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.

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

Summary:

  • Lineman Trainee
  • Member Service Support
  • Safety Director
 


Lineman Trainee

(Apprentice or experienced)

This position requires continuous learning, on-the job training,
classroom/coursework and testing related to linework and safety.


Work Conditions:

  • Work location is predominantly outside in the field, performing work in all weather conditions. Required to work in extreme weather conditions such as but not limited to rain, snow, sleet, heat, etc.
  • Position requires on call work at various times which may include every day and night – 7 days a week.
  • Position requires working at high elevations. Climbing poles, working in a bucket and climbing ladders.
  • Position requires ground work, digging and operation of heavy equipment of large trucks.
  • Routine use of hand tools and routine lifting of heavy equipment. Possible lifting up to 100lbs on occasion.
  • Frequent handling of materials.

 

General Qualifications

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Ability to climb utility poles and work from elevated surfaces
  • Ability to work for prolonged periods of time in personal protective equipment
  • Ability to effectively communicate with coworkers, members and the public
  • Commitment to safe working practices
  • Must have basic computer skills and be able to adapt to technological changes as they are implemented
  • Valid Commercial driver’s license and satisfactory driving record or ability to obtain A Class CDL (manual transmission) within a year of employment
  • Safe work record and a firm commitment to safety
  • Able and willing to travel on a regular basis
  • Able to lift, push, pull and carry at least 75 lbs.
  • Requires frequent sitting, standing, bending, walking and climbing, and exposure to seasonal elements
  • May be required to stand, kneel and work in confined spaces for an extended period of time, and must be able to fit into a confined space rescue harness

 

Essential Job Functions

  • Communicate verbally and understand audible signals in emergency/safety situations
  • Interact with and provide exceptional service to our membership
  • Maintains three phase system to include 7.2/12.47 kV
  • Troubleshoot electrical outages, power quality and complete installation and maintenance work related to all aspects of electric distribution and transmission systems
  • Perform rubber gloving work to safely work with primary/high-voltage and low-voltage lines and equipment
  • Install and retire overhead and underground electric lines
  • Perform sustained work at heights (up to 60 ft) including climbing and working from poles, bucket work and ladder work
  • Repair and install street lights
  • Frame, install, or replace poles
  • Maintain lines and support structures in substations
  • Operate heavy equipment including diggers, trenchers, back hoes, and bucket trucks
  • Remove tree limbs near electric lines
  • Work overtime outside of scheduled hours, participating in on-call duty rotation schedule, in response to acute and/ or planned service needs
  • Complete documentation for project planning and completion
  • Respond from home to primary work location within a reasonable amount of time
  • Perform service and member service work including disconnects and reconnects
  • Locate buried lines including electric and gas underground services
  • Meter reading and associated meter reading processes
  • Organize equipment and perform regular and preventative maintenance
  • This position requires continuous learning, on-the job training, classroom/coursework and may include study and testing related to linework and safety

 



Member Service Support

(Located in Camden Office)
Summary:

Under regular supervision is responsible for the activities relating to providing Member Services. This is a flexible position that will allow the employee to aid various departments and increase job knowledge within both the Sumter and Camden offices. Such responsibilities are member service, cash handling, answering phone calls to assist members concerning residential and commercial accounts as well as addressing member concerns or service complaints. This support position will be directly responsible for handling various member inquiries, documenting consumer information as well as other duties that may be assigned under the leadership of the VP of Member Services.

Minimum Qualifications:

Requires member service exposure and cash handling experience. Ideal applicants will have the following knowledge, skills, and abilities: member focus, good data entry skills, listening skills, verbal communication, people skills, adaptability, stress tolerance, dependability, flexibility and teamwork.

Required Skills/Abilities:

  • Flexibility with short notice
  • Excellent communication skills including active listening
  • Member service-oriented and ability to address member concerns
  • Proficient computer skills with the ability to learn new software
  • Knowledge of, or ability to learn, products, services, and various areas of member services


Essential Job Functions:

  • **Continuous learning** responsible for training others as skill level increases
  • Assists in all areas of the Member Service Departments including Call Center, CHL Office, and the Camden office as needed – Camden office is the primary location for this position
  • Cash handling
  • Demonstrates excellent member service
  • Answers inquiries by clarifying member request, researching and providing information
  • Resolves problems by researching, exploring answers or seeking assistance
  • Identifies and escalates priority issues
  • Documents information received via member interaction
  • Completes address updates, name changes & service orders
  • Communicates with various agencies to assist members in bill payment
  • Sends correspondence to members concerning account information, arrangements etc.
  • Daily use of Meridian, Partner, Command Center, USPS zip code website, Microsoft Office, etc.
  • Creates and reviews daily work orders
  • Review service orders including new connect and retirement orders
  • Verify all voucher information is entered correctly. Once a month, review voucher lists to verify inactive accounts and set up refunds. Reports information to Accounting department.
  • Review, scan and link all required documents
  • Maintain special needs forms and document receipt of the forms in Meridian
  • Scan and file Estate paperwork as needed
  • Troubleshoot kiosk issues
  • Assists with submitting Meridian support tickets
  • Provides assistance to the VP of Member Services with various tasks such as special projects


Additional Job Functions

Performs other related duties as required.

