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Apprentice System Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Knife River Corporation

Distributor Operator

Boise, ID · On-site

... Apprentice * Ground Transportation Journeyman * Ground Transportation Helper Army: * Motor Transport Operator Navy: * Equipment Operator Marines: * Motor Vehicle Operator * Logistics Vehicle System ...

Clow

Laser Operator Apprentice

Merrifield, MN · On-site

$20.80/hr

As a Laser Operator Apprentice, you will: * Learn to set up and operate laser cutting machines ... Load programs into the laser control system and assist with troubleshooting * Monitor the cutting ...

Clow

Laser Operator Apprentice

Merrifield, MN · On-site

$20.80/hr

As a Laser Operator Apprentice, you will: * Learn to set up and operate laser cutting machines ... Load programs into the laser control system and assist with troubleshooting * Monitor the cutting ...

Clow

Laser Operator Apprentice

Merrifield, MN · On-site

$20.80/hr

As a Laser Operator Apprentice, you will: * Learn to set up and operate laser cutting machines ... Load programs into the laser control system and assist with troubleshooting * Monitor the cutting ...

UIC Alaska

$70/day

Work with a team of local operators to maintain operational and regulatory compliance status of local municipal water and sewer utility systems. USS Apprentice will rotate in and out of each of the ...

ABV Plumbing

Apprentice Plumber

Bothell, WA · On-site

$25 - $40/hr

This apprenticeship earns $25.00 - $40.00/hour (depending on experience) and serves a 20-mile ... systems in perfect working order! Our family-owned and operated business can handle whatever ...

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Apprentice System Operator information

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How much do apprentice system operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 21, 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:
What job categories do people searching Apprentice System Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Apprentice System Operator jobs are:
Apprentice System Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Apprentice System Operator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% Internship, 52% Full Time, 45% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,951 per year, or $20.2 per hour.
Distributor Operator

Distributor Operator

Knife River Corporation

Boise, ID • On-site

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

Knife River rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 62 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

187th of 519 rated manufacturers

Job description

At Knife River, we take care of our team because we know it's our people who make us successful. We are one of the 10 largest construction materials producers/contractors in the Country, and we are a PEOPLE-first company. Our team members are the key to our success, and we are committed to giving them the tools, training, and time to do their jobs productively and safely each day. Our goal is to build strong teams that, in turn, build strong communities. We are also a publicly traded company on the NYSE with the ticker symbol KNF and part of the S&P MidCap 400 index.
Knife River has an excellent opportunity for a Distributor Operator. The Distributor Operator position consists of operating an asphalt distributor by applying specialized emulsions to roadways, which are then covered by a chip spreader. The operator is responsible for setting the pace for the paving operation. This position typically is not an entry-level job, as it requires demonstrable previous experience as an Asphalt Distributor Operator.
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Must have an understanding, and ability to spray various asphalt emulsions on road surfaces.
  • Must be able to workday shifts and night shifts. Shifts may vary according to project demands.
  • Must be able to work overtime and be flexible with hours (daytime/nighttime).
  • Ability to work outside in all seasons.
  • Must have transportation to departure area.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:
  • Drive and operate asphalt distributor truck equipped with tank to spray asphalt emulsions on road surfaces.
  • Connect hose from storage tank to truck tank and moves lever to fill pressure tank with asphalt liquid.
  • Regulate burner to heat liquid and start auxiliary pump.
  • Snap or screw on spray bars to attain required width of spray.
  • Turn valve to regulate flow of material at specified rate and adjust levers to adjust height of spray bar from road surface.
  • Monitor flow gages, tachometer and temperature gauge to insure uniform distribution.
  • Perform daily safety checks of fluid levels on oil, water, fuel and inspections for leaks and damage to machine before operation.
  • Must be able to shoot tack, prime, and seal on a daily basis, as needed.
  • Responsible for the efficient working condition of the equipment; and is expected to perform minor servicing and maintenance or refer major problems to the supervisor.
  • May perform other related duties as instructed.
  • Timely and regular attendance is essential to the asphalt distributor position.

How To Apply:
Knife River is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status or any other protected category under applicable state/federal law.
Subject to pre-employment drug testing and background checks.
At Knife River, we are committed to helping our military transition to civilian life. We are constantly looking to add veterans to our workforce and want to make the transition as smooth as possible. There are many jobs within the military that are transferable to our Distributor Truck Driver position:
Air Force:
  • Ground Transportation Apprentice
  • Ground Transportation Journeyman
  • Ground Transportation Helper

Army:
  • Motor Transport Operator

Navy:
  • Equipment Operator

Marines:
  • Motor Vehicle Operator
  • Logistics Vehicle System Operator

NO PHONE CALLS - To be considered for this position, candidates must complete and submit an employment application at www.kniferiver.com. If unable to apply online, please mail completed application to:
Knife River - 5450 W Gowen Rd, Boise, Idaho 83709
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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