Who We Are
J Powers Recruiting, Inc. is a recruiting firm comprised of seasoned search professionals working together toward the common goal of matching talented candidates with successful companies for long term growth. The founder, Jennifer Powers, entered recruiting after a long and successful career in construction project management. After winning numerous awards in recruiting and realizing recruiting was her passion, Jennifer launched the firm in 2012.
Our recruiters are focused on providing the highest level of expertise, confidentiality, and transparency to our clients and candidates. Through asking the right questions, listening intently, and guiding our client companies and candidates through the hiring process, we’re able to find mutual fits for professionals and organizations to drive productivity and career advancement.
Each company and candidate have their own unique situation, and by partnering with us, we are able to off custom solutions to meet their needs. As long as we listen closely and focus on the needs of the people with whom we work, the results are like magic. Our highly customized process equips our clients and candidates to make the best decision possible. Our step by step process toward shared goals is our singular focus.
Our Expertise:
- Electric Utilities
- Power Generation
- Transmission & Distribution
- Hydroelectric
- Instrumentation and Controls
- Dam Safety
- Water Resources/Wastewater Treatment
- Construction/Heavy Civil
- Civil Engineering
- Transportation including Rail, Roads, and Bridges
In addition to permanent and contract placements, we also offer succession planning and consulting.
Locations served: North America and Latin America.
Our Team
Lived Most of Her Life…. Recruitment Specialties & Geographies Jennifer and her team recruit across the full organizational spectrum: from C-level and Board positions to Senior and mid-level managers to individual contributors, including Project Managers and technical professionals. Her Background About Her Team What Sets You Apart? We have been able to significantly improve this ratio through rigorous candidate qualifying, quality control, and a well-defined, office-wide recruiting process. Our clients often tell us: Key to Success What Is the One Thing You Would Tell Your Younger Self? Direct:916-304-6661 Email:Jennifer@JPowersInc.com Education B.S. Business Administration and Human Resources; California State University, Sacramento. Lived most in your life Recruitment Specialties and Geographies Recruiter’s Background About your Team What sets you apart? Key to success What is the one thing you would tell your younger self? Something surprising about you Direct:916-304-6663 Email:Jenna@JPowersInc.com Education: B.S. in Business and Secretarial Administration Lived Most of Your Life: Elk Grove, California Gina’s Specialties Gina is a seasoned Executive Assistant and Office Manager with more than 25 years of administrative and operational experience. Her expertise includes executive support, planning and scheduling, office administration, communication management, event coordination, and process improvement. She is known for her ability to keep operations running smoothly while providing exceptional support to both leadership and staff. Background Gina is a highly experienced administrative professional with a diverse background supporting organizations across multiple industries. Throughout her career, she has streamlined processes, improved operational efficiency, and implemented practical solutions that enhance productivity and reduce costs. Her expertise includes organizational planning, resource management, event coordination, and executive support, with experience managing company events, training programs, and team-building initiatives. As a primary point of contact for prospective and existing clients, Gina is known for her professionalism, responsiveness, and attention to detail, consistently building strong relationships and contributing to high levels of client satisfaction. About Your Team Gina provides administrative and research support for the firm’s Utility, Power, and Heavy Civil Construction Recruiting Division. She assists with market research and industry intelligence within the utility, heavy civil construction, transportation, rail, roads, and bridge sectors, helping the team stay informed and organized while supporting client and candidate needs. What Sets You Apart? Gina is often the first point of contact for clients, candidates, and visitors, and she understands the importance of creating a positive and lasting first impression. Her warm demeanor, optimistic outlook, and commitment to exceptional service help foster a welcoming and professional environment for everyone who interacts with the organization. She considers herself the organization’s “outfielder.” Much like an outfielder in baseball, Gina is always scanning the field, anticipating needs, and stepping in wherever support is required. She thrives in a fast-paced environment, skillfully managing competing priorities, catching the many “balls” that come her way, and ensuring projects and tasks are completed accurately and on schedule. Known for her strong organizational and communication skills, Gina is a trusted resource for both employees and clients. Whether coordinating schedules, supporting leadership, answering questions, managing office operations, or facilitating communication, she is dedicated to keeping information flowing clearly, efficiently, and effectively. Above all, Gina takes pride in being dependable, proactive, and solutions-oriented. She is continually looking for ways to improve processes, support her colleagues, and contribute to the overall success of the company. When challenges arise, she approaches them with a positive attitude and a willingness to help, helping create a productive, collaborative, and successful workplace. Key to Success “Executive-level support and office management are my passion. I believe in building strong partnerships and fostering long-term collaboration with leadership and colleagues. I view success as a shared accomplishment, where the achievements of my manager, teammates, and organization reflect the strength of our collective efforts. I am grateful to be part of J. Powers, surrounded by talented individuals whose positive energy and dedication inspire success every day.” What Is the One Thing You Would Tell Your Younger Self? “Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Focus on today, trust the process, and have confidence that everything will unfold in its own time.” Something Surprising About You Family is at the center of everything Gina does. Some of her most cherished memories have come from road trips, family celebrations, and simply spending quality time with the people she loves most. These experiences have taught her that life’s greatest blessings are often found in the moments shared with family and that the most meaningful successes happen outside of work. Direct:916-304-6664 Email:Gina@JPowersInc.com Aaron holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, was born in Wisconsin, and has spent most of his life living in both Wisconsin and Oklahoma. Recruitment Specialties and Geographies Recruiter’s Background About your Team What sets you apart? Key to success What is the one thing you would tell your younger self? Something surprising about you Direct:916-304-6409 Email:Aaron@JPowersInc.com
President/Owner of Firm
Jennifer Powers
California; grew up in Petaluma, has been in Sacramento since 2001, with a four-year stint in New York.