Attends and participates in employee meetings, Cooperative annual meeting, and other meetings of public interest. Also attends various meetings sponsored by affiliated organizations and other seminars or programs designed 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 typewriter, 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.


 

Safety Director

Summary:
Under regular supervision, is responsible for coordinating all safety functions for the Cooperative. Includes maintaining and updating OSHA records and ensuring compliance with applicable regulations, investigating accidents, conducting safety meetings, and training activities, etc.
Provides technical assistance and support to the engineering department. Assists line crews with specialized projects and standard operations as needed, handles various activities related to substation operations, installation, and inspections, etc. This position reports to the VP of Support Services.

Minimum Qualifications:
Requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Requires vocational or technical training in public information, electrical engineering or related field with a minimum of eight years’ experience in the field of safety or within the electrical industry. Prospective candidates should have direct experience dealing with safety issues and have excellent oral and written communication skills. Must be familiar with safety regulations and have the ability to research and maintain compliance with safety rules. Must have any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities to complete the job. Must have basic computer skills and the ability to obtain a SC Commercial driver’s license. Leadership experience is preferred.

Essential Job Functions:

  • Is responsible for coordinating all safety related activities for the Cooperative. Maintains knowledge of current and new OSHA regulations, keeps required OSHA records as well as regulation information. Informs employees of OSHA and DOT regulations and changes that affect the Cooperative. Maintains Safety Data Sheets and ensures accessibility for employees to review at all times. Investigates accidents, records related information and prepares reports.
  • Conducts crew safety inspections to ensure compliance with federal regulations as well as internal safety procedures. Conducts safety meetings to discuss current issues and ways to continue and improve safety awareness. Coordinates special training on equipment operation, CPR, pole top rescue, FA, flagger operations, defensive driving, bucket rescue, lockout/tagout and other relevant safety topics.
  • Coordinates the required inspections on various equipment and machinery; collects inspection information, and acts on any problems revealed during inspections; coordinates dielectric tests on vehicles.
  • Collects and reviews electronic monthly inspections on trucks, personal tools, truck tools, FA kits, forklift, etc. and records data
  • Prepares Co-op for safety accreditation; attends safety coordinator’s meeting with Statewide Cooperative
  • Prepares traffic control plans for Engineering
  • Prepares monthly safety report for CEO to review with board of trustees
  • Conducts various public seminars, training, and safety activities for consumers, schools, and the community concerning safety topics related to electricity; assists in coordinating statewide schools
  • Receives and reviews a wide variety of forms and documents to include vehicle inspections, tool inspections, first aid kit inspections, loss control data, pole release forms, accident reports, hazard recognition, audiologist reports, near miss incident reports, etc.
  • Prepares and processes numerous forms and documents to include data sheets, safety reports, crew inspections, monthly safety reports, CPR documents, etc.
  • Provides assistance in maintenance of substations and other special equipment
  • Occasionally assists in major switching operations with the assistance of senior level engineers.
  • Provides assistance and information to other members of the staff as well as consumers with technical advice and complaints
  • Occasionally prepares staking sheets
  • Conducts informational tour for new hires (administrative staff) and summer interns
  • Provides safety briefing during new hire orientation meetings
  • Performs supervisor/dispatch on call duty and assists in outages and trouble calls
  • Schedules and administers progression evaluations
  • Responsible for registering and administering NWLC program
  • Files all job briefings
  • Assist with storm management team and conducts training bi-annually
  • Responsible for maintaining yearly access for Shaw AFB
  • Responsible for scheduling and conducting grounds testing annually
  • Is responsible for maintenance of company vehicles, tools, and equipment
  • Handles environmental issues and plans including SPCC plans
  • Responsible for maintaining SDS & Emergency Action Plan
  • Performs various duties related to emergencies or service restoration after storms
  • Operates line work equipment and machinery as well as office equipment to include a computer, adding machine, label machine, binding machine, copier, etc.


Additional Job Functions:

  • Pulls call duty as required
  • Performs other related duties as assigned


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 machinery and equipment including computer, printer, copier, calculator, 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.

Physical demands are sometimes in excess of sedentary work; position involves standing, walking stooping, kneeling, climbing, balancing etc. frequently or occasionally. Must be able to lift and/or carry weights up to fifty pounds in occasion.