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Electric System Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Respond to or initiate operating instructions with other bulk electric system operating entities and document system events appropriately. * Deliver oral and written updates, reports, and ...

System Operator

Johnson, VT ยท On-site

$58.53/hr

Vermont Electric Cooperative (VEC) is seeking a System Operator in either our Johson or Newport facility to help ensure safe, reliable electric service for the 32,000 members we serve across Northern ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

The System Operator is a vital member of the 24x7 operations team, supporting the contracted ... Associate's degree in engineering, power plant, electric, business, and/or related discipline

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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 Jul 19, 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:
Infographic showing various Electric System Operator job openings in the United States 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 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,020 per year, or $42.3 per hour.

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Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Tucker, GA, USA | Salary | 108160-135200 per year | Full Time

| Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k Match, Parental Leave, Educational Assistance, Annual Performance Bonus, PTO, and Volunteer Time Off

System Operator

Help Operate the Resources That Power Georgia's Electric Grid

Georgia System Operations Corporation (GSOC) is seeking a System Operator to support the real-time operation of generation resources, power purchases, interchange schedules, and system reliability obligations that serve Georgia's member cooperatives.

This role sits at the center of GSOC's Energy Control Center, where accurate decisions, strong situational awareness, and sound judgment directly support the reliable and economic operation of generation resources and the Bulk Electric System.

As a System Operator, you will independently manage owned and contracted generation resources, coordinate scheduled purchases, monitor system conditions, respond to reliability events, and ensure operating requirements are met under applicable NERC standards and contractual obligations.

This opportunity is ideal for an experienced operations professional who can make timely decisions in a control center environment, communicate clearly under pressure, and support safe, reliable service for members and communities across Georgia.

What You'll Do

As a System Operator, you will play a key role in supporting GSOC's real-time operations by managing generation resources, interchange activity, fuel nominations, system conditions, and reliability requirements.

You will:

  • Independently commit and de-commit generation to match system needs, reserve requirements, economic dispatch priorities, and changing operating conditions.

  • Monitor and adjust voltage and megawatt output to help manage operating limits and support the integrity and security of the bulk power system.

  • Coordinate fuel nominations for gas-fired resources and operate gas resources within constraints imposed by gas transportation systems.

  • Manage generation resources, contracted generation, and purchases scheduled by multiple purchase and selling entities to meet member needs.

  • Regulate system resources to accommodate independent power producer generation, schedules, and contractual obligations.

  • Schedule and coordinate interchange transactions with utilities, power marketers, control areas, and transmission providers.

  • Monitor interface utilization and available transfer capability to support reliable system operations and efficient transmission use.

  • Prepare accurate short-term load forecasts using usage profiles, weather conditions, system data, and other available information.

  • Monitor system conditions, respond to load forecast errors, loss of generation, lack of VAR support, and other reliability concerns.

  • Perform contingency planning and initiate corrective actions, including system alerts or emergency operating actions when required to preserve reliability.

  • Respond to or initiate operating instructions with other bulk electric system operating entities and document system events appropriately.

  • Deliver oral and written updates, reports, and presentations that communicate trends, system activities, and potential operational impacts to leadership.

  • This role also carries authority and accountability for reliability-related actions, including actions required to preserve system or interconnection reliability in accordance with applicable operating requirements.

What You Bring

  • High school diploma or GED equivalent.

  • Six years of transmission or generation operations or construction experience, including two years of control center-related experience.

  • Qualification to work Interchange and pool desk functions.

  • Four years of military assignment in power production or maintenance of electrical facilities may be considered in lieu of the above experience.

  • Sound decision-making ability under stressful and time-sensitive operating conditions.

  • Effective oral and written communication skills.

  • Ability to work effectively in a team-based control center environment.

  • Basic knowledge of electrical theory, including trigonometry, with above-average logic, reasoning, and math skills.

  • Excel and Microsoft Word experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Control Center & Operations Experience

  • Experience in real-time generation, transmission, or energy control center operations.

  • Experience with generation dispatch, interchange scheduling, fuel nominations, load forecasting, reserves, and operating limits.

  • Experience responding to reliability events, system alerts, and changing operating conditions.

Reliability & Compliance

  • Experience supporting NERC reliability standard compliance in a control center or bulk electric system environment.

  • Ability to accurately document system events, operating instructions, and reliability-related actions.

  • Knowledge of CPS requirements, contingency reserve events, and bulk electric system operating practices is a plus.

Certifications

  • Must possess NERC System Operator Certification as TO, BIT, or RC; RC level is preferred.

  • Must obtain and maintain Bulk Electric System Cyber Authorized Status as defined by GSOC policy and applicable NERC Reliability Standards.

  • Must participate in company-sponsored training to obtain required NERC Certification Continuing Education Hours.

Leveling Overview

  • System Operator - Experienced control center operator responsible for independently managing real-time generation operations, economic dispatch, fuel coordination, interchange activity, and reliability requirements.

  • Advanced responsibilities may include providing on-the-job direction and training to Generation Coordinators and supporting operating decisions that directly impact GSOC's compliance with NERC reliability standards.

Schedule & Work Environment

  • This role works a rotating 12-hour and/or 8-hour shift schedule.

  • The schedule includes weekends, holidays, and PTO coverage at other operating positions as needed.

  • The position requires the ability to make timely decisions in a real-time operations environment where system conditions can change quickly.

Advantages of Working at GSOC

Working at GSOC means more than just a job-- it's an opportunity to contribute to work that truly matters.

  • Mission-Driven Impact

Your work directly supports the safe, reliable operation of Georgia's electric power system--an essential service that communities and businesses depend on every day.

  • Critical Real-Time Operations

Serve in a high-impact control center role where operational decisions support system reliability, resource coordination, and service to Georgia's cooperative network.

  • Strong Values and Professional Standards

Work in an environment grounded in accountability, collaboration, integrity, and continuous improvement where reliability, compliance, and operational excellence are core priorities.

Work Environment & Benefits

GSOC offers a professional, collaborative work environment with competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and a commitment to creating a respectful and inclusive workplace.

Benefits include, but are not limited to: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) Match, Parental Leave, Educational Assistance, Annual Performance Bonus, Paid Time Off, and Volunteer Time Off.

Why Join GSOC

At GSOC, your work directly supports the reliability of Georgia's electric system and the member cooperatives that serve communities across the state.

You'll collaborate with skilled operations professionals in a mission-driven environment focused on safety, reliability, compliance, and continuous improvement.

Apply Today

If you're ready to apply your operations expertise in a role that combines real-time decision-making, system reliability, and meaningful impact, we encourage you to apply.

Georgia System Operations Corporation is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, including veterans and disabled. We are a drug-free workplace. All applicants are subject to substance abuse testing.