Jennifer specializes in electric utilities, engineering and construction, including power generation, T&D, transportation, rail, underground, and major infrastructure projects. She recruits nationwide, with a particular depth and market knowledge across the Western United States.
Jennifer worked for Caltrans (California Department of Transportation) for five years before spending eight years with self-performing heavy civil contractors. She transitioned into executive recruiting in 2005 and has built her career around identifying high-caliber talent for electric and water utilities, infrastructure, and construction.
Jennifer leads our electric utility and heavy civil construction recruiting practice. We maintain a strong network of recruiters through Sanford Rose & Associates, one of the largest recruiting organizations in the US, and industry professionals across the Western U.S., giving us an up-to-the-minute pulse on talent, compensation, market conditions, and leadership movement. While our expertise is particularly deep in the West, we recruit nationally based on our clients’ needs.
J Powers Inc. recruiters are able to place a candidate for approximately every 1.5 first-time interviews we arrange, compared with a national average of approximately one placement for every eight first-time interviews.
“We love working with you because you don’t waste our time sending the wrong candidates.”
Focus on what the client and candidate need — and make sure the right fit works for both.
“Don’t sweat the small stuff, and oh yeah, it’s all small stuff” and “If it comes from the heart, it goes to the heart”
Senior Executive Recruiter
Jenna Flanagan
Place of Birth Roseville, CA
Placer County, CA
Jenna specializes in executive-level recruitment in the Energy, Power, and Construction industries. While she works a national desk, her specialty is working with clients and candidates west of the Rockies, emphasizing on the West Coast.
Jenna started working at J Powers Recruiting in 2012 as an executive recruiter. Prior to working with JPR, she worked at one of the largest recruiting firms in the nation, Management Recruiters International. It was there she worked under the direction of her current boss, Jennifer Powers, developing clients and placing executive level positions in the construction, engineering, and public industries.
Jenna started working with Jennifer Powers in 2006 and has been on and off her team since. “We have a professional relationship built on mutual respect, hard work, and talent. She has been the single-most important person in my professional development, and I am fortunate to continue to work under her heavy civil division.”
Jenna prides herself on being loyal, determined and has, over time, developed a certain level of grit that has allowed her to be successful in recruitment for over 10 years.
If you just stay quiet, listen, and focus on what you can do to help a person, rather than what they can do for you, you will always come out ahead.
Learn to handle fear and overcome it. It is a pathway to success. For every difficult situation, you learn, grow, and further develop the type of person you are meant to be.
She started her last semester of college 3 days after she gave birth to her second son. Getting her degree was one of most important professional achievements of her life.
Executive Assistant & Office Manager
Gina Academia
Place of Birth: Manila, Philippines
Account Executive
Aaron Mielke
Aaron brings deep expertise in heavy civil construction, transportation infrastructure (including rail systems), and underground construction projects. While his primary focus is Northern California and Washington State, he actively recruits talent across the U.S. to meet project needs wherever they arise.
Accomplished leader with a proven track record in the recruiting field. Over 16 years of recruiting experience, placing candidates across a wide range of fields. Complex problem solver with a superior work ethic and excellent organizational abilities.
Aaron began his journey with JPR as a SkillBridge intern, gaining valuable experience over four months. In August 2025, he transitioned into the role of Account Executive, where he now contributes to the heavy civil industry under the mentorship of Jennifer Powers.
As a recruiter, I specialize in managing the full recruitment lifecycle with precision and purpose—sourcing, screening, and placing top-tier talent across a variety of roles. I partner closely with hiring managers, operations leaders, and HR business partners to align recruiting strategies with business goals. Known for my responsiveness and relationship-driven approach, I focus on delivering not just qualified candidates, but long-term fits. Whether supporting established teams or scaling high-growth operations, I bring a proactive mindset and a commitment to getting it right the first time.
I’m a people-first recruiter known for my ability to manage multiple priorities effectively in fast-paced environments. I take a proactive approach to identifying and resolving issues, with a strong focus on optimizing processes and supporting team objectives. My success is rooted in my genuine passion for working with people—building strong relationships, earning trust, and creating a positive experience for both candidates and clients. I’m a collaborative team player who thrives on helping others succeed, which has been key to consistently delivering results.
Don’t let the things that you can’t control, control your life. Work hard and do the right things and it will all work out as it is supposed to.
