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Electrical Distribution System Operator Jobs in California

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UTILITY SYSTEM OPERATOR

Lemoore, CA · On-site

$28.48/hr

You will serve as a UTILITY SYSTEM OPERATOR in the PUBLIC WORKS of NAVFAC SOUTHWEST. "This position ... Incumbent must possess the following certifications: 1. State of California D2Water Distribution ...

City of Torrance, CA

WATER SYSTEM OPERATOR II

Torrance, CA · On-site

$6.7K - $7.7K/mo

The City of Torrance is recruiting for a Water System Operator II t o be part of the Public Works ... Two years experience in the installation, maintenance and repair of water distribution facilities ...

City of Torrance

WATER SYSTEM OPERATOR II

Torrance, CA · On-site

The City of Torrance is recruiting for a Water System Operator II to be part of the Public Works ... Two years experience in the installation, maintenance and repair of water distribution facilities ...

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Electrical Distribution System Operator information

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$13

$29

$51

How much do electrical distribution system operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for electrical distribution system operator in California is $29.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.35 and $32.26 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an electrical distribution system operator do?

An Electrical Distribution System Operator is responsible for monitoring, controlling, and maintaining the flow of electricity through a utility's distribution network. They use specialized software and equipment to ensure electricity is delivered safely and reliably to homes and businesses. Their duties include responding to outages, coordinating with field crews, and managing load demands to prevent system overloads. Distribution System Operators play a critical role in ensuring the stability and efficiency of the electrical grid.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an electrical distribution system operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Electrical Distribution System Operator, you need a solid background in electrical engineering principles, power systems operation, and typically an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a related field. Familiarity with SCADA systems, outage management software, and NERC certifications are commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills set outstanding operators apart. These skills ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient delivery of electrical power while minimizing outages and maintaining regulatory compliance.

What is the difference between Electrical Distribution System Operator vs Electrical Power Plant Operator?

AspectElectrical Distribution System OperatorElectrical Power Plant Operator
CertificationsTypically requires a state license or certification in electrical systemsOften requires a license or certification related to power plant operations
Work EnvironmentWorks in utility control centers, monitoring distribution networksOperates equipment within power plants, overseeing generation processes
Industry UsageUsed by electric utility companies managing distributionUsed by power generation facilities

The Electrical Distribution System Operator focuses on managing and monitoring the electrical distribution network, ensuring reliable delivery of electricity to consumers. In contrast, the Electrical Power Plant Operator oversees the operation of power generation equipment within a plant. Both roles require technical certifications and involve working in highly regulated environments, but they differ in their focus on distribution versus generation.

What are the most common challenges faced by electrical distribution system operators during emergency situations?

Electrical Distribution System Operators often encounter significant challenges during emergencies, such as severe weather events or unexpected equipment failures. These situations require quick decision-making, effective communication, and close coordination with field crews and other utility personnel to restore power safely and efficiently. Operators must manage high-pressure scenarios, prioritize outages, and adhere to safety protocols, all while maintaining situational awareness across the distribution network. Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to remain calm under pressure are essential for success in these critical moments.
What are popular job titles related to Electrical Distribution System Operator jobs in California? For Electrical Distribution System Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Electrical Distribution System Operator jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Electrical Distribution System Operator jobs in California are:
Electrical Distribution System Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Electrical Distribution System Operator job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,320 per year, or $29 per hour.

Distribution System Supervisor

Connecticut Water Service

San Jose, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

Job Title
Distribution System Supervisor
Requisition ID
req1148
Type of Employment
Regular Full-Time Employee
Job Openings
1
Compensation Range
123,000.00 - 151,000.00
Compensation Type
Annual Salary
Founded in 1866, San Jose Water Company is an investor owned water company headquartered in Silicon Valley. With a service area of 140 square miles, it is one of the largest and most technically sophisticated urban water system in the United States. We serve over 1 million people with high quality, life sustaining water, with an emphasis on exceptional customer service.
We are actively seeking talented, driven and highly-productive applicants for the position of Distribution System Supervisor to join our dynamic team. We offer a challenging and rewarding work environment along with a competitive salary and an excellent benefits package.
Position Summary
The Distribution System Supervisor provides leadership, direction, and oversight for crews responsible for the operation, maintenance, construction, and repair of the water distribution system. The Supervisor ensures safe, reliable, and regulatory-compliant operations while developing employees, fostering a culture of accountability, employee engagement, and continuous improvement, and achieving operational, customer service, and financial objectives. The position is responsible for workforce planning, employee development, labor relations, emergency response, regulatory compliance, and the effective utilization of resources to support company goals.
Supervisor Responsibilities
  • Directly supervises field employees, including Crew Leaders, Senior Utility Workers, Utility Workers, and/or contractors.
  • Follows all safety rules and regulations and holds self and employees to highest standards with regards to safety.
  • Coaches, mentors, and develops employees to build technical proficiency and leadership capability.
  • Creates development plans and succession opportunities for employees.
  • Conducts regular one-on-one meetings to provide feedback, recognition, and guidance.
  • Promotes employee engagement and fosters a respectful, inclusive, and accountable work environment.
  • Implements corrective action plans when performance or conduct expectations are not met.
  • Ensures maintenance work, including preventative and corrective, is completed as scheduled and to quality expectations while monitoring compliance to standards and specifications.
  • Regularly visits work sites to monitor operations and records in accordance with company policy.
  • Identifies and reacts to complex field decisions, utilizing technical knowledge and experience to move forward quickly, considering cost, risk, safety, quality, and system impact.
  • Effectively utilizes resources by monitoring crew and individual productivity. Ensures time is charged appropriately for each maintenance task while monitoring unit cost and productivity.
  • Leads continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, customer service, productivity, and operating efficiency, encouraging employee participation in process improvement initiatives.
  • Responsible for investigations related to safety incidents or work procedure errors within the department.
  • Facilitates or leads weekly team meetings. Conducts training as needed.
  • Takes action on Notice of Violation (NOV), and environmental compliance. Ensure compliance with all regulatory agency requirements.
  • Creates or updates Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).
  • Ensures asset data is accurately captured and maintained to support regulatory reporting, capital planning, lifecycle management, and operational decision-making.
  • Proactively prepares for emergencies, supports company efforts during emergencies, communicates deficiencies in emergency response/preparedness, and resolves issues quickly and efficiently using the correct resources.
  • Ensure customer concerns are addressed professionally, promptly, and in accordance with company standards.
  • Balances operational priorities with customer service expectations and community impact.
  • Process invoices weekly and on time in the month received.

Prepare written reports, budgets, and analyses as required.
On-call responsibilities as outlined in Standard Operating Procedures.
Ability to support on-site emergency response as needed including after hours, holidays and weekends.
Workforce Planning Responsibilities
  • Crew staffing plans.
  • Overtime management.
  • Vacation scheduling.
  • Succession planning.
  • Training coordination.
  • Contractor utilization.

Leadership Competencies
  • Leadership and team development.
  • Conflict resolution.
  • Coaching and mentoring.
  • Employee engagement.
  • Employee accountability.
  • Decision making.
  • Change management.
  • Effective communication.
  • Collaboration and relationship building.
  • Emotional intelligence.
  • Labor relations.

Required Knowledge Skills & Abilities
  • Good leadership ability. Understands how to motivate, develop, and direct teams as they work.
  • Ability to understand, interpret, and communicate work procedures, work methods, standards, policies, and guidelines. Capabilities and limitations of various types of light and heavy construction equipment.
  • Use and care of tools and equipment used in maintenance work and safety precautions pertaining to the work.
  • Demonstrates the ability to perform effectively under deadlines and in emergencies.

Demonstrates skill in achieving cooperation from others to achieve a goal.
Ability to analyze costs and develop and implement improved work procedures.
Read and interpret plans, drawings and specifications.
Analyze service and maintenance problems and develop and implement effective solutions.
Use resourcefulness, initiative, and independent judgment, particularly in emergency situations.
Organize and prioritize work to meet varied and changing operational needs.
Utilize technology and current applications software programs.
Good written and oral communication skills.
Proactively works to develop collaborative relationship with union leadership.
Required Education and Experience
  • An associate or bachelor's degree or equivalent experience directing the work of union employees engaged in construction and maintenance activities, operation of transmission and distribution facilities and experience in water system inspection, field investigation, or construction of pipeline projects.
  • Must possess a California D1 Distribution Operator's License upon appointment, make satisfactory progress towards a California D2 Distribution Operator's License within 6 months, and obtain a D2 within one year of appointment.

Other Requirements
  • Must possess a valid California driver's license and have a satisfactory driving record. Must be willing to be on call for emergency situations.

EEO StatementOur company provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.

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