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Electric System Operator Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Outage Management System Operator

Morris, MN ยท On-site

$54K - $71K/yr

Outage Management System Operator Position: Outage Management System (OMS) Operator Location ... Completing tasks related to customer requests and billing for electric services shall be fulfilled ...

Outage Management System Operator Position: Outage Management System (OMS) Operator Location ... Completing tasks related to customer requests and billing for electric services shall be fulfilled ...

Outage Management System (OMS) Operator Location: Fergus Falls, MN or any OTP Customer Service ... Completing tasks related to customer requests and billing for electric services shall be fulfilled ...

Transmission Planning Engineer I

Eagan, MN ยท On-site

$71K - $96K/yr

Transmission planning, expansion planning, or bulk electric system studies. * Regional Transmission Organization (RTO) or Independent System Operator (ISO) operations or planning. * Power system ...

Senior Electrical Engineer (FRES)

Eagan, MN ยท On-site

$119K - $144K/yr

You will also be part of a team that prepares the electric system for expected operating conditions a day ahead of what system conditions are expected be. This is done through collaboration with ...

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Electric System Operator information

See Minnesota salary details

$34

$41

$46

How much do electric system operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for electric system operator in Minnesota is $41.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39.09 and $44.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Electric System Operator vs Power Dispatcher?

AspectElectric System OperatorPower Dispatcher
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in electrical engineering or related field; certifications like NERC System Operator Certification are commonOften requires similar technical knowledge; may also hold certifications like NERC or industry-specific licenses
Work EnvironmentControl centers, monitoring grid operations, ensuring system reliabilityField and control room settings, coordinating power flow and dispatching
Industry UsageUsed by utilities, grid operators, and independent system operators (ISOs)Primarily employed by utilities and grid operators for real-time power management

The Electric System Operator and Power Dispatcher roles both focus on maintaining the reliability and efficiency of the electrical grid. While they share similar credentials and work environments, the Electric System Operator typically oversees broader system operations and grid stability, whereas the Power Dispatcher focuses more on real-time power dispatching and load balancing. Both roles are essential for a secure and reliable power supply.

What Does an Electric System Operator Do?

An electric system operator configures, operates, and monitors power plant systems to ensure reliability. As an electric system operator, your responsibilities include controlling and balancing the voltage generation of electrical power systems and the transmission of electrical power so that utility customers have access to reliable power. Your job duties include maintaining and repairing electrical systems, escalating operational issues to supervisors or technicians as needed, and restoring electrical systems after power failures or outages. You must work well both independently and as part of a team, paying attention to safety procedures.

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

To thrive as an Electric System Operator, you need strong analytical abilities, attention to detail, and a background in electrical engineering or a related technical field, often supported by NERC certification. Familiarity with SCADA systems, energy management software, and real-time monitoring tools is crucial. Excellent communication, problem-solving skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure help operators manage critical situations effectively. These competencies are vital to ensuring grid reliability, safety, and rapid response to emergencies in the power system.

What are Electric System Operators?

Electric System Operators are professionals responsible for monitoring and controlling the flow of electricity through transmission and distribution networks. They ensure the reliable delivery of electricity by balancing supply and demand, responding to emergencies, and coordinating maintenance with other personnel. Their role is critical in preventing outages and maintaining the stability of the electrical grid. They often work in control centers using advanced technology and communication systems.

What are some common challenges Electric System Operators face when balancing supply and demand in real time?

Electric System Operators often encounter the challenge of maintaining grid reliability while responding to sudden changes in electricity demand, unexpected equipment failures, or fluctuations in renewable generation. Rapid decision-making and clear communication with power plants, transmission operators, and field crews are essential to prevent outages or instability. Operators must also stay vigilant during extreme weather events, which can increase system stress and require quick coordination across multiple teams.
What are popular job titles related to Electric System Operator jobs in Minnesota? For Electric System Operator jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Electric System Operator jobs in Minnesota look for? The top searched job categories for Electric System Operator jobs in Minnesota are:
What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Electric System Operator jobs? Cities in Minnesota with the most Electric System Operator job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Electric System Operator jobs in MN? For Electric System Operator jobs in MN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Electric System Operator job openings in Minnesota as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,208 per year, or $41.4 per hour.
Outage Management System Operator

Outage Management System Operator

Otter Tail

Morris, MN โ€ข On-site

$54K - $71K/yr

Other

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

Outage Management System Operator

Position: Outage Management System (OMS) Operator

Location: Fergus Falls, MN or any OTP Customer Service Center

At Otter Tail Power, our employees help us serve the communities we support by producing reliable, affordable, and environmentally responsible electricity. Our employees' impact can take many forms. Our successful employees ensure that our customers and communities have the power they need for modern life. In this role, the Outage Management System Operator will be responsible for field dispatch for Otter Tail Power electrical system outages, internal and external communication leveraging the Company Outage Management System (OMS).

  • Handle inbound and outbound calls for purposes of distribution system restoration (planned and unplanned outages).
  • Initial entry, update, and completion of trouble tickets for emergency outage and non-outage conditions on the distribution system.
  • Update outage prediction, which includes combining or splitting outages based on input from field employees or management.
  • Coordinate field personnel to respond to outages or other issues on the Company distribution system and when requested by Power System Operators.
  • Completing tasks related to customer requests and billing for electric services shall be fulfilled while not actively working planned or unplanned outages.

Qualifications:

  • Associate degree or equivalent work experience in electric utility or office setting or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • One or two years of experience in electrical utility dispatch and knowledge of electrical distribution switching devices and procedures is preferred.
  • Must be proficient with Microsoft Software.
  • Requires the ability to work rotating shifts, irregular hours and overtime as assigned.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills are required.

Offering:

  • Competitive wage & benefit package.
    • The expected offer for this role is $54,000 โ€“ $71,000 annually. Actual base compensation will vary based on factors relevant to the position.
    • Incentive plans
    • Employee Stock Ownership options
    • Retirement Savings Fund with employer match
    • Health, disability and life insurance plan options
  • Our employees are provided training and development opportunities each year, including education reimbursement. This includes safety โ€“ one of our values and key to our success โ€“ technical, compliance and developmental training.
  • Career development is critical to our long-term success. Otter Tail Power employees have opportunities to participate in various leadership development programs, gain access to an a la carte online leadership course catalog, receive mentorship from current leaders and more!
  • Mental health support from the experts at SupportLinc as well as competitive vacation and sick leave to ensure employees are at their best when they're working.