D

Dairyland Power Cooperative

Wholesale electricity generation and transmission cooperative

Technical Writer - Work Methods

Full-TimeUpdated on 10/23/2026
$102.4k - $153.6k
Senior
Bachelor's, Bachelor of Science (BS)
La Crosse, WI, USA
In PersonOccasional overnight travel for forums, conferences, vendor meetings, cooperative support, and field visits.
Content & WritingTechnical Writing

About the job

Requirements
  • A technical degree in high voltage work, such as Lineworker or Substation Mechanic, or a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering, physics, and/or mathematics plus seven years of experience in utility engineering, operation, and/or maintenance areas; an equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered.
  • Experience utilizing electric utility-specific tools and working in common utility environments, including generation plants, substations, control rooms, rights-of-way, and enclosed spaces.
  • Knowledge of generation, transmission, and substations.
  • Knowledge of a wide array of tools, including utility-specific applications.
  • Computer skills with an emphasis on Microsoft Office tools, including Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
  • Advanced analysis and problem-solving skills.
  • A valid driver's license is required.
  • Near vision and fingering ability for computer terminal operation; fieldwork requires near and far vision, hearing, and the ability to walk, stand, stoop or crouch, bend, kneel, climb hand-over-hand, crawl, twist the upper body, reach or stretch, and maneuver objects.
  • Ability to work in an office environment and perform fieldwork on uneven terrain, at significant heights, and in hot, cold, or inclement weather, with possible exposure to noise, harsh environments, heavy construction equipment, high-speed rotating machinery, high-voltage and high-amperage electrical equipment, and high-pressure and high-temperature equipment systems and components.
Responsibilities
  • Develop and maintain work processes, procedures, field procedures, and job aids across Dairyland.
  • Lead cross-functional teams and collaborate with subject matter experts on process development and improvement.
  • Identify industry best practices and tools, and support their evaluation, adoption, and implementation.
  • Represent Dairyland in industry forums and professional organizations.
  • Evaluate, approve, and manage tools; conduct periodic reviews to identify replacement or recall needs.
  • Create and distribute field bulletins related to process and tool changes.
  • Support organizational readiness for regulatory changes affecting processes or tools.
  • Support the development and delivery of training aligned with work processes and tools.
  • Analyze work processes to identify improvement opportunities and develop action plans.
  • Engage with frontline employees to improve work execution, processes, and tools.
  • Support implementation of new processes and tools through training and change management activities.
  • Participate in event investigations, causal analysis, and corrective action implementation.
  • Provide process and tooling support to member cooperatives as needed.
  • Travel occasionally overnight to attend industry forums and conferences, meet with vendors, support member cooperatives, and conduct field visits in remote areas.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
Desired Qualifications
  • At least five years of experience at a journeyman level, or equivalent, in a transmission, substation, or generation frontline role is strongly preferred.
  • Previous leadership experience is preferred.
  • CUSP or CLCP certification is preferred.

About the company

D

Dairyland Power Cooperative

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Dairyland Power Cooperative is a not-for-profit generation and transmission utility that supplies wholesale electricity to 24 distribution cooperatives and 27 municipal utilities across Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, and Illinois, serving about 750,000 people. It generates power from a diverse mix—coal, natural gas, hydro, wind, solar, and biogas—and delivers it over more than 3,700 miles of transmission lines to its member utilities, which then serve end users. The company is governed by a board representing its member-owners and has operated since 1941 to advance rural electrification in the Midwest. Its goal is to provide reliable, affordable electricity to its member-owners and their communities by maintaining a stable, multi-source generation and transmission system.

Company Size

201-500

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

La Crosse, Wisconsin

Founded

1941

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Dairyland bought 450 MW of Elwood gas turbines on March 6, 2026.
  • The New ERA grant funds $595 million for 1,000 MW of Midwest wind and solar.
  • Ron Krizan and Elizabeth Ressie promotions on September 16, 2026 strengthen execution and safety.

What critics are saying

  • MariBell faces county opposition, landowner lawsuits, and PSCW filing pressure before fall 2026.
  • La Crosse employees reported death threats on August 28, 2026, over MariBell routing.
  • PSCW denial of MariBell would cripple Dairyland's transmission expansion and member growth strategy.

What makes Dairyland Power Cooperative unique

  • Dairyland serves 24 cooperatives and 27 municipals across Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, and Illinois.
  • Its cooperative model returns capital credits, including $5.7 million approved in 2025.
  • Dairyland combines generation, transmission, and A+ credit strength, uncommon among Midwest G&Ts.

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Benefits

  • Health Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Disability Insurance
  • Health Savings Account/Flexible Spending Account
  • Unlimited Paid Time Off
  • Flexible Work Hours
  • Remote Work Options
  • Paid Vacation
  • Paid Sick Leave
  • Paid Holidays

Growth & Insights and Company News

6 month growth

4%

1 year growth

4%

2 year growth

4%
Dairyland Power Cooperative
Sep 29th, 2026
Dairyland Power and Price Electric break ground on Prentice Solar EV Hub.

Dairyland Power and Price Electric break ground on Prentice Solar EV Hub. Sept. 29, 2026 Dairyland Power Cooperative and Price Electric Cooperative are breaking ground on the Prentice Solar Electric Vehicle (EV) Hub at the R Store Truck & Travel Center in Prentice, Wis., which is operated by a subsidiary of ARKO Corp. (Nasdaq: ARKO), one of the largest convenience store operators in the United States. The project will add four fast electric vehicle chargers, a solar canopy and battery storage at the intersection of U.S. Highway 8 and Wisconsin Highway 13. The project was made possible through assistance from a U.S. Department of Energy federal grant opportunity. Construction will begin this fall, with completion expected in summer 2027. The hub will give residents and travelers another fast-charging option in northern Wisconsin while also supporting the local electric system. "Grant funding helps our cooperative system invest in infrastructure that strengthens the communities we serve," said Dairyland President & CEO Brent Ridge. "We look forward to the value this project will bring to Prentice and northern Wisconsin." A key benefit is the battery system, which is designed to operate independently from the grid during an outage. When stored energy is available, it will help keep essential travel center services running, including fuel pumps, the convenience store and EV charging. "Price Electric is proud to support a project that will enhance both energy resilience and transportation in our community," said Jeff Olson, CEO of Price Electric Cooperative. "The utility-scale battery will allow the Prentice Truck and Travel Center to continue operation during an extended outage, helping maintain critical services. This added reliability will benefit Price Electric members, travelers and emergency response efforts in our service territory."

Dairyland Power Cooperative
Sep 16th, 2026
Dairyland announces promotion of Elizabeth Ressie to Vice President & Chief People Officer.

Dairyland announces promotion of Elizabeth Ressie to Vice President & Chief People Officer. September 16, 2026 Elizabeth Ressie has been promoted to Vice President & Chief People Officer at Dairyland Power Cooperative. In her role, Ressie will provide executive leadership for Safety, Human Resources and Learning & Development, advancing Dairyland's people strategy and strengthening its culture of safety, engagement and continuous learning. "Elizabeth's deep commitment to safety, our people, our culture and our values have strengthened the Dairyland organization as a great place to work," said Executive Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer Amanda Hoefling. "We look forward to the vision and expertise Elizabeth will continue to bring as we build the workforce of the future." Ressie joined Dairyland in January 2020 as Senior Human Resources Business Consultant. Prior to joining Dairyland, Ressie served as Director, Human Resources, for BIC Graphic and held Human Resources roles with Peerless Chain Company and McNeilus Companies, Inc. Ressie earned a dual degree in Human Resources and Business Administration from Winona State University and a Master of Human Resources Management from Saint Mary's University of Minnesota. She is a Society for Human Resource Management Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) and holds a Post-baccalaureate Certificate in Communication and Leadership from Purdue University.

Dairyland Power Cooperative
Sep 16th, 2026
Dairyland announces promotion of Ron Krizan to Vice President, Regional Transmission & Engineering Services.

Dairyland announces promotion of Ron Krizan to Vice President, Regional Transmission & Engineering Services. September 16, 2026 Ron Krizan, PE, has been promoted to Vice President, Regional Transmission & Engineering Services at Dairyland Power Cooperative, effective Sept. 14, 2026. He will provide executive leadership for Engineering Services and regional transmission initiatives, including Long-Range Transmission Planning projects and major regional transmission work for Dairyland. "Through his expertise in complex infrastructure projects and collaborative leadership, Ron will guide initiatives that are critically needed to power the growing needs of the communities we serve," said Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer Ben Porath. "His dedication to ensuring current and future generations have the safe and reliable electricity required for our modern lives will be an asset to the Dairyland membership and the region." Krizan joined Dairyland in 2012 as Project Engineer III and has held roles of increasing responsibility, most recently serving as Senior Director of Engineering Services. In that role, he led teams across transmission, substation, generation, project management, real estate/right-of-way, asset management, quality assurance/quality control and electrical substation maintenance. Krizan brings more than 25 years of engineering, construction, utility and leadership experience to the executive role. Prior to Dairyland, Krizan held leadership roles with NAES Maintenance and Construction Group, Telesis Consulting Group and Ayres Associates, where he managed engineering, construction, renewable energy, transmission and large-scale infrastructure programs across multiple states. Krizan is a licensed professional engineer. He earned his bachelor's degree in civil engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville.

