Celebrate Careers in Energy Week

Posted by Lauren Dublin on October 21, 2024

When you think of careers at your electric cooperative, you probably think first of the linemen, heading out at all times and in all weather to get your lights back on. But behind them is an office with many different departments with many different skills!

October 21-25 is Careers in Energy Week, and whether you prefer working outside or inside, or enjoy a mix of both, there’s a career in energy for you!

Inside

Marketing and Member Services (MMS) touches nearly every aspect of the business. From answering phone calls and helping members who visit our lobby, to running our social media, putting together the Hotline Update newsletter, writing blogs and emails, and planning events – including the Annual Meeting – no day in MMS is the same!

Information Technology (IT) is also heavily involved in almost every department. The IT team solves everyday computer problems for employees throughout the company, but also makes sure our networks are safe from outside cyber threats, provides data analysis, keeps equipment like radios and iPads running smoothly, and maintains our building’s access systems and cameras.

Accounting and financial services is divided into accounts payable (paying for things WH purchases) and accounts receivable (collecting money owed to WH). Accounts payable verifies credit card statements and receipts from various departments each month, makes sure payments are made to vendors in a timely manner, and plays a big role in finalizing budgets for the year. Accounts receivable works with a printing company to generate bills for members in four different monthly cycles, and also works with members on overdue accounts to set up payment plans.

Outside

Apparatus Technicians are usually out at substations or generators that are part of WH Generation, a WH Holding business. They program the controls and wiring for substations, and anything else that falls on the technical side of the substation or generator. Linemen will handle the big installations of breakers or anything that’s high voltage.

Linemen are responsible for installing and maintaining power lines. They complete an education program and have a step program before they are allowed to work on live power lines. WH’s crews are often divided into overhead and underground work. Some crews assist with new services, which is running electric service to a building for the first time, whether that’s a new or existing building. When the power goes out, they head out in teams to repair any damage and restore power. Learn more about how power is restored. WH also occasionally sends linemen to other cooperatives following big storms, in what’s known as a mutual aid agreement.

Both

Energy Field Services team members spend most of their day in the field, meeting with members for energy assessments to help them find ways to use energy more efficiently. They’ll also do presentations at elementary schools, teaching students to be safe around power lines and other electrical equipment. In the office, they’ll work with WH’s contractors to coordinate meter replacements and troubleshooting meter communication issues in preparation for each member to be billed accordingly. They also work closely with our line crews to ensure that the integrity of WHs electric system is kept to the highest standards.

WH Security technicians work inside answering phone calls and emails from members looking to schedule the installation of a home security system, and also do those installations! They also are subject matter experts on troubleshooting any system issues over the phone or in person.

Looking to start your career at WH? Check out our job openings!