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Electric System Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

System Operator Under limited direction, the System Operator controls and operates the Company ... Direct all actions for the safety and reliability of the electric grid, including field crews ...

Primary Purpose PRIMARY PURPOSE OF POSITION Operates the electric system, under the immediate supervision of the Shift Manager, Sr. Transmission System Operator and Transmission System Operator II, ...

... the Bulk Electric System, during both normal and emergency conditions - Perform critical ... Operator and NERC Transmission Operator/Reliability Coordinator certifications - Maintains ...

System Operator I

Nashville, TN · On-site

$49.50/hr

NASHVILLE ELECTRIC SERVICE NOTICE OF VACANCIES SYSTEM OPERATOR I-TRAINEE (Current openings are in the System Operations Section of the Power System Operations Department) 1. Minimum Certification ...

Transmission System Operator - P

Akron, OH · On-site

$18 - $21.75/hr

System Operators prepare and coordinate switching procedures for routine and emergency work on the electric system and communicate this information to field crews. Entry level Transmission System ...

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Electric System Operator information

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$35

$42

$47

How much do electric system operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for electric system operator 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 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 cities are hiring for Electric System Operator jobs? Cities with the most Electric System Operator 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 jobs? States with the most job openings for Electric System Operator jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Electric System Operator jobs? For Electric System Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Other

PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Independently manages, to best serve the members' uniquely complex requirements, the real time operation of owned /contracted generation facilities in excess of 6500 MW along with purchases to meet the needs of the members as scheduled by the 5 different Purchase Selling Entities. Manages water and fuel consumption at the Pumped storage facility and the fossil plants to ensure an adequate supply of generation. Independently nominates fuel for the 24 gas fired units totaling 4200 MW capacity.

Must make hourly economic dispatch decisions with less than 15 minutes' notice. Must respond to calls on assets of up to 1000 MW with 20 minutes' notice. Regulates system resources to accommodate Independent Power Producers' generation to meet schedules and other contractual obligations.

Meets requirements imposed by NERC standards and contracts, such as CPS 2 and Joint Contingency Reserves events. This includes responding to or initiating, operating instructions to and from other bulk electric system operating entities and documenting system events appropriately. The System Operator II has the responsibility and the authority to take any required action up to and including shedding firm native load to preserve system or Interconnection reliability.

Incumbent must be proficient at all Generation Coordinator positions in the Energy Control Center. Provides on-the-job direction and training to Generation Coordinators I & II. This position performs duties that can determine GSOC's compliance with NERC reliability standards.

Job Duties: Independently commits and de-commits generation to continuously match the most economic resources to system needs, reserve requirements and changing conditions. Adjusts voltage and megawatt output to ensure that dynamically imposed ITS limitations are managed effectively to maintain the integrity and security of the ITS bulk power system. Nominates fuel for gas resources which can total as much as $5,000,000.00 per day and when necessary, purchases fuel for gas resources.

Independently operates gas fired resources to meet constraints imposed by Operational Flow Orders issued by gas transportation systems. Independently manages GTC's ownership of the ITS interface to insure available capacity and interface entitlements are utilized to their fullest extent by contracted member agents and third parties. Schedules and coordinates interchange transactions with other utilities, power marketers, control areas, and transmission providers.

Monitors use of OASIS reservations shared by 5 agents to prevent overscheduling of interfaces and the resultant degradation of system reliability. Maintains up to date Available Transfer Capability ratings to allow maximum third party usage of GTC transmission to provide the highest earnings to GTC and its members while complying with all FERC regulations. Independently maintains and enhances system stability and capability by monitoring and responding to load forecast errors, loss of generation, lack of VAR support, etc.

by performing contingency planning and initiating corrective actions. This includes the authority to shed firm system load to preserve the integrity and stability of the Eastern Interconnection. Other actions include declaring OPC system alerts based on deteriorating system conditions and responding to SERC/NERC regional system alerts.

Plans for customer energy needs, based on usage profiles, current and forecasted weather conditions and other available data, by preparing multiple (14 as opposed to one forecast for most utilities) accurate short-term load forecasts in order to effectively schedule resources and to meet scheduling obligations of the member agents. Delivers oral and written presentations and reports that alert senior management to ongoing trends and activities that might impact the strategies and position of the company when responding to members and the public. Required Qualifications: Education: High school graduate or GED Equivalent.

Experience: Six (6) years transmission /generation operations or construction experience and two years control center related experience Must also be qualified to work Interchange and the "pool" desks. Four (4) years military assignment in power production or maintenance of electrical facilities in lieu of above experience. Licenses, Certifications, and/or Registrations: Must possess NERC system Operator Certification as TO, BIT, or RC, RC level preferred.

Must obtain and maintain Bulk Electric System Cyber Authorized Status as defined in GSOC's CIP Cyber Security Policy 301 and NERC Reliability Standard CIP 004. Must participate in company sponsored training to obtain required NERC Certification Continuing Education Hours. Specialized Skills: Excel/MS Word experience required.

Must have sound decision making ability under stressful conditions. Must be able to communicate effectively via both oral and written methods. Must be able to work effectively in a team environment.

Basic knowledge of electrical theory (including Trigonometry) and above average logic, reasoning, and math skills. Unusual hours: Work a rotating 12- and/or 8- hour shift which involves working weekends and holidays and PTO coverage at other operating positions.