Start your career journey here


Launch your career. make an impact that matters.

A career at Basin Electric means more than a job; it means helping rural communities across our region with reliable, affordable electricity. As a not‑for‑profit cooperative, purpose drives everything we do, and our interns are an important part of that mission.

Our internship program is designed for students and emerging professionals who want hands‑on experience, meaningful work, and a closer look at a future in the energy industry.

Ready to See What Your Internship Could Look Like?

Interns at Basin Electric don’t just observe—they contribute. You’ll work alongside experienced professionals, gain exposure to real projects, and build a strong foundation for your career.

What You’ll Gain

  • Paid, hands‑on experience in a professional work environment
  • Meaningful projects that support our mission and operations
  • Professional mentoring from industry experts
  • Networking opportunities across teams and disciplines
  • Resume‑building experience and career‑ready skills
  • Formal feedback and performance evaluations
  • Exposure to long‑term career opportunities with Basin Electric

What We Offer

The Administrative Internship Program is designed for individuals interested in professional career paths and learning how organizations operate and teams collaborate. Over this 10–12 week program, you’ll gain hands-on experience supporting real projects, apply your skills, and develop practical, career-ready experience in a professional, supportive environment.

The Trade Internship Program is designed for individuals pursuing craft or union-based career paths. This 10–12-week program provides a valuable opportunity for students to apply their skills, gain on-the-job experience, and further develop their professional potential in a supportive, operational environment. Program duration may be extended on a case-by-case basis, depending on performance and business needs.

Many of our interns use this experience to clarify career goals—and some go on to pursue full‑time roles with us.

A Day in the Life of a Basin Electric Intern

No two days are exactly the same—but every day brings meaningful work and real learning. You might start your morning collaborating with your team on a current project, followed by active project work that supports real operations across our cooperative. You’ll apply what you’re learning in the classroom to real‑world challenges, ask questions, and gain insight from experienced professionals who want to see you succeed.

Your Day May Include:

  • Contributing to projects that support our mission and operations
  • Learning directly from mentors and industry experts
  • Collaborating with teammates across departments
  • Attending meetings or site visits to understand how your work fits into the bigger picture
  • Receiving feedback that helps you grow professionally

Events & Activities:

Throughout the summer, we host a variety of events designed to help you connect, learn, and explore Basin Electric.

  • New Hire Orientation – Get welcomed, onboarded, and set up for success
  • Intern Kickoff Events – Meet fellow interns and start building connections
  • Plant Tours – See firsthand how we power communities across our region
  • National Intern Day – Celebrate your contributions and your internship journey

Internship Areas

(Varies by year and organizational need)

  • Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Chemical)
  • Chemistry Lab
  • IT & Cybersecurity
  • Human Resources
  • Communications
  • Operations & Maintenance
  • Safety
  • Business, Finance & Accounting
  • Other Administrative/Trade roles

Who Should Apply?

Our internship program is ideal for students who are:

  • Curious and eager to learn
  • Interested in gaining hands‑on experience
  • Exploring careers in the energy or utility industry
  • Looking to build skills, confidence, and professional connections

We welcome interns from a variety of academic backgrounds.

What else should I know?

When do interns start? Spend your summer gaining real‑world experience in a 12–14 week onsite internship starting sometime in May.

What is the culture like? As a cooperative, collaboration and community are at the heart of what we do. Interns are welcomed as part of the team and encouraged to share ideas, ask questions, and learn together.

Is housing provided or available? We do not provide company-sponsored housing. However, we do offer a relocation allowance to help support you moving to the area. For more information about the community, housing options, and local resources, we encourage you to review the Chamber of Commerce links below. They can be a helpful starting point as you explore housing opportunities in the area. For further questions, please reach out to your recruiter.
Where and when to apply?
Don’t see any open intern roles on our site yet? Don't worry! Our internship opportunities are typically posted early September through November, with any remaining roles reopening between February and April. Our internship recruiting season runs from late summer through the end of March. Applications are accepted as soon as roles go live, and you can apply directly through our careers site at that time.

To apply for open positions, please visit: Internships, Seasonal & Temporary

Interview Process. Your interview is an opportunity for us to get to know you—your strengths, your background, and the kind of work that inspires you. Most interviews last about an hour and include the hiring manager plus one or two team members. Based on where you're located, your interview will be held either onsite or online.

Pay and Hours. Paid opportunity; compensation is based on job responsibilities and location—see posting for details. Each position works a standard 40 hour work week. Time off may be requested and is subject to supervisor approval.

Build Your Future With Purpose

Meaningful Work, Real Projects. Interns contribute to projects that support our operations and mission—building skills you can take with you long after the summer ends.

Where This Experience Can Take You. Many interns leave Basin Electric with a clearer vision of their career goals. Some return for future internships, while others pursue full‑time roles after graduation—carrying forward the skills, connections, and confidence gained during their internship.

Built‑In Mentorship. Each intern is paired with an experienced professional who provides guidance, shares industry knowledge, and offers ongoing feedback. This built-in mentorship ensures you’re supported every step of the way, helping you build confidence, skills, and meaningful connections.

If you’re ready to learn, grow, and make an impact while exploring a career that matters, an internship at Basin Electric is a great place to start your career journey!

Contact us


Inquiries about jobs or internships at Basin Electric's North Dakota facilities:

Human Resources division
Basin Electric Power Cooperative
1717 East Interstate Avenue
Bismarck, ND 58503-0564 USA

Email: hrrecruitment@bepc.com
Phone: 701-223-0441 (ask for Human Resources)
Fax: 701-557-5110

Basin Electric is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer regarding race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, and veterans status.