STUDENT INTERN - ENERGY OPERATIONS/TECHNOLOGY (DCS)

Basin Electric Power Cooperative; Elkton Township (SD); On-site; USD 33,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

Basin Electric Power Cooperative invites applications for a STUDENT INTERN - ENERGY OPERATIONS/TECHNOLOGY (DCS) at the Deer Creek Station near Brookings, SD for the 2027 summer session, May 17 to August 20, 2027.

The intern will assist operators with monitoring, inspections, data collection, and maintenance of plant equipment, gaining hands-on experience in power generation, safety and environmental standards, and procedural compliance.

Qualifications

• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Be enrolled as a full-time student or recent graduate (within the past 12 months) in a two-year program in a related power generation field with at least one year completed.
• Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5.
• Hold a valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the monitoring of equipment.
• Conduct routine inspections.
• Support safe operations of plant equipment.
• Collect and maintain operational data.
• Assist with maintenance and troubleshooting of plant equipment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Written communication

MS Office

Organization

Team collaboration

Initiative

Confidentiality

Safety procedures

Fieldwork

Problem solving

Education

Two-year program

GPA 2.5+

Driver's license

Age 18+

Job description

STUDENT INTERN - ENERGY OPERATIONS/TECHNOLOGY (DCS)

POSITION PURPOSE

This position is at our Deer Creek Station (DCS) location near Brookings, SD.

This position is for the summer months of 2027 (approximately May 17, 2027 through August 20, 2027).

This position provides temporary support for the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of power generation equipment while gaining hands-on experience with plant systems, procedures, and industry best practices. The intern assists operators with monitoring plant performance, conducting routine inspections, collecting operational data, and maintaining compliance with safety and environmental standards. This position provides practical training in power plant operations, troubleshooting, and equipment maintenance to develop the skills necessary for a career in power generation.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Assist with the monitoring of equipment.
• Conduct routine inspections.
• Support safe operations of plant equipment.
• Collect and maintain operational data.
• Assist with maintenance and troubleshooting of plant equipment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Be enrolled as a full-time student or recent graduate (within the past 12 months) in a two-year program in a related power generation field with at least one year completed.
• Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5.
• Hold a valid driver's license.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Previous internship or relevant work experience.
• Additional certifications or coursework in field of study.

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS

This position requires continuous sitting, standing, walking, climbing, and reaching; frequent bending, kneeling, and using keyboard/computer; and occasional crawling, pushing, pulling, and lifting up to 50 pounds. This position requires finger dexterity, good color vision and good hearing. Working conditions may frequently include chemicals and noise; and occasionally extreme heat and cold, dirt and dust.

KEY SKILLS

• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrate proficiency with Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel.
• Written and verbal communication.
• Organization and attention to detail.
• Team collaboration.
• Initiative and adaptability.
• Confidentiality and professionalism.
• Fieldwork or technical hands-on aptitude.
• Compliance with safety procedures.
• Technical problem solving.

Wage: $28.00/hour

Basin Electric wants all interested and qualified candidates to apply for employment opportunities. If you are an applicant with a disability who is unable to use our online tools to search and apply for jobs, or who needs other assistance or accommodations, please contact us at 701-223-0441. Please indicate the specifics of the assistance needed or provide your contact information, and a Basin Electric Human Resources representative will contact you. Basin Electric is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer regarding race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, and veterans status.