I recently retired from the U.S. Army after 23 years of service.
Mission and Values
We build long term relationships with people in the industries we serve and strive to earn then keep their trust. We do this by listening closely, focusing our attention on the needs of our clients and candidates, and conducting ourselves with a high level of integrity.
- Honesty – We value honesty and transparency both internally and externally. Combined with kindness and compassion, true service can be achieved.
- Integrity – We are committed to doing what we say we are going to do when we say we are going to do it.
- Health – Total health is prioritized by our team including physical, spiritual, mental, social, and financial health.
- Community – Contributing to our community both locally and regionally is essential to our sense of unity.
- Courage – The courage to take risks and face daunting tasks empowers our success.
- Collaboration – We work together to come up with better solutions than we could find on our own.
- Fun – Work life should be fun. We like to make the journey enjoyable!
What are your values? We would love to hear, give us a call!
What our clients are saying about us:
Jennifer, you and your firm were chosen because of your knowledge of the marketplace, a flexible/customized approach to search, aggressive pricing, and because you are a nice person (chemistry). All these elements were proven during the actual search and the end result was excellent.
You did a fabulous job and supported us beyond expectations. Thank you!
J Powers Recruiting, Inc. recently recruited an Electrical Department Manager for our Company. We expressed our need to her in very efficiently run meeting and soon thereafter we interviewed and hired.
Jennifer’s professionalism, ability to work within our schedule, and the fact that she kept us informed made our experience with J. Powers Recruiting very rewarding and efficient. Most importantly, however, was the fact that Jennifer easily recognized quality candidates for our open position.
This Company looks forward to working with Jennifer in the future should the need arise.
In navigating the delicate communications between prospective employees and the employer, Jennifer, and her team were invaluable in facilitating productive and honest exchanges of information critical to the interview and selection process. Jennifer’s coaching and guidance set up a foundation for success – for both the candidates and the recruitment process.
Jennifer, thanks for responding on such short notice.
You’re a true professional!
J Powers Recruiting supported the PUD’s efforts to recruit an electrical engineer. We found Jennifer and her recruiting staff to be very eager, collaborative, and fully invested in finding the best applicants. As our selection process evolved, Jennifer demonstrated the ability to adjust her style, pace, and expectations in a sincere and valuable manner.
A huge thank you to you and your team for providing extensive support in filling our open engineering position at NCPA. From start to finish, the J. Powers team has been exceptional.
For 12-plus months, we have worked with Jenna Flanagan on one of the most challenging positions to fill. Having the expertise and experience you and your team provide was critical to finding the right candidate for this position.
What our candidates are saying about us:
Thank You, Jennifer. I am still amazed you found me the perfect job at the perfect place at the perfect time. Good work, Agent Powers! Carry On!
I wanted to thank the J Powers team for the commitment that you bring to the table every day to your candidates. You truly made me feel like I was your top priority knowing that you juggle many different tasks throughout the day, between representing candidates and placing them where they best fit and keeping their best interest in the companies that are taking on these candidates.
The J Powers Team is a true professional and I can’t thank you enough for all that you have done for me and my family. It was a pleasure working with you all and I would recommend you to anybody looking to make a change in their career. Thank you!
I wanted to take a moment to recognize Jenna and share how much I appreciated working with her throughout the recruitment process for the Assistant Director of Electric Engineering & Operations position.
When Jenna initially approached me about the opportunity, I entered the process with an open mind and without any particular expectations. As the process progressed, however, I became increasingly impressed with how she managed the search and supported me as a candidate.
From our initial conversation through the interview process and final follow-up, she was incredibly thorough, responsive, candid, and professional. She walked me through every stage of the process, made sure I understood what to expect, and did an excellent job helping me understand the role, its responsibilities, and what they were seeking in a candidate. Just as importantly, she was honest and transparent with me throughout the entire process.
Her communication and preparation made what could easily have been a stressful experience feel seamless and comfortable. I always felt well informed, and I particularly appreciated her willingness to have candid conversations with me rather than simply moving me through the recruiting process.
Although I was ultimately not selected to move forward as a finalist, I came away from the experience with nothing but positive things to say about how Jenna handled the search. I believe the quality of a recruiter is reflected not only in the candidates who are ultimately placed, but also in how candidates are treated throughout the process. By that measure, she did an exceptional job.
As someone who manages and develops employees myself, I also know how meaningful it can be when good work is recognized by someone outside the organization. I wanted to make sure her leadership was aware of the positive impression she made and the professionalism she demonstrated throughout my experience.
It was genuinely a pleasure working with Jenna and I would gladly work with her again should our paths cross on another opportunity in the future.
The J Powers team is the greatest in the recruiting industry because they are passionate, professional, and truly take pride in what they do.
I was fortunate enough to work with this team, and while I ended up deciding to stay with my current employer, I now have great friends who two years later I still stay in touch with. The J Powers team understands and truly cares about the needs of their clients AND candidates as they want to make sure they align the right fit for both.
I would recommend this team to represent any company looking for top talent in ANY industry. Thank you!
