The San Luis Valley Rural Electric Cooperative (SLVREC) is hiring a Chief Power Engineering Officer (CPEO).  As the Chief Engineering and Innovations Officer, you are architecting the future of energy in North America's largest alpine valley.

Why San Luis Valley?

The San Luis Valley offers a lifestyle and opportunities that urban centers can’t match:

• Real Connections: Escape the hustle and bustle for close-knit communities, a significantly lower cost of living, and genuine human connections.  While box store shopping and entertainment are limited, you’ll experience charming local shops, a thriving art scene, Hispanic history, and ranching legacies.  A genuine Colorado community experience.
• Adventure at Your Doorstep: Trade your commute for world-class skiing at Wolf Creek, sandboarding at Great Sand Dunes National Park, gold-medal fishing in the Rio Grande River, exploring endless trails, and rejuvenating in one of the local hot springs.  Wildlife, public lands, and open space are common here.
• Cool Sunshine: Bask in over 350 days of sunshine a year and moderate seasonal temperatures that invite year-round activity.
• Best Co-Workers: We care about you.

At SLVREC, you will lead a team dedicated to pioneering solutions, from advanced technologies to beneficial electrification programs that directly improve lives. This is your chance to lead high-impact engineering in a place that still feels like a well-kept secret.

Applications are due by February 26^th, 2026.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Chief Power Engineering Officer (CPEO) is a key executive leadership role responsible for the overall strategic direction, planning, design, and reliable operation of the Cooperative's electrical system, while simultaneously identifying, developing, and implementing innovative technologies and business models to ensure long-term competitiveness and value for our members. The CPEO champions a culture of safety, excellence, and continuous improvement, ensuring all engineering and innovative activities align with the Cooperative's mission, vision, values, and regulatory requirements.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Reliability: Responsible for electric system reliability and continuous improvement.
2. Planning: Lead all electric system planning and performance.
3. Department Budget: Responsible for the department's budgeting and fiscal responsibility.
4. Design: Provide project design, budgeting, and as-built evaluation for all operation, maintenance, capital, and member-requested projects. Preparing them for execution by the Operations Department.
5. Standards: Develop and maintain electrical system standards and standard operating procedures.
6. Innovation: Implement new technologies and processes to enhance member value and operational efficiency.
7. Collaboration: Collaborate closely with the Chief Operations Officer (COO) and other department leaders to support highly effective teams.
8. Leadership and Mentorship: Lead and mentor the engineering and technical staff, fostering a culture of technical excellence, innovation, and safety within the department.
9. System Operator Backup: Provide System Operator backup as needed and serve as a key advisor during emergencies and callouts.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

1. A Bachelor of Science in Engineering from an ABET-accredited institution or equivalent technical education and experience is required.
2. 10 years’ relevant work experience with electric power systems.
3. Possess or be able to obtain a State of Colorado Professional Engineer License within 6 months of employment.
4. Strong analytical and written/verbal communication skills.
5. Possess or be able to obtain a valid Colorado Driver’s License.
6. Ability to operate computers, communication equipment, standard office equipment, and software, including Windows, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
7. WorkKeys: Reading for Information – 7, Applied Mathematics– 7, Locating Information - 5

WORKING CONDITIONS

1. Most activities are performed inside; however, the candidate must also be willing to work outside in all weather conditions, inside electrical substations, and extended hours when required.
2. Travel outside the system may be required.
3. Must be able to perform the activities listed in the position description.
4. Activities are performed while driving, sitting, and walking.

This job description describes the general nature of this position and is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required in this position. 

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.  All employment is decided based on qualifications and business needs.

About San Luis Valley Rural Electric Cooperative / Ciello

The goal of San Luis Valley REC and Ciello is to be a cohesive organization that offers world class service to our member/owners while offering an all-encompassing incentive package to our employees that will encourage work-life balance, support a high level of performance and promote commitment among all. Already a well-established utility company, we are now a highly competitive telecommunications business that is financially challenging, physically demanding and ever-changing. We recognize that our team of employees are the key advantage in managing this environment. To achieve our objective we must motivate, develop and reward our skilled workforce. A competitive incentive package is provided that includes market-based compensation, comparative benefits, career development and the chance to participate in meaningful ways that contribute to powering a vital Valley.

Connections working at San Luis Valley Rural Electric Cooperative / Ciello