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Internship Nerc System Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

System Operator Senior or System Operator Staff • Job Code: 126859 or 126858 • Job Grade: 58 or ... NERC) and the Southwest Power Pool (SPP). Has the responsibility and authority to implement real ...

System Operator Senior or System Operator Staff • Job Code: 126859 or 126858 • Job Grade: 58 or ... NERC) and the Southwest Power Pool (SPP). Has the responsibility and authority to implement real ...

The Associate System Operator is responsible for complying with NERC, FERC, RFC, IURC and MISO requirements and directing field personnel through switching operations involving the Bulk Electric ...

NERC Compliance Specialist Lead

Columbus, OH · On-site

$151K/yr

NERC System Operator Certification * CISSP, CISA, or other compliance/security certifications * CRISC or similar risk/compliance certifications NERC Compliance Specialist Principal | Salary Grade 9 ...

System Operator II Location: Edwardsville, PA, US, 18704 Workplace Environment: Onsite Company: UGI ... Knowledge of NERC/FERC regulations * Be able to complete an 8 to 12 month on the job training ...

Knowledge of NERC/FERC regulations * Be able to complete an 8 to 12 month on the job training ... PSP System Operator/Dispatcher Test, Edison Electric Institute POSS/MCI test). Education and ...

Knowledge of NERC/FERC regulations * Be able to complete an 8 to 12 month on the job training ... PSP System Operator/Dispatcher Test, Edison Electric Institute POSS/MCI test). Education and ...

Knowledge of NERC/FERC regulations * Be able to complete an 8 to 12 month on the job training ... PSP System Operator/Dispatcher Test, Edison Electric Institute POSS/MCI test). Education and ...

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Internship Nerc System Operator information

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$14

$27

$44

How much do internship nerc system operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for internship nerc system operator in the United States is $27.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.04 and $28.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by interns in a NERC System Operator role, and how can they best prepare for them?

Interns in a NERC System Operator role often face the challenge of quickly learning complex reliability standards and real-time grid operations. The fast-paced environment requires strong attention to detail, effective communication, and the ability to respond calmly under pressure. To prepare, candidates should familiarize themselves with NERC standards, develop basic understanding of power systems, and seek mentorship from experienced operators. Proactively asking questions and participating in training sessions can help interns build confidence and adapt smoothly to the demands of the role.

How much does it cost to get NERC certified?

The cost to obtain NERC System Operator certification varies depending on the certification level and training provider, typically ranging from $1,000 to $3,000. Additional expenses may include exam fees, training courses, and study materials, which are necessary for preparing for the certification exam required for system operators in the electric grid industry.

What is the difference between Internship Nerc System Operator vs Nerc System Operator?

AspectInternship Nerc System OperatorNerc System Operator
CredentialsTypically pursuing or recent graduate, no certification requiredRequires NERC certification and relevant experience
Work EnvironmentTraining environment, supervised, temporaryFull-time, operational control center
Employer & IndustryUtilities, energy companies, training programsRegional reliability organizations, utilities

The Internship Nerc System Operator is a temporary, training-focused role for students or recent graduates, whereas the Nerc System Operator is a full-time professional responsible for real-time grid reliability and control. The internship provides hands-on experience, while the full role requires certification and operational expertise.

What does a NERC system operator do?

A NERC system operator monitors and controls the electric grid to ensure reliable and secure power delivery, managing real-time operations and responding to system disturbances. They use specialized control systems and must adhere to industry standards and regulations, often working in shifts to maintain continuous oversight.

How hard is it to get a NERC certification?

For an Internship NERC System Operator, obtaining NERC certification involves passing a training program and exam that covers reliability standards and operational procedures. The difficulty depends on prior knowledge of power systems and compliance, but with proper study and experience, it is achievable within a few months. Certification requirements may also include ongoing education and adherence to industry standards.

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

To excel as an Internship NERC System Operator, you need a background in electrical engineering or a related field, strong analytical skills, and foundational knowledge of power systems. Familiarity with SCADA systems, energy management software, and understanding of NERC reliability standards are typically required. Attention to detail, effective communication, and the ability to work under pressure are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills ensure safe, reliable grid operations and compliance with industry regulations in real-time environments.

Is NERC certification worth it?

For an Internship NERC System Operator, NERC certification is valuable as it demonstrates knowledge of reliability standards and industry best practices, which can improve job prospects and performance. It is often required or preferred by employers in the electric utility industry and can lead to increased responsibilities and career advancement. Having the certification also ensures familiarity with critical tools and protocols used in system operations.

What is an Internship NERC System Operator?

