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Apprentice System Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Water System Operator 2026

Marietta, GA ยท On-site

$20.75 - $23.67/hr

Must have a high school diploma or GED and minimum experience of at least one year as an Apprentice System Operator or equivalent water and wastewater construction experience, to include skill in the ...

Collection System Operator

Fargo, ND ยท On-site

$47K - $78K/yr

The Water Reclamation Apprentice Operator I, II, III, IV is responsible for the quality and ... Performs fiber repairs in the Ultrafiltration system of the Effluent Reuse Facility; Cleans and ...

Water System Operator

Washington, UT ยท On-site

$43K - $63K/yr

Performs a variety of entry, apprentice level semi-skilled duties related to the construction ... May receive close supervision from a Water Systems Operator IV, III or II while in training or on a ...

Performs a variety of entry, apprentice level semi-skilled duties related to the construction ... May receive close supervision from a Water Systems Operator IV, III or II while in training or on a ...

Treatment System Operator

Denver, CO ยท On-site

$22 - $27/hr

Description As a Water Treatment System Operator you'll help keep our water clean, safe, and ... RK University & RK Apprenticeship Program Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. RK ...

Treatment System Operator

Denver, CO ยท On-site

$22 - $27/hr

Description As a Water Treatment System Operator you'll help keep our water clean, safe, and ... RK University & RK Apprenticeship Program Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. RK ...

Water System Operator

Sacramento, CA ยท On-site

$81K - $98K/yr

Under direction, Water System Operators perform work in connection with the operation, maintenance ... Or: 4. Completion of two-years of a stationary engineer, plumbing, or similar trade apprenticeship ...

Water System Operator

Sacramento, CA ยท On-site

$81K - $98K/yr

Under direction, Water System Operators perform work in connection with the operation, maintenance ... Or: 4. Completion of two-years of a stationary engineer, plumbing, or similar trade apprenticeship ...

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Apprentice System Operator information

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How much do apprentice system operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice system operator in the United States is $20.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $21.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an apprentice system operator?

An Apprentice System Operator is an entry-level position in the energy or utility sector, where individuals learn how to monitor, control, and maintain the operation of electrical power systems under the supervision of experienced system operators. Apprentices receive hands-on training and classroom instruction to understand grid operations, safety protocols, and emergency procedures. Their goal is to gain the knowledge and skills needed to ensure the reliable delivery of electricity and, eventually, qualify for a full System Operator role.

How does an apprentice system operator typically collaborate with senior operators and other departments during their training period?

As an Apprentice System Operator, you'll work closely with experienced system operators who provide guidance and on-the-job training. Collaboration often involves shadowing senior staff during shift operations, participating in real-time problem solving, and attending cross-departmental meetings to understand system reliability and communication protocols. You'll also interact with maintenance, engineering, and dispatch teams to learn how outages and grid issues are addressed. This hands-on, team-based environment helps you develop the technical and communication skills necessary for advancement.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an apprentice system operator, and why are they important?

To succeed as an Apprentice System Operator, you need a foundational understanding of electrical systems, strong analytical skills, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent, with additional vocational training preferred. Familiarity with SCADA systems, energy management software, and basic computer applications is often required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of power systems, minimizing downtime and maintaining service continuity.

What is the difference between Apprentice System Operator vs Power Plant Operator?

AspectApprentice System OperatorPower Plant Operator
Required CredentialsOn-the-job training, possibly a high school diploma or equivalentHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical certifications may be preferred
Work EnvironmentTraining environment, supervised, often in control rooms or plant sitesOperational environment, monitoring equipment, controlling power generation processes
Employer & Industry UsageUtilities, power generation companies during training phasePower plants, energy companies, industrial facilities
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level roles and training pathwaysJob responsibilities, qualifications, and career progression

The main difference is that an Apprentice System Operator is in training, gaining skills under supervision, while a Power Plant Operator is a fully qualified professional responsible for operating and maintaining power generation equipment. The apprenticeship prepares individuals for a career as a Power Plant Operator, with similar work environments and industry usage.

More about Apprentice System Operator jobs

What cities are hiring for Apprentice System Operator jobs?

Cities with the most Apprentice System Operator job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of System Operator jobs?

The most popular types of System Operator jobs are:

What states have the most Apprentice System Operator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Apprentice System Operator jobs include:

Infographic showing various Apprentice System Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,951 per year, or $20.2 per hour.

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Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

System Operator

This position is responsible for ensuring the safe and reliable operation of the system (transmission, and distribution,) under normal, emergency and outage conditions, complying with the UEC, RUS and NERC/WECC reliability standards. Actively promotes a culture of safety and assures safety standards are adhered to. Adheres to and supports company policies and develops specific operating procedures related to system operations. The System Operator will work closely with the Operations Superintendents to assure clear communications and effective team work.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities may include other duties as assigned.

  • Determines operating status from personnel, station and equipment logs, dispatch board or automated system monitoring device.
  • Operates or directs the operation of station equipment through manual or automated systems.
  • Develops, issues, and verifies step-by-step instructions for switching orders with consideration of impact on system status.
  • Issues, transfers or releases work clearances. Maintains up-to-date system configuration display for real-time system status.
  • Isolates the cause and nature of abnormal station, equipment or system conditions and takes action to operate or direct operation of equipment to restore lines and equipment to normal operating conditions.
  • Coordinates restoration as well as dispatching and directing personnel in a safe, efficient, and reliable manner in response to electric system outages and emergencies.
  • Responsible for managing the processes and relationship with the outage call center vendor (CRC).

Job Duties may include other duties as assigned.

  • Maintains the UEC electric system using the Outage Management System (OMS) and various related applications.
  • Works with Engineering to monitor interconnected system conditions, UEC and interconnected system line flows, voltages, Remedial Action Schemes, and equipment limits during normal and emergency conditions and communicates status to assure prompt response to any potential issues.
  • Facilitates and tracks system equipment outages adhering to established UEC and BPA criteria.
  • Reviews, comprehends, and applies operational policy and procedural changes in a time constrained atmosphere.
  • Performs internal and external notifications of system events in accordance with established requirements.
  • Maintains a safety conscious work environment by following Umatilla Electric Cooperative's safety protocols and safe work practices.
  • Delivers information and details for Monthly Board Report
  • Respectfully takes direction from supervisor or manager.
  • Ability to function well under stress, particularly during emergency situations and take prompt, appropriate actions during those situations. Must also be able to communicate to the necessary authorities or personnel in a clear, reliable and efficient manner during such emergencies in order to diffuse the situation as necessary.

Qualifications

Ability to perform essential job duties with or without reasonable accommodation and without posing a direct threat to safety or health of employee or others. To perform this job successfully, an individual will be required to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Supervisor Responsibility

This position may have supervisor responsibilities.

Required Qualifications:

Education :

BA/BS in Management/Engineering preferred. Eight (8) years of experience may be substituted for education.

Experience :

Minimum Eight (8) years' experience as an electric utility administrator, journey level craft worker or engineer. Experience with computers, spreadsheets, calculators, word processing software, distribution analysis software, and automated office equipment. Completion of an approved apprentice program for electrical utility journeyman and transmission lineman experience is a plus.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, members, customers and the general public.
  • Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ration, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.
  • Specialized computer skills. Must be adept at using various applications including MS Office Products and operations within Windows operating system, as well as communication by e-mail and use of scheduling software. Must understand how to use software programs related to outage management, power quality, AMI metering, CIS software, OMS, and other various software programs for SCADA Controls.
  • Must have a valid Drivers' License for occasional business travel.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled