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Electric System Operator Trainee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

APS

ECC BA Operator Trainee

Phoenix, AZ

$16.25 - $19.50/hr

Summary APS is looking for a BA Operator Trainee to join their ECC team! The Balancing Authority is ... system electric field work or other electric operations work management * Ability to obtain the ...

Arizona Public Service

ECC BA Operator Trainee

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$16.25 - $19.50/hr

Summary APS is looking for a BA Operator Trainee to join their ECC team! The Balancing Authority is ... system electric field work or other electric operations work management * Ability to obtain the ...

UGI

System Operator II

Edwardsville, PA · On-site

The System Operator II position has the responsibilities and authority to take actions that are needed to ensure the reliability of the Bulk Electric System and alleviate operating emergencies. Each ...

UGI Corporation

System Operator II

Edwardsville, PA · On-site

The System Operator II position has the responsibilities and authority to take actions that are needed to ensure the reliability of the Bulk Electric System and alleviate operating emergencies. Each ...

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Electric System Operator Trainee information

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$42

$47

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

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for electric system operator trainee in the United States is $42.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39.90 and $45.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Electric System Operator Trainees during their initial training period?

Electric System Operator Trainees often encounter challenges such as mastering complex electrical grid concepts, adapting to shift work (including nights and weekends), and learning to make quick, high-stakes decisions under pressure. Trainees must become proficient with specialized software and real-time monitoring tools, while also developing effective communication skills for coordinating with field crews and other operators. Support and mentorship from experienced operators are essential, and a strong commitment to ongoing learning helps trainees succeed as they move toward full operator status.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Electric System Operator Trainee, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Electric System Operator Trainee, you need a strong understanding of electrical systems, grid operations, and safety protocols, typically supported by a technical degree or relevant coursework. Familiarity with SCADA systems, energy management software, and NERC certification requirements is often necessary. Attention to detail, strong communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are vital soft skills in this role. These skills ensure reliable grid operation, quick decision-making during emergencies, and compliance with industry regulations.

What does an Electric System Operator Trainee do?

An Electric System Operator Trainee learns to monitor, control, and coordinate the generation and distribution of electricity across a power grid. They receive on-the-job training to understand grid operations, respond to system emergencies, and ensure a reliable supply of electricity. Trainees work closely with experienced operators, learning to use specialized software and tools, and must follow strict safety and regulatory procedures. Over time, they gain the expertise needed to become fully qualified Electric System Operators.

What is the difference between Electric System Operator Trainee vs Electric System Operator?

AspectElectric System Operator TraineeElectric System Operator
CredentialsTypically requires a high school diploma or equivalent; some roles may prefer post-secondary education in related fieldsRequires additional certifications, licenses, or training, such as system operator certification
Work EnvironmentTraining environment, often supervised, with exposure to control rooms and field sitesFull responsibility for monitoring and controlling electrical grid operations in control centers
Industry UsageEntry-level position for training and development within utility companiesFully qualified role with operational authority in power grid management

The main difference between an Electric System Operator Trainee and an Electric System Operator is the level of responsibility and certification. Trainees are in training, gaining experience and knowledge, while Electric System Operators are fully qualified professionals responsible for real-time grid management.

More about Electric System Operator Trainee jobs
What cities are hiring for Electric System Operator Trainee jobs? Cities with the most Electric System Operator Trainee job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Electric System Operator jobs? The most popular types of Electric System Operator jobs are:
What states have the most Electric System Operator Trainee jobs? States with the most job openings for Electric System Operator Trainee jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Electric System Operator Trainee jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Electric System Operator Trainee jobs are:
Electric System Operator Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Electric System Operator Trainee job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 6% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $88,020 per year, or $42.3 per hour.
System Operator

