ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Distribution System Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsDistribution System Operator JobsDistribution System Operator Jobs in California

Distribution System Operator information

See California salary details

$13

$29

$51

How much do distribution system operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for distribution system operator in California is $29.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.35 and $32.26 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Distribution System Operator?

A Distribution System Operator (DSO) is responsible for managing and controlling the distribution of electricity from the transmission system to end users, such as homes and businesses. DSOs ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient delivery of electricity, monitor real-time grid operations, and respond to outages or emergencies. They also coordinate with power generators, transmission system operators, and other stakeholders to maintain grid stability and integrate renewable energy sources. The role may involve using specialized software, remote monitoring tools, and field operations. DSOs play a crucial part in modernizing the electrical grid and supporting energy transition initiatives.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Distribution System Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Distribution System Operator, you need a solid understanding of electrical systems, grid operations, and compliance standards, typically supported by a technical diploma or associate degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with SCADA systems, outage management software, and NERC certifications is often required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills in this role. These competencies are crucial for ensuring reliable power delivery, quick response to disruptions, and maintaining safety and regulatory compliance within the energy grid.

What is the difference between Distribution System Operator vs Substation Technician?

AspectDistribution System OperatorSubstation Technician
Required credentialsRelevant certifications (e.g., CDL, safety training)Electrical certifications, safety training
Work environmentFieldwork on power lines, substations, and distribution networksSubstation equipment maintenance and repair
Employer & industry usageUtility companies, power distribution firmsUtility companies, electrical service providers
Common search & comparison intentRoles involved in power distribution managementTechnical maintenance of substations

The Distribution System Operator oversees the operation and maintenance of power distribution networks, ensuring reliable electricity delivery. Substation Technicians focus on maintaining and repairing substation equipment. While both roles work within the electrical utility industry and require safety and electrical certifications, the Distribution System Operator has a broader responsibility for system management, whereas the Substation Technician specializes in substation equipment.

What Is a Distribution System Operator?

A distribution system operator, or DSO, coordinates the distribution system for a product or good. An electric distribution system operator distributes energy resources, but system distribution operators also work in fields related to water, utilities, and fuel. You monitor system operations, maintain the distribution system, and document any issues or problems. You ensure the electric grid works through various problems and weather conditions. If you work in gas distribution, you oversee the transport of natural gas through pipeline networks and to customers. Your responsibilities and duties include troubleshooting and repairing the distribution system and creating recovery and emergency contingency plans.

What are some typical challenges a Distribution System Operator faces during emergency situations?

Distribution System Operators often encounter high-pressure scenarios during emergencies, such as severe weather events or equipment failures, where quick decision-making and effective communication are crucial. Balancing the restoration of power while ensuring the safety of field crews and the public can be challenging. Operators must coordinate closely with various teams, prioritize tasks, and adapt to rapidly changing system conditions to minimize downtime and maintain grid stability. Regular training and scenario planning help prepare for these demanding situations.
More about Distribution System Operator jobs
What are popular job titles related to Distribution System Operator jobs in California? For Distribution System Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Distribution System Operator jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Distribution System Operator jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Distribution System Operator jobs? Cities in California with the most Distribution System Operator job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Distribution System Operator jobs in CA? For Distribution System Operator jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Distribution System Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Distribution System Operator job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $60,320 per year, or $29 per hour.
Electric Distribution Engineer, Associate

Electric Distribution Engineer, Associate

Pacific Gas and Electric Company

Santa Rosa, CA • On-site

$95K - $142K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Pacific Gas and Electric Company rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Requisition ID # 172020
Job Category: Engineering / Science
Job Level: Individual Contributor
Business Unit: Strategy & Growth
Work Type: Onsite
Job Location: Santa Rosa
Department Overview
Electric Asset Management (EAM) Distribution Planning (DP) team ensures safe, reliable and efficient operation of the electric distribution system by providing timely and innovative engineering and technical support associated with the planning, design, construction and maintenance functions. EAM DP is part of the EAM System Planning and Reliability group and has overall responsibility for the utilization of area and equipment capacity, voltage and power factor support and the reliability of the primary electric distribution systems.
Position Summary
This entry-level job is represented by Engineers and Scientists of California (ESC) subject to collective bargaining.
This position is hybrid, working from your remote office and your assigned work location 3 days per week (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays). The assigned work location will be within the PG&E Service Territory.
PG&E is providing the salary range that the company in good faith believes it might pay for this position at the time of the job posting. This compensation range is specific to the locality of the job. The actual salary paid to an individual will be based on multiple factors, including, but not limited to, specific skills, education, licenses or certifications, experience, market value, geographic location, collective bargaining agreements, and internal equity.
The annual salary range is:
Minimum, $95,172
Maximum, $142,956
Responsibilities
  • Submits long term and short-term reconstruction, capacity and reliability plan recommendations; manages projects within their local area of $100,000 or less; and reviews and recommends job estimates within DPA for capacity and reliability.
  • Monitors area substation and circuit capabilities and track corresponding loads. Prepares proposals, including justification, for appropriate corrective actions to address deficiencies found.
  • Performs planning studies to correctly model the electric distribution system and works with Mapping to ensure discrepancies are corrected in associated records system. Analyzes historical loads and project future growth. Prepares long-term and short-term plans to identify and correct area deficiencies. Prepares long-term and short-term plans to identify and correct area deficiencies. Prepares draft Preliminary Planning Reviews (PPR's). Identifies alternatives to address deficiencies for Project Analysis (PA's). Reviews and analyzes area distribution systems and takes appropriate actions to maintain power factor and primary voltage within established standards. Determines circuit and associated equipment capabilities within the assigned DPA.
  • Prepares and initiate switching plans to alleviate normal and minimize emergency deficiencies. Prepares necessary documentation about distribution needs for estimating to complete job packages. Prepares settings for load tap changers and other line equipment. Reviews requests for new large customer load additions or increases in voltage and recommend actions to correct any deficiencies. Provides direction and reviews primary designs proposed by estimating to ensure adequate capacity and reliability. Prepares settings for distribution protective devices. Performs circuit protection reviews and makes recommendations for corrections. Determines protection requirements for rule 20, WRO projects and other major distribution projects which could impact the existing protective scheme. Prepares settings for Distribution Automation (DA) devices affecting distribution protection, voltage or emergency switching.
  • Initiates service dependability solutions and actively participates in local reliability / root cause meetings. Works closely with construction to prioritize outage prevention work within DPA, addresses customer complaints (Help Tickets) for recurring outages as assigned. Prepares initial responses for CPUC complaints for recurring outages. Supports local DO's, DEC, construction, or storm room in emergency restoration efforts as required. Provide technical, address' customer voltage complaints caused by primary voltage problems. When requested, address' customer EMF requests involving distribution facilities as assigned, assist E&M and OM&C personnel to address customer voltage complaints caused by secondary voltage problems. Supports estimating, construction, and other departments as required. Reviews, modifies, and recommends switching clearances for feeders, banks and stations as requested by DO's. Address' customer EMF requests involving distribution facilities as assigned. Reviews switching arrangements, equipment settings, voltage levels, power factor needs, etc. to ensure the distribution system is operated in the most efficient manner.
  • Prepare EASOP (economic analysis) for projects in DPA. Prepare other engineering analysis as assigned. Provide supervisor on-call support as required; maintain equipment records as assigned.

Qualifications
Minimum:
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering (power systems) or graduating by June/July 2026 with a BSEE from a college/university program accredited by Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET)

Desired:
  • Basic knowledge of power systems
  • Basic knowledge of electrical engineering principles and theory
  • CYME experience
  • Python Scripting experience

Purpose, Virtues and Stands
Our Purpose explains "why" we exist:
  • Delivering for our hometowns
  • Serving our planet
  • Leading with love

Our Virtues capture "who" we need to be:
  • Trustworthy
  • Empathetic
  • Curious
  • Tenacious
  • Nimble
  • Owners

Our Stands are "what" we will achieve together:
  • Everyone and everything is always safe
  • Catastrophic wildfires shall stop
  • It is enjoyable to work with and for PG&E
  • Clean and resilient energy for all
  • Our work shall create prosperity for all customers and investors

More About Our Company
EEO
Pacific Gas and Electric Company is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that actively pursues and hires a workforce that reflects the hometowns we serve. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, religion, physical or mental disability status, medical condition, protected veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information or any other factor that is not related to the job.
Employee Privacy Notice The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) goes into effect on January 1, 2020. CCPA grants new and far-reaching privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitles job applicants, employees and non-employee workers to be notified of what personal information PG&E collects and for what purpose. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed through the following link: Employee Privacy Notice
PG&E will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in a manner consistent with all state and local laws.

Apply