.
    • Support troubleshooting of developed or vendor-supported web systems.
  • Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery
    • Participate in IT disaster recovery planning, including voice and data network restoration, security recovery, and critical IT system continuity.
    • Maintain and securely store all network and system documentation per IT Recovery Plan requirements.
  • Documentation
    • Maintain accurate technical documentation for network hardware, software, configurations, changes, patches, installations, and credentials.
    • Document IT issues, resolutions, and procedural instructions thoroughly and clearly.
  • User & Department Support
    • Provide hardware/software troubleshooting for users and departments.
    • Offer training and guidance to users and assist the System Administrator as needed.
    • Communicate technical information effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences.
    • Assist with planning and coordinating interfaces with clients, vendors, and other departments.

Expectations:

  • Maintain confidentiality of all data.
  • Must be able to respond to work when needed; extra hours required during emergencies.
  • Must reside within 60 minutes of the legal driving time of assigned district office (relocation outside this radius requires prior written approval).
  • Follow safe working practices and all traffic laws when operating a Cooperative vehicle.
  • Maintain awareness of Cooperative policies, rates, plans, and programs.

Additional Job Functions:

  • Perform other duties as assigned.
  • Maintains effective working relationships with end users, vendors, supervisors, and management
  • Participates in all employee meetings, professional development, certifications, and training recommended by the supervisor to have a direct and relevant impact on the performance of “Essential Job Functions”.

Physical Requirements:

  • The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Regular use of hands, arms, and fine motor skills; frequent sitting, talking, hearing, and reaching.
  • Occasional standing, walking, climbing, bending, kneeling, or crawling.
  • Regular lifting up to 25 pounds; frequent lifting up to 50 pounds; occasional lifting up to 100 lbs.
  • Vision requirements include close, distance, color, peripheral vision, and depth perception.
  • Moderate noise environment.