1

Electric Distribution System Operator Jobs in California

Aerial Sensor System Operator Part-Time - Temporary Sharper Shape, a leader in aerial remote ... Work in helicopters to capture aerial data around the electric utility grid * Operate a complex ...

WATER SYSTEM OPERATOR II

Torrance, CA · On-site

$6.7K - $7.7K/mo

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

The City of Torrance is recruiting for a Water System Operator II t o be part of the Public Works ... Two years experience in the installation, maintenance and repair of water distribution facilities ...

Showing results 21-40

Electric Distribution System Operator information

See California salary details

$13

$29

$51

How much do electric distribution system operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for electric 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 an electric distribution system operator?

Electric Distribution System Operators are professionals responsible for monitoring, controlling, and maintaining the electrical distribution grid. They ensure the safe and reliable delivery of electricity from substations to homes and businesses, responding to outages and system disturbances. Their duties include coordinating repairs, managing load distribution, and working with field crews to restore power during emergencies. These operators play a crucial role in minimizing service interruptions and maintaining power quality.

What are the most common challenges faced by electric distribution system operators, and how can new hires prepare for them?

Electric Distribution System Operators frequently encounter challenges such as responding to unexpected outages, managing high-stress situations during severe weather events, and balancing multiple system demands in real time. New hires can prepare by developing strong problem-solving skills, becoming familiar with grid management software, and staying up to date with safety protocols and operational procedures. Collaborative teamwork and clear communication with field crews and engineers are also essential, as operators must coordinate efforts to restore service quickly and safely.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an electric distribution system operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Electric Distribution System Operator, you need a solid understanding of electrical systems, grid operations, and safety regulations, typically supported by a technical degree or relevant industry experience. Familiarity with SCADA systems, outage management software, and NERC certification are commonly required for effective system monitoring and control. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and clear communication skills help operators swiftly address issues and coordinate with field crews. These skills are crucial to ensure reliable power delivery, minimize service interruptions, and maintain public and worker safety.

What is the difference between Electric Distribution System Operator vs Electric Transmission System Operator?

AspectElectric Distribution System OperatorElectric Transmission System Operator
CredentialsTypically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, with certifications in distribution system operationsRequires similar certifications, often with additional training in high-voltage transmission
Work EnvironmentManages local distribution networks, working in substations and control centersOversees high-voltage transmission lines, often in centralized control rooms
Employer & Industry UsageUtilities, municipal power providers, and energy companiesRegional and national grid operators, utility companies

The main difference is that Electric Distribution System Operators focus on local, lower-voltage distribution networks, ensuring reliable delivery of electricity to consumers. In contrast, Electric Transmission System Operators manage high-voltage transmission lines that transport electricity over long distances. Both roles require specialized certifications and work in control centers, but they operate at different levels of the power grid.

What are popular job titles related to Electric Distribution System Operator jobs in California?

For Electric Distribution System Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Electric Distribution System Operator jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Electric Distribution System Operator jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Electric Distribution System Operator jobs?

Cities in California with the most Electric Distribution System Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Electric Distribution System Operator job openings in California as of August 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.

Senior Electric Distribution Engineer, Asset Strategy Engineering - Oakland

Pacific Gas and Electric Company

Oakland, CA • Hybrid

$161K - $207K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Pacific Gas and Electric Company rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

4th of 53 rated energy and utility


Job description

Requisition ID # 173277 

Job Category: Engineering / Science 

Job Level: Individual Contributor

Business Unit: Energy Delivery

Work Type: Hybrid

Job Location: Oakland

Department Overview

 

The Electric Transmission and Distribution (T&D) Engineering organization ensures that PG&E's electric system is planned, designed, and managed to provide safe, reliable, resilient, and cost-effective service to customers throughout Northern and Central California.  The organization develops engineering solutions and long-term asset strategies that support the reliability, safety, and resilience of PG&E's transmission, distribution, and substation systems.

PG&E's Electric Asset Management team is responsible for developing and executing strategies that maximize the value, performance, safety, reliability, and lifecycle management of PG&E's electric system assets.  Asset Management ensures PG&E's transmission, distribution, substation, and supporting electric assets are managed throughout their entire lifecycle in a manner that balances safety, reliability, resiliency, regulatory compliance, risk reduction, and cost effectiveness. They partner with internal departments and cross-functional teams to establish the safest, most reliable, and cost-effective electric distribution infrastructure system and may communicate with regulators, customers and other external stakeholders to advance PG&E's objectives.

 

Position Summary

 

The Senior Electric Distribution Engineer job requires mastery of the Electric Distribution Engineer skills and duties. This position ensures the safe, reliable and efficient operation of the electric power system by providing technical, planning and project implementation support for substation, distribution, distribution network systems, and/or distributed generation. The responsibility level of this position increases with experience and demonstrated ability.

This position is hybrid, working from your remote office and your assigned work location based on business need. 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:

CA Minimum, $161,520

CA Maximum, $207,504

Job Responsibilities

The Senior Electric Distribution Engineer is able to independently perform the job duties of an Electric Distribution engineer, and in addition:

  • Works with limited guidance to complete assignments of broad scope and complexity with few precedents or standards, and assignments that require integration of information from a variety of sources.
  • Applies extensive knowledge of concepts, principles, and practices in power systems engineering to resolve complex problems.
  • Evaluates and identifies strategies, plans and opportunities to improve Company performance.
  • Expands breadth of knowledge to other areas of specialty or further develops expertise and specialization in one area.
  • May provide oversight, direction, coordination and collaboration, guidance and support to operations personnel and/or engineering personnel on work execution and/or compliance with Company and industry standards (e.g. certifications).
  • Approves Distribution Planning Area (DPA) load forecast. Determines and approves final load growth regression mode for load growth studies.
  • Participates in prioritization and funding for distribution programs.
  • Prepares system wide analysis and recommendations for targeted distribution work.
  • As assigned, assist in communicating with regulators, customers and other external stakeholders to advance PG&E's objectives.
  • As assigned, provide data to support General Rate Case efforts, regulatory proceedings and data requests.
  • As assigned, lead the capacity planning and load forecasting process, and lead effort to identify Distributed Energy Resources (DER) services.
  • As assigned, support and drive Outage Review process, lead regional outage review team (ORT) meetings including development of necessary reliability reports.
  • As assigned, lead distribution automation initiatives.
  • As assigned, support benchmarking with other utilities.
  • As assigned, provide technical training, coaching and mentoring to lower level engineers.
  • As assigned, work on revising work processes, asset strategy, risk analysis, standards updates, program management, data analytics, committees and special assignments.
  • As assigned, develop metrics and performance targets that track reliability and system performance as well as the methods and procedures for providing these metrics.
  • May be assigned to prepare regulatory reliability reports, support General Rate Case efforts and other regulatory proceedings as an asset program assistant. Responds to associated data requests as required.

Qualifications

Minimum:

  • Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from an ABET-accredited college or university.  Other engineering disciplines may be considered by the interview panel.
  • Minimum of eight (8) years of experience in electrical power engineering and design.

Desired:

  • Active California PE license.
  • Experience in utility pole asset management.
  • Skilled in data analytics.
  • Experience in reliability analysis and improvement.

What Pacific Gas and Electric Company employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom