Jobs at Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative

Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative 

Senior Vice President Engineering & Operations

Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO) is searching for an experienced leader to join their team as the next Senior Vice President Engineering & Operations. This position is open following the retirement of their current SVP after 28 years of service to the cooperative. The preferred start date is mid-July 2026.

SMECO has engaged GreatCo-Ops (www.greatcoops.com) to assist with this search. 

SMECO’s next SVP must be an enthusiastic and motivated leader who exemplifies servant-leadership – humble, driven, and committed to advancing SMECO’s mission of delivering safe, reliable, affordable, and sustainable service to its members.

This leader will report directly to the CEO, have three direct reports including VP of Electric Operations and Construction, VP of System Engineering, and the VP of Transmission, Construction, and Operations, managing a total division of approximately 298 employees.  The new leader should be an exceptional communicator who cultivates a workplace where employees are valued and provided a culture to thrive. This individual should be focused on creating operational teams that collaborate, are innovative, and focused on strengthening system reliability and member satisfaction.

The leader will bring thoughtful focus to grid modernization, long-term infrastructure planning, and day-to-day operational excellence, ensuring SMECO continues to reliably and sustainably energize Southern Maryland. This individual should model self-awareness, accountability, and a team-oriented mindset that reflects SMECO’s culture of safety, trust, inclusion, innovation and continuous improvement. An unwavering commitment to ethical conduct and integrity is essential, as is a genuine desire to put the needs of others first and to recognize how leadership influences colleagues, field crews, and the members SMECO is proud to serve.

About Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative 

Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative, headquartered in Hughesville, Maryland, is one of the nation’s larger electric distribution cooperatives, providing electric service to approximately 180,000 customer-members across Calvert, Charles, St. Mary’s, and portions of Prince George’s counties in Southern Maryland. SMECO operates more than 10,000 miles of distribution line and approximately 500 miles of transmission. Through its membership with ACES, SMECO manages its own power supply portfolio.

 With a dedicated workforce of approximately 530 employees, SMECO maintains a strong, member-focused culture rooted in service, accountability, safety, and community involvement.

SMECO distinguishes itself through a long-standing reputation for reliability, community commitment, and financial strength. As a not-for-profit cooperative, SMECO reinvests in system improvements and member benefits rather than shareholders, reinforcing a culture where service and stewardship come first. The cooperative is also recognized for its strong safety performance, employee development programs, and collaborative work environment – attributes that consistently reflect its stated values of innovation, inclusion, trust, and accountability. Employees often describe SMECO as a place where people feel connected to a meaningful mission, supported by accessible leadership, and proud to contribute to the resilience and growth of southern Maryland.

Within this environment, SMECO is seeking a leader who shares its commitment to service, stewardship, and operational excellence to step into the role of SVP– someone who can advance SMECO’s mission while strengthening the culture that defines it. The position is exempt from the overtime requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act, as amended.

About the Region

Hughesville, Maryland, is in the center of Southern Maryland, a region known for its rural character and historic communities. It offers a calm, community-oriented setting shaped by historic farm roads and a rich tobacco heritage, while just a short drive from Washington, D.C., Annapolis, and the broader Chesapeake Bay Region.

Southern Maryland is a great area for people who enjoy the outdoors.  Residents spend time hiking and horseback riding at Maxwell Hall Park, exploring the trails and lake at Gilbert Run, or wandering through the shaded paths of Cedarville State Forest. With the Patuxent and Potomac Rivers close by, and the Chesapeake Bay not too far, boating, fishing, kayaking, and crabbing are part of everyday life. The region also has a deep sense of history, reflected in places like Sotterley Plantation, Port Tobacco, and the Dr. Samuel Mudd House.

The area’s cultural life is anchored by the College of Southern Maryland, which brings concerts, theater, and community events to the region. Annual traditions such as the St. Mary’s County Oyster Festival, the Charles County Fair, and the Calvert County Watermen’s Festival draw residents together and celebrate the region’s heritage.

Southern Maryland’s economy is diverse and strong. Defense and aerospace play a major role thanks to the Naval Air Station Patuxent River, and the region supports strong healthcare, education, construction, energy, and small-business sectors. Many families choose Southern Maryland for its balance of rural tranquility, good schools, and a strong sense of community.

Hughesville offers easy access to a range of day-trip destinations.  Washington, D.C., offers world-class museums and dining; Annapolis adds its own kind of magic with sailboats lining the harbor, colonial architecture, and a walkable downtown filled with cafes, boutiques, and waterfront views; and Solomons Island is a favorite for marinas, restaurants, and the Calvert Marine Museum. Outdoor lovers can explore Calvert County’s beaches, go freshwater fishing, or wander the trails at St. Mary’s River State Park, or take the quiet back roads that roll past farm fields and lead toward the water.

The closest major airport to SMECO’s headquarters is Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), about 35 miles away. Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI) and Washington Dulles International (IAD) are also within reasonable driving distance, offering additional domestic service and a wide range of international flight options.

Qualifications 

Required 

Applications from those who do not meet the required qualifications will not be considered. 

·        Bachelor of Science degree required

·        Minimum ten years in electric utility system design, construction, operation, and maintenance

·        Working knowledge of general accounting practices and experience developing and managing departmental budgets and annual work plans

·        Familiarity with wholesale and retail power agreements, demonstrating an ability to serve on SMECO’s Power Supply Committee

·        Experience representing an electric utility before regulatory bodies, government agencies, or public forums in both written and verbal testimony

·        Ability to lead organizational change and promote operational agility across teams

·        Exceptional verbal and written communication skills

·        Demonstrated ability to analyze complex technical and operational issues and translate insights into actionable decisions

·        Proven leadership skills with experience in guiding teams, managing priorities, and fostering a culture of trust, integrity, and accountability

·        Strong organizational, problem- solving, and planning abilities, with a track record of managing people and delegating effectively

·        Commitment to diversity, customer service excellence, quality, and teamwork

·        Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite

·        Ability to lift to 30 pounds and finger dexterity

Preferred 

·        An advanced degree in engineering, business, or a related field, and/or a professional engineering certification

·        Senior leadership experience with a mid-to-large-sized electric cooperative or investor-owned utility

Compensation and Benefits

In addition to a very competitive salary, SMECO’s SVP will receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes: 401 (K) plan; medical dental, and vision insurance; Health Savings Account (HSA); Flexible Spending Account (FSA); Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, as well as Long-Term Disability insurance; business travel accident insurance; an employee assistance program; and voluntary benefits including accidental insurance, critical illness, hospital indemnity, cancer, short term disability and universal life plan with long term care rider.  A $900 monthly vehicle allowance is also provided for this position. The co-op offers two weeks of vacation upfront, with an accrual of 4 hours of vacation per week, 13 holidays, and 4 hours of sick leave accrued per week.

Application Process and Deadline 

Interested individuals who meet the required qualifications must email a cover letter and resume to Monica Beavers, Director of Client Services at GreatCo-Ops, at mbeavers@greatcoops.com. In addition to discussing the applicant’s fit for the role, the cover letter must include the individual’s perspective on one significant challenge or opportunity facing electric cooperatives and how that trend might affect SMECO and the Operations Divisions.

Professional references will be requested later for applicants who progress. Finalists will undergo a comprehensive background check, drug and alcohol test, and must be able to obtain a federal access pass, as SMECO serves two Navy bases.

To receive full consideration, applications are strongly encouraged by May 1, 2026, at 5:00 pm ET.  However, applications will be reviewed until the position is filled. 

SMECO is an equal-opportunity employer.