1

Apprentice System Operator Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Plumber Apprentice

Gambrills, MD · On-site

$50K - $62K/yr

... systems and bottled water delivery options set the standard in the water treatment industry. This location is independently owned and operated. Your application will go directly to the owner, and all ...

Concrete Finisher Apprentice

Sterling, VA · On-site

$16.50 - $28.50/hr

Must have own hand tools and be proficient in operating a variety of tools. * Must understand ... Please do not forward unsolicited agency resumes to our applicant tracking system, website, or to ...

Showing results 21-40

Apprentice System Operator information

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.

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

The most popular types of System Operator jobs in Washington are:

What are popular job titles related to Apprentice System Operator jobs in Washington?

For Apprentice System Operator jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Apprentice System Operator jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Apprentice System Operator jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Apprentice System Operator jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Apprentice System Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Apprentice System Operator job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution.

Fire Alarm Apprentice - Leesburg , VA

Leesburg, VA • On-site

M.C. Dean, Inc
Engineering Professional Services • 10K+ employees

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday


M.C. Dean rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Overview
About M.C. Dean
M.C. Dean is Building Intelligence. We design, build, operate, and maintain cyber-physical solutions for the nation's most mission-critical facilities, secure environments, complex infrastructure, and global enterprises. With over 7,000 employees, our capabilities span electrical, electronic security, telecommunications, life safety, automation and controls, audiovisual, and IT systems. Headquarters in Tysons, Virginia, M.C. Dean delivers resilient, secure, and innovative power and technology solutions through engineering expertise and smart systems integration.
Why Join Us?
Our people are passionate about engineering innovation that improves lives and drives impactful change. Guided by our core values, agility, expertise, and trust we foster a collaborative and forward-thinking work environment. At M.C. Dean, we are committed to building the next generation of technical leaders in electrical, engineering, and cybersecurity industries.
A Fire Alarm Apprentice assists in the installation of fire alarm equipment in accordance with all applicable plans, specifications, codes and industry standards.
Responsibilities
  • Assembling, installing, testing, and maintaining fire alarm or electronic wiring, conduit, cable, equipment, components and devices associated with electrical equipment, following blueprints of electrical layouts and building plans.
  • Installing and mounting of fire alarm controls, device, panels, sensors, and components.
  • Performing interlock wiring as required.
  • Testing electrical systems and continuity of circuits in electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures, using testing devices. Inspecting installation sites and studying work orders, building plans, and installation manuals in order to determine materials requirements and installation procedures.
  • Diagnosing malfunctioning systems, apparatus, and components, using test equipment and hand tools, to locate the cause of a breakdown and correct the problem.
  • Reading contract drawings.
  • Trouble shooting FA systems, notification device, relays, detectors and modules.

We offer an excellent benefits package including:
  • A competitive salary
  • Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • 401k Retirement Plan
  • Military Reserve pay offset
  • Paid maternity leave

Qualifications
Qualifications / Skills Sets / Expectations:
  • High School diploma or GED required 0+ months of experience.
  • Reliable Transportation
  • Must successfully pass a background check and drug test
  • Must have a valid driver's license, good driving record.
  • Possibility for mandatory overtime, which may fluctuate and include night and weekend work.
  • Other duties as assigned, such as composite cleanup: removing, disposing and recycling of composite materials.
  • Up to 25% travel may be required.

Desired Skills:
  • Vocational school or education training is a plus.

Working conditions and environment:
This position is physically demanding and often requires working outdoors while exposed to all types of weather conditions and while working in all types of environments. For example, the incumbent may be required to work, depending on the job location and the time of year, in the heat, cold, rain and snow. This position also requires working at extreme heights, in areas that are under construction, or in restricted areas such as a switchgear room, manhole, utility tunnel, crawl space or attic. The incumbent must be able to access work areas that are accessible only by O.S.H.A. approved site construction ladders or stairs that are under construction. Additionally, this position requires flexible work hours. In order to get a project completed on time, employees are often required to work overtime, weekends and night shifts. The incumbent must work in the presence of customers and their representatives with little or no interference or disruption to the customer while maintaining a professional and courteous image.
Abilities:
  • The position requires the ability to lift, carry, and move objects weighing up to [50 pounds] on a regular basis. Candidates must demonstrate physical strength and stamina to perform various tasks, including but not limited to, loading, and unloading, operating equipment, and assisting in the transportation of various materials. Proper lifting techniques and safety protocols must be followed to ensure personal and team safety.
  • Relocates a 12 foot stepladder without assistance.
  • Works at various heights up to 60 feet and can climb and maintain balance on scaffolds, aerial lifts, catwalks and all types of ladders.
  • Walks, climbs, lifts, squats, crawls, kneels, pushes, pulls and reaches overhead on a routine and repetitive basis.
  • Possess good vision (may be corrected vision), the ability to see in color, and the ability to hear and communicate in English.
  • May use a standard ladder without exceeding the weight limit while carrying tools.
  • Tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
  • Apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
  • Combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (including finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
  • See details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
  • Listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

Pay Range
USD $20.00 - USD $20.00 /Hr.

What M.C. Dean employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


M.C. Dean logo

About M.C. Dean

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

M.C. Dean is Building Intelligence®. We design, build, operate, and maintain cyber-physical solutions for the nation's most recognizable mission-critical facilities, secure environments, complex infrastructure, and global enterprises. The company's capabilities include electrical, electronic security, telecommunications, life-safety, instrumentation and control, and command and control systems. M.C. Dean is headquartered in Tysons, Virginia, and employs more than 5,100 professionals who engineer and deploy automated, secure, and resilient power and technology systems; and deliver the management platforms essential for long-term system sustainability.

Industry

Engineering professional services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Tysons, VA, US

Year founded

1949

Social media