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Electric Distribution System Operator Jobs in Florida

... and distribution system and the JEA balancing area in compliance with all applicable corporate ... North American Electric Reliability Council (NERC) Combined Balancing and Interchange/Transmission ...

Distribution Engineer I

Tampa, FL · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

Perform detailed design of overhead and/or underground electric distribution systems. This work includes the preparation of field notes, drawings, specifications, and design estimates. Possess an ...

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Electric Distribution System Operator information

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 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 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 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 Florida? For Electric Distribution System Operator jobs in Florida, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Electric Distribution System Operator jobs in Florida look for? The top searched job categories for Electric Distribution System Operator jobs in Florida are:
Infographic showing various Electric Distribution System Operator job openings in Florida as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution.

System Operator

JEA

Jacksonville, FL

Other

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

Thank you for your interest in the System Operator position! This is a continuous recruitment, which means applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Candidates may be contacted monthly as we move through the evaluation process, and selections may be made at any time.
The hiring process currently includes:
    Civil Service Interview

We appreciate your interest and look forward to reviewing your application!
 

As a training role, with direct supervision assists in performing operational planning, monitoring, coordinating and operating the transmission and distribution system and the JEA balancing area in compliance with all applicable corporate policies and procedures and regulatory requirements, to include taking corrective action to mitigate pre and post contingency events to maintain a reliable JEA and interconnected system.  Guidelines are available but are not completely applicable to the work or have gaps in specificity requiring independent action, judgment and decision making to interpret, analyze and adapt methods, techniques and procedures to specific cases or problems.  Solves problems within established parameters and identifies and recommends responses to new and unusual circumstances.  Completed work is evaluated for technical soundness, appropriateness and conformity with policies and requirements.  Regular contact with individuals in other work groups and external organizations is required to plan, coordinate or advise on work efforts, resolve problems and communicate information.

- Develops plans, monitors, operates, controls and reviews outcomes to maintain an efficient, cost effective and reliable system  through the performance of system dispatch, market coordination, switching, operating system equipment, and investigative tasks,  consistent with JEA policies and procedures, tariffs and regulatory requirements
- Studies switching requests, authorizes based on reliability and safety considerations and monitors switching on transmission lines,  switching stations, bulk power substations, and distribution circuits.
- Monitors system parameters and maintains proper voltage levels and energy flows within prescribed limits.
- Responds to alarms from substations and underground transmission line pump houses, analyzes problems and takes appropriate  action including the issuing of malfunction reports.
- Performs incident management processes and documentation.
- Maintains continuous radio communication with field employees.
- Operates an Energy Management System and other data communications equipment and required software and hardware  applications.
- Issues safety hold tags and clearances to ensure the safe operation and maintenance of electrical system lines and equipment.
- Performs coordination roles within JEA and other reliability organizations.
- Forecasts system load and variable resources, balances electric load and electric generation.
- Forecasts and estimates fuel and fuel delivery system requirements for electric generation.
- Performs scheduling functions to include generation on-line or off-line to meet load and reliability requirements, interchange  between control areas pursuant to NERC and FRCC policies and emergency power to and from other utilities.
- Determines the need and implements emergency procedures that may include the curtailment of transmission services based on  JEAs tariff requirements, purchasing of emergency power, switching, re-dispatch of generation devices, interruption of firm and  non-firm load. 
- Performs system dispatch, maintains, and schedules reserves, and market coordination tasks for the economic operation of JEA  resources to meet JEA load and interchange requirements within operating, fuel, reliability or environmental constraints
- Monitors conventional and variable generation levels, operating capability, operating limits, ramp rate, control status
- Monitors security analysis programs, troubleshoots software system, takes corrective action to ensure security analysis tools are  functioning properly.
- Operates study load flow and contingency analysis to test the system for changes in generation, interchange, tap changes, topology  changes, and voltage schedules and develop mitigation plans to ensure transmission security in the operating horizon.
- Coordinates with other areas to develop maintenance schedules for transmission, distribution and generation facility outages in the  operating horizon meeting reliability and other business considerations.
- Apply study results to approve or disapprove maintenance requests in the operating horizon
- Monitors online security analysis output, based on output utilizes study load flow and contingency analysis to develop mitigation  plans to ensure adequate system security.
- Performs network studies, develops mitigation plans and takes action to ensure transmission security is maintained at acceptable  levels in the operating horizon.
- Ensures adequate voltage schedules of balancing area generating resources.
- Evaluates impact protection systems being out of service and taking corrective action.
- Maintains accurate data records on load, generation, interchange and transmission service.
- Performs other job-related work as assigned.
 
Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering and two (2) years of system operator experience in one or more of the following disciplines:  balancing and interchange, transmission or bulk distribution
OR
An Associate Degree in an engineering related discipline or successful completion of Military Power Training School in Electrical, Electronic, Communications or Computer Technologies and four (4) years of system operator experience in one or more of the following disciplines:  balancing and interchange, transmission or bulk distribution
 
A regular valid driver's license is required prior to employment and must be maintained during employment in this classification.
 
North American Electric Reliability Council (NERC) Combined Balancing and Interchange/Transmission Operator or higher is required.
 
The full salary range for this position is $110,406.40 - $136,364.80. Salary will vary based on education, experience, skills, and abilities. 
 
*Please note: The work location for this position is JEA's SOCC (System Operations Control Center) facility, located on the westside of Jacksonville.
 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Activity                                                           Activity

Sitting

   Up to 12 hours per day

Lifting

 Will not generally apply

Walking

   Will not generally apply

 Up to 50 max. pounds

Standing

   Will not generally apply

Pushing

 Will not generally apply

Bending

   Will not generally apply

 Up to 50 max. pounds

Squatting

   Will not generally apply

Pulling

 Will not generally apply

Stooping

   Will not generally apply

 Up to 50 max. pounds

Reaching

   Will not generally apply

Climbing

 Will not generally apply

Balancing

   Will not generally apply

       Stairs

 Will not generally apply

Twisting

    Will not generally apply

       Ladder

 Will not generally apply

Crawling

   Will not generally apply

       Step-stool

 Will not generally apply

Kneeling

   Will not generally apply

Excessive heat

 Will not generally apply

Typing

    Up to 12  hours per day

Excessive cold

 Will not generally apply

Data Entry

    Up to 12  hours per day

Dust

 Will not generally apply

Hands in Water

 Will not generally apply

Humidity

 Will not generally apply

Loud Noise

 Will not generally apply

Unusual  hearing or vision demands:

Ability to distinguish primary colors and maintain vision correctable to 20/40; normal field of vision; normal night vision; good depth perception; good hearing and sense of smell.

Other physical demands or notes:

JEA employees should not attempt to lift, pull or push a load in excess of 50 lbs. without assistance.  Care should always be taken when lifting, pushing or pulling in an awkward position. 

Must possess sufficient strength and agility to perform lifting, climbing and carrying of tools and equipment. Able to wear appropriate safety equipment; work at heights and perform arduous duties.