In Business Madison
Aug 28th, 2026
La Crosse power company employees report uptick in death threats.

La Crosse power company employees report uptick in death threats. August 28, 2026 Get Its Email Newsletter The companies, people and issues shaping business in Madison and the Capital Region. Employees of Dairyland Power Cooperative in La Crosse say they have been subjected to death threats over the company's proposed MariBell power line, according to a report in the La Crosse Tribune The company, which is in a public comment phase of the project, said its employees have been subject to an uptick of violent threats online, and in one case, a property owner pulled a gun on employees working on existing power lines. Dairyland Power has not yet submitted its proposal for the large-capacity MariBell line to the Wisconsin Public Service Commission. Under the current routing plan, the 140-mile MariBell line would be built next to existing lines from Marion, Minnesota to Bell Center, Wisconsin, and eventually connect to the proposed BECI line.

WisPolitics.com
Jun 2nd, 2026
Dairyland Power Cooperative: Dairyland Power's 2026 annual meeting.

Dairyland Power Cooperative: Dairyland Power's 2026 annual meeting. >> WisPolitics is now on the State Affairs network. Get custom keyword notifications, bill tracking and all WisPolitics content. Get the app or access via desktop. LA CROSSE, WI - Dairyland Power Cooperative's 2026 Annual Meeting was held today at the La Crosse Center. Mark Kingland, Chair of the Board and Director representing Heartland Power Cooperative, presided over the meeting. The theme of the meeting was Building the Bridge: Past to Present to Future, reflective of how Dairyland is building on its 85-year legacy to navigate the current energy landscape while investing in a resilient future. It represents Dairyland's commitment to delivering safe, reliable and cost-effective electricity to its members - guided by the Strategic Priorities of Safe Outcomes, Financial Strength, Organizational Development, Reliability, Member Satisfaction and Environmental Stewardship. Dairyland President and CEO Brent Ridge highlighted Dairyland's strong trajectory under Board guidance. "From sustained safety performance improvements to rate stability, generational infrastructure projects and strategic asset optimization, Dairyland will continue to build on this year's successes while advocating for the communities we serve." Ridge underscored that long-term planning, cost discipline and innovation will enable Dairyland to meet obligations in its four-state service territory as the cooperative nears its centennial milestone. "Sustainability as a critical services provider requires a steadfast focus on safety and accountability, with a growth mindset." North American Electric Reliability Corp. (NERC) Senior Vice President, Strategy and External Engagement, Camilo Serna provided the keynote address and Reliability Outlook. "The pace of change across the electric grid is accelerating and complexity is increasing, and with that comes new reliability and security risks," said Serna. "Ensuring dependable service across the Upper Midwest and the grid as a whole will require proactive planning and investment to safeguard reliability." Dairyland Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (EVP & CFO) April Wehling provided a 2025 Financial Report: "Dairyland Power Cooperative continues to uphold its Vision as a premier member-driven cooperative. Maintaining top-quartile wholesale rate competitiveness remains a core strategy set by our Board of Directors. Total margins for the year were $25.3 million, which reflects stable financial performance in a dynamic market environment. "As of 2025, Dairyland's member equity represents 22.7% of total assets. This strong equity position places us solidly within the range of "A" rated Generation and Transmission Cooperatives, ensuring continued financial stability and member confidence. "Dairyland's commitment to returning value to our members remains steadfast. In 2025, our Board of Directors approved capital credit retirements totaling $5.7 million, continuing our legacy of delivering tangible benefits to our Class A member cooperatives and reflecting one of the core advantages of the cooperative business model. Since our founding, Dairyland has returned $165.8 million in capital credits to our members. "Dairyland continues to maintain strong credit ratings. Standard & Poor's rates Dairyland at 'A+' with a stable outlook. Moody's rates Dairyland at 'A3' with a positive outlook - a notable improvement from the previous 'stable' outlook. These ratings reflect confidence in our financial strength and strategic direction," said Wehling. The Annual Meeting, which was live-streamed for employees and members who were unable to attend, included a Q&A session with Executive Team members, recognition of award recipients and an Energy Expo with educational booths. About Dairyland Power Cooperative: Headquartered in La Crosse, Wis., Dairyland provides the wholesale electrical requirements for 24 distribution cooperatives and 27 municipal utilities. These cooperatives and municipals, in turn, supply the energy needs of approximately 800,000 people in the four-state service area. Dairyland delivers electricity over 3,700 miles of transmission lines and 400 distribution substations located throughout the system's 44,500 square mile service area. Visit www.DairylandPower.com.