System Operator

Umatilla Electric Cooperative

Hermiston, OR • On-site

$147K - $181K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Umatilla Electric Cooperative is headquartered in Hermiston, Oregon (population 18,000+), the largest and fastest-growing city in Eastern Oregon. Located seven miles south of the Columbia River, Lake Wallula and the McNary Dam, the Hermiston area has become a hub for logistics and data center activity. The area is 30 minutes south of the Tri-Cities in Washington, two-and-a-half hours south of Spokane, three hours east of Portland, and three-and-a-half hours northwest of Boise. Cost of living is lower than the national average. Blue Mountain Community College and Eastern Oregon University have branch facilities in Hermiston; Columbia Basin College and a branch campus of Washington State University are a 40-mile drive. Area activities are plentiful, and include golfing, boating, fishing, hunting, camping, hiking and snow skiing.
Type: Full-Time/In-Office
Salary: $147,631-$181,568 DOQ
UEC Company Benefits & Perks:
401(K) up to 11% Company Contribution
Pension Plan (100% Employer Sponsored)
Tuition Reimbursement Program
Comprehensive Medical/Dental/Vision Benefits options
Competitive Wages
Vacation, Sick Leave and 11 paid holidays
Gym Membership Subsidy
Employer Sponsored Training
Various Opportunities for Fundraising and giving back to the community
For information on the local area, please visit: https://hermistonchamber.com/
SUMMARY
This position is responsible for ensuring the safe and reliable operation of the system (transmission, and distribution,) under normal, emergency and outage conditions, complying with the UEC, RUS and NERC/WECC reliability standards. Actively promotes a culture of safety and assures safety standards are adhered to. Adheres to and supports company policies and develops specific operating procedures related to system operations. The System Operator will work closely with the Operations Superintendents to assure clear communications and effective team work.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES may include
other duties as assigned.
  • Determines operating status from personnel, station and equipment logs, dispatch board or automated system monitoring device.
  • Operates or directs the operation of station equipment through manual or automated systems.
  • Develops, issues, and verifies step-by-step instructions for switching orders with consideration of impact on system status.
  • Issues, transfers or releases work clearances. Maintains up-to-date system configuration display for real-time system status.
  • Isolates the cause and nature of abnormal station, equipment or system conditions and takes action to operate or direct operation of equipment to restore lines and equipment to normal operating conditions.
  • Coordinates restoration as well as dispatching and directing personnel in a safe, efficient, and reliable manner in response to electric system outages and emergencies.
  • Responsible for managing the processes and relationship with the outage call center vendor (CRC).

JOB DUTIES may include other duties as assigned.
  • Maintains the UEC electric system using the Outage Management System (OMS) and various related applications.
  • Works with Engineering to monitor interconnected system conditions, UEC and interconnected system line flows, voltages, Remedial Action Schemes, and equipment limits during normal and emergency conditions and communicates status to assure prompt response to any potential issues.
  • Facilitates and tracks system equipment outages adhering to established UEC and BPA criteria.
  • Reviews, comprehends, and applies operational policy and procedural changes in a time constrained atmosphere.
  • Performs internal and external notifications of system events in accordance with established requirements.
  • Maintains a safety conscious work environment by following Umatilla Electric Cooperative's safety protocols and safe work practices.
  • Delivers information and details for Monthly Board Report
  • Respectfully takes direction from supervisor or manager.
  • Ability to function well under stress, particularly during emergency situations and take prompt, appropriate actions during those situations. Must also be able to communicate to the necessary authorities or personnel in a clear, reliable and efficient manner during such emergencies in order to diffuse the situation as necessary.

QUALIFICATIONS
Ability to perform essential job duties with or without reasonable accommodation and without posing a direct threat to safety or health of employee or others. To perform this job successfully, an individual will be required to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITY
This position may have supervisor responsibilities.
Required Qualifications:
Education:
BA/BS in Management/Engineering preferred. Eight (8) years of experience may be substituted for education.
Experience:
Minimum Eight (8) years' experience as an electric utility administrator, journey level craft worker or engineer. Experience with computers, spreadsheets, calculators, word processing software, distribution analysis software, and automated office equipment. Completion of an approved apprentice program for electrical utility journeyman and transmission lineman experience is a plus.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, members, customers and the general public.
  • Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ration, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.
  • Specialized computer skills. Must be adept at using various applications including MS Office Products and operations within Windows operating system, as well as communication by e-mail and use of scheduling software. Must understand how to use software programs related to outage management, power quality, AMI metering, CIS software, OMS, and other various software programs for SCADA Controls.
  • Must have a valid Drivers' License for occasional business travel.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

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