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Distribution System Operator Jobs in Pittsburgh, PA

Performance Food Group

Forklift Operator- Receiver

Mount Pleasant, PA · On-site

$16.50 - $19.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Growth opportunities performing essential work to support America's food distribution system * Safe ... Operators by putting away, breaking down pallets, changing stretch wrap and re-wrapping pallets, as ...

SIRIS

Boiler Operator

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

... RO/DI systems, compressed air systems, vacuum systems, electrical distribution systems ... Operating all plant equipment and controls, including start-up and shutdown * Gradual warm-up of ...

FirstEnergy

Reliability Engineer - Southwestern PA

Jeannette, PA

$91K - $115K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Assessing and improving the electrical distribution system's reliability performance for all Pennsylvania Operating Areas. * Developing and maintaining strategic plans to achieve reliability ...

FirstEnergy

Reliability Engineer - Southwestern PA

Jeannette, PA · On-site

$91K - $115K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Assessing and improving the electrical distribution system's reliability performance for all Pennsylvania Operating Areas. * Developing and maintaining strategic plans to achieve reliability ...

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All JobsDistribution System Operator JobsDistribution System Operator Jobs in Pittsburgh, PA

Distribution System Operator information

See Pittsburgh, PA salary details

$12

$27

$48

How much do distribution system operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for distribution system operator in Pittsburgh, PA is $27.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.19 and $30.53 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 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 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 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.

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.

More about Distribution System Operator jobs

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For Distribution System Operator jobs in Pittsburgh, PA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Distribution System Operator jobs in Pittsburgh, PA look for?

The top searched job categories for Distribution System Operator jobs in Pittsburgh, PA are:

What cities near Pittsburgh, PA are hiring for Distribution System Operator jobs?

Cities near Pittsburgh, PA with the most Distribution System Operator job openings:

Distribution System Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Distribution System Operator job openings in Pittsburgh, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,113 per year, or $27.5 per hour.

Distribution System Operator I - PA Distribution Operations - Greensburg Corporate Center

FirstEnergy Corp.

Greensburg, PA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

FirstEnergy rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 73 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

35th of 53 rated energy and utility

Job description


About the Opportunity
This is an open position with the FirstEnergy Pennsylvania Electric Company, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp.
All employees who apply for a posted position must notify their supervisors that they have applied. Employees who have not been in their current position for at least one year or who are in a position with specific requirements beyond one year, must obtain approval from their supervisor before applying.
The selected candidate may be offered a position within the same job family, at a level that is lower than what was posted. This will be determined based upon the results of the interview process which considers the candidate's skills, work history, experience level, and other relevant qualifications.
Responsibilities Include:
  • Monitoring the day-to-day operations of the regional distribution system.
  • Outage restoration during emergency or abnormal conditions with timely and accurate documentation associated with the distribution system.
  • Recommending operational improvements and communicating system events to appropriate personnel
  • Demonstrating sound internal and/or external customer service.
  • Operating the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system, Energy Management System (EMS), PowerOn Outage Management System (OMS), Energy Delivery Outage Application (EDOA) and Regional Dispatch Operations (RDO) notifications as well as radio and telephone systems.
  • Analyzing and acting promptly in cases of system disturbance so that the system can be restored to a normal configuration.
  • Providing technical analysis, monitoring systems, scheduling and authorizing distribution equipment outages and load transfers.
  • Developing detailed scenarios to identify operating problems caused by contingency outages. Assigning and directing switching activities and work assignments to field personnel.
  • Monitoring system and weather conditions.
  • Coordinating staffing requirements by calling additional resources to handle emergencies.
  • Completing training and development to progress to the Regional Distribution System Operator level. Possessing basic understanding of bargaining unit agreements with field labor.
  • Required to work nights, weekends, extended days or scheduled days off when system or weather conditions warrant the need.

Qualifications include:
  • Associate's degree or greater in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, or related certification from an ABET accredited institution.
  • Equivalent working experience with demonstrated understanding to operate the distribution system will be considered, in lieu of above stated educational requirements (minimum of 4 years of related work experience).
    • Related work experience includes but is not limited to: Knowledge of Transmission and Distribution operation, maintenance and construction practices, procedures, work methods, materials, equipment and tools to operate the distribution system.
  • Capable of effective performance in problem solving, multi-tasking and teamwork.
  • Demonstrate effective performance in prioritizing work for efficient and safe operations.
  • Possess knowledge of, or ability to learn Transmission and Distribution System Operations, maintenance and construction practices, procedures, work methods, materials, equipment and tools to operate the distribution system.
  • Possess reading and comprehension skills to effectively interpret switching requests, engineering drawings, schematics, equipment instruction manuals, standards and procedures used to develop distribution switching orders.
  • Possess skills in the development, collection, organization, and analysis of information from a variety of sources to develop switching orders and recommendations.
  • Effective oral and written communication skills to effectively communicate with customers, supervisors, peers, employees, and contractors involved with the construction, operation, and maintenance of the T&D facilities.
  • Demonstrate a questioning attitude to learn, produce results and develop relationships and have enough maturity to exercise independent judgment on moderately complex projects and assignments.
  • Excellent interpersonal and analytical skills to make quick assessments and deliver well-thought decisions, when situations occur that require independent judgment.
  • Knowledge of, or ability to learn, specific mainframe and PC applications.
  • Ability to remain professional and maintain a calm demeanor in high stress, high volume work environment. Able to remain professional in high-stress, high-volume work environment.
  • Must reside within a 60-minute proximity of the reporting location due to job related requirements.

EEI Testing
We administer selection tests for a variety of positions. The required tests have been developed by the Edison Electric Institute (EEI), a trade association of investor-owned electric utility companies. We strongly encourage potential employees to review all information, including the sample test brochures, and to use the available practice tests before taking the actual tests. Click this link to access the practice tests. You will be prompted for a name and password. Use firstenergy for both.
https://secure.eei.org/eeitests/onlineproducts/Login.aspx
Practice tests provide sample questions and detailed discussions of the correct answers. It's important to take the practice test as you would the actual one, with similar intensity and concentration. You must have Adobe Acrobat Reader on your computer.
Note: EEI website does not allow access to actual tests. Testing is held at various locations throughout our service territory based on where the job is located.
All employees must have an account to use a FirstEnergy computer to apply for jobs. If you do not know if you have an account, please contact the IT Service Desk at 330-315-4357, Option 1 - 1 for assistance.

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