Company Profile
Salem Electric
Company Overview
Salem Electric is an electric cooperative which serves approximately 19,000 members in a 17.5 square mile service area in the Mid-Willamette Valley of Oregon.
Six Reasons to Consider an Electric Cooperative Career:
A Paycheck with a Purpose. An electric co-op is a different kind of business. We’re built and led by the members we serve. We provide affordable, reliable energy that is critical to our community.
We’re Local. We serve our neighbors, family, and friends. Our members have a voice in how the co-op is run, and we make sustainable investments in the community we share. We support local businesses and organizations, and create jobs and economic activity here at home.
We’re Looking Ahead. Advances in energy technologies and opportunities will change the way we use electricity. When you work at an electric cooperative, you are part of a team that creates innovative, sustainable energy solutions for the people in our community.
We Put People First. We respect diversity and openness–it makes us stronger. We hold ourselves to the highest standards of professionalism and integrity, while still maintaining a family-friendly work environment.
We’re Part of a Movement. When you work at Salem Electric, you’re part of something bigger: Our jobs require a variety of skill sets across all education levels. And while we’re focused on our local community, you’ll join and collaborate with a national network of nearly 900 cooperatives in 48 states.
We’re Invested in You. We support your professional growth, development, and success with internal and external training opportunities. Co-op employees deliver a valuable service to our communities, and they’re rewarded for that dedication with competitive pay, health insurance, and outstanding retirement benefits.
Company History
Salem Electric was founded in 1938 and energized April 24, 1941, serving 17 residential and 5 general service members in the city of West Salem in Polk County, Oregon.
Founder Harry Read owned a local radio station and started the utility after his efforts to get a discounted rate from the local investor-owned utility failed. In 1942 Salem Electric contracted with the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) to utilize its river crossing to provide service to downtown Salem. In 1945 the co-op contracted with BPA for a second point of delivery in North Salem to serve portions of what is now Keizer.
A territorial agreement was signed with Portland General Electric in 1968 which designated service boundaries between Salem Electric and PGE. Salem Electric's commitment to reliable service and the communities it serves continues today.
Benefits
Salem Electric offers an attractive and competitive benefit and salary package.