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How much do apprentice system operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice system operator in Edison, NJ is $20.88, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.69 and $22.64 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.

What are popular job titles related to Apprentice System Operator jobs in Edison, NJ? For Apprentice System Operator jobs in Edison, NJ, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Edison, NJ are hiring for Apprentice System Operator jobs? Cities near Edison, NJ with the most Apprentice System Operator job openings:
Apprentice System Operator jobs near you
Lead Protection & Control Relay Technician - Union NJ

Lead Protection & Control Relay Technician - Union NJ

Sparus Holdings

Bayonne, NJ

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Position Overview

The Lead Protection & Control (P&C) Relay Technician performs senior-level installation, testing, commissioning, maintenance, and troubleshooting of protection, control, and automation systems within electric utility substations and related facilities. This role supports the safe and reliable operation of transmission and distribution systems by ensuring relays, control circuits, SCADA/RTU systems, and associated equipment perform according to engineering design, utility standards, and regulatory requirements.

This position may also provide technical guidance, field leadership, quality review, and coordination support to junior technicians, construction crews, engineers, system operators, and utility personnel.

Work assignments, responsibilities, and task complexity may vary depending on classification, including Technician, Journeyman, Cable Splicer, or other IBEW Local 102 designations, as outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement.

Key Responsibilities

Protection & Control Testing & Commissioning

  • Perform functional and acceptance testing of protective relays, control circuits, and substation devices.
  • Conduct end-to-end testing including CT/PT verification, polarity and phasing checks, trip testing, interlock verification, and system integration checks.
  • Support commissioning of new or upgraded protection schemes such as feeder, transformer, bus, line, breaker failure, differential, and other protective functions.
  • Validate protective relay settings, logic, wiring, and control functions in accordance with engineering documentation.

Maintenance & Troubleshooting

  • Perform scheduled and corrective maintenance on protective relays, SCADA systems, RTUs, switchgear control circuits, and associated equipment.
  • Investigate system events, alarms, and misoperations and assist in retrieving and interpreting relay event records and oscillography.
  • Diagnose issues involving AC/DC control circuits, communications links, power equipment, and automation systems.

Installation & Field Support

  • Install, route, terminate, and verify control wiring, grounding conductors, relay panels, and control devices.
  • Assist with substation upgrades, relay replacements, panel retrofits, and modernization initiatives.
  • Collaborate with construction crews, engineers, and utility personnel to ensure installations meet safety and design requirements.
  • SCADA, Communications & Integration
  • Assist with SCADA, RTU, and IED communication testing including point-to-point verification with control centers.
  • Support configurations involving protocols such as DNP3, Modbus, and IEC 61850, including GOOSE/MMS, depending on system requirements.
  • Validate status, analog signals, and control functions for remote monitoring and automation systems.

Documentation & Quality Control

  • Maintain accurate documentation including test reports, redlines, as-found/as-left conditions, and commissioning records.
  • Review and interpret drawings such as one-lines, three-lines, AC/DC schematics, wiring diagrams, and panel layouts.
  • Ensure configuration files, relay settings, and system records are updated and retained per company and regulatory requirements.

Safety & Regulatory Compliance

  • Work in accordance with all safety rules, procedures, PPE requirements, and lockout/tagout protocols associated with high-voltage environments.
  • Follow established switching procedures and hazard controls for energized and de-energized work.
  • Support compliance activities associated with internal standards and applicable reliability requirements, including NERC PRC testing intervals when applicable.

Collaboration & Communication

  • Coordinate with system operators, engineers, construction teams, and other field crews to execute work safely and efficiently.
  • Communicate job status, site conditions, and system readiness clearly and professionally.
  • Provide technical guidance and field support to junior technicians when needed.
  • Participate in ongoing training and development in accordance with IBEW Local 102 standards and employer requirements.

Qualifications

  • Completion of IBEW apprenticeship, accredited electrical program, cable splicer training, or demonstrated equivalent field experience.
  • Experience with relay testing equipment such as Omicron, Doble, Megger, or similar tools is strongly preferred.
  • Strong knowledge of electrical protection principles, substation equipment, SCADA/RTU systems, and AC/DC control systems.
  • Ability to read and interpret electrical drawings, one-lines, three-lines, schematics, wiring diagrams, relay settings, panel layouts, and commissioning documentation.
  • Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills with a commitment to detail, safety, and high-quality work.
  • Prior experience supporting electric utility substation, transmission, distribution, or protection and control projects preferred.

Additional Requirements

  • Valid driver's license.
  • Ability to lift equipment, climb, bend, and work in field substation conditions.
  • Willingness to work overtime, shifts, call-outs, and travel based on project and operational needs.
  • Ability to work in accordance with union requirements, utility standards, and applicable safety procedures.

Working Conditions

  • Work performed in utility substations, control houses, switchyards, and other field locations.
  • Exposure to weather, energized equipment, loud noise, and industrial conditions requiring appropriate PPE.
  • Work hours may vary based on system outages, commissioning schedules, or emergency response needs.

    Equal Opportunity Employer

    Sparus Holdings is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

    EEO Statement

    Sparus Holdings is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. We are committed to providing a workplace free of any discrimination or harassment.

    Reasonable Accommodation Requests

    Sparus Holdings is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. If you need special assistance or accommodation while seeking employment, please email recruiting@sparusholdings.com. We will make a determination on your request for reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis.

    "Know Your Rights" Poster

    The law requires Sparus Holdings to post a notice describing the Federal laws prohibiting job discrimination. For information regarding your legal rights and protections, please click on the following link:Know Your Rights

    Pay Transparency Non-Discrimination Provision

    Sparus Holdings will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay. Please see thePay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provisionfor more information.

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