An Internship NERC System Operator is a trainee position designed to provide hands-on experience in the operation of electrical power systems under the guidelines of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC). Interns assist certified system operators in monitoring and controlling the transmission and distribution of electricity, ensuring grid reliability and compliance with NERC standards. This role is ideal for students or recent graduates interested in learning about grid operations, emergency response procedures, and industry regulations. Interns may work in control centers, participate in simulations, and receive mentorship to prepare for future certification as a NERC System Operator.
More about Internship Nerc System Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Internship Nerc System Operator jobs? Cities with the most Internship Nerc System Operator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Nerc System Operator jobs? The most popular types of Nerc System Operator jobs are:
What states have the most Internship Nerc System Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Internship Nerc System Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Internship Nerc System Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Internship Nerc System Operator jobs are:
Infographic showing various Internship Nerc System Operator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 9% Internship, 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,721 per year, or $27.8 per hour.

Manager, (System Operations) Balancing Authority Market Operations and Compliance

BizTek People, Inc. | APA International Placement Consultants

Great Falls, MT • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description


Title: Manager, (System Operations) Balancing Authority Market Operations and Compliance
Duration: FTE
Location: Great Falls, MT
JOB DESCRIPTION
Summary
• The Manager, Balancing Authority Market Operations and Compliance position will manage, research, design, document, develop procedures, draft on-the-job training materials, conduct and evaluate training to support the implementation and on-going operations of its North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) registered balancing authority (BA) into the California Independent System Operators (CAISO) Western Energy Imbalance Market (WEIM) and other new energy markets including the CAISO's Energy Day Ahead Market (EDAM).
• The position attends, schedules, and participates in business meetings, and collaborates with the CAISO, consultants, and stakeholders to develop policies and procedures for BHE Montana's participation in WEIM and potentially EDAM.
• A primary function of this position is to assist with the management of the Company's Montana control center and the EIM Analysts and System Operators who perform real-time operation of the Company's balancing authorities, generation projects, WEIM participation, and scheduling of third-party energy resources, while ensuring grid reliability and continuous compliance with all North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC) balancing authority (BA), generation owner (GO) and generation operator (GOP) reliability standard requirements.
• The position is responsible for real-time NERC Compliance Reporting and submitting forms, documents and outage coordination for the Company's balancing authority. This position also requires compliance knowledge and implementation of Alberta Reliability Standards (ARS), and AESO ISO rules for dispatch of Generator Owner, and Generator Operator operations in Alberta.
• The position will support training activities for Company employees and interns, monitoring and overseeing mandates by NERC, WECC and other applicable regulatory agencies and standards regarding operation, control and monitoring of the balancing authority and generation facilities, and assisting with the development, tracking, and monitoring of compliance training/programs, policies, procedures, and standards to meet compliance requirements.
Essential Functions
  • Review and provide feedback on theCompany's current NOC operations for revenue optimization opportunities.
  • Maintain and build productiverelationships with regulatory and commercial partners (Western Power Pool,ADI, Alberta Ex, CAISO) and act as supervisor for real-time operationalissues with partners.
  • Maintain and build productiverelationships with transmission partners such as Northwestern, theMontana-Alberta Tie Line (MATL), and the Western Area Power Authority(WAPA).
  • Support the transition of the Company'snew generation projects into NOC operations and assist in businessdevelopment of new opportunities including third-party energy services.
  • Maintain NERC System OperatorCertification (Balancing and Interchange Operator or Reliability Operator)at all times, and complete continuing education hours required to maintainNERC System Operator Certification.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • The Manager, Balancing Authority MarketOperations will complete the Company's NOC Manager Task Qualificationtraining program and training to qualify as a System Operator on thescheduling, AESO, WEIM and balancing authority desks. Training must becompleted within 6 months. Upon completion of training, the position willbe available in a back-up capacity to cover shifts.
  • Manage BHE Montana's WEIM participation,compliance and reliability in real-time during both normal and emergencyoperating conditions. Manage daily balancing authority reliability duringboth normal and emergency operating conditions.
  • Manage the T-5, T-15 and hourly resourcestrategy to optimally balance the Company's resource position within WEIMrules and all NERC, FERC, WECC and other regulatory complianceobligations. Manage outage coordination for planned and unplanned outageswithin all regulatory compliance obligations.
  • Support the development and annualreview of BHE Montana's Energy Imbalance Market procedures and on-the-jobtraining materials for the WEIM Operations Analyst and System OperatorTraining Program. Manage the creation and revision of training materials asneeded for NERC Compliance and asset optimization.
  • Manage the hourly resource strategy tooptimally balance Company's resource position within all NERC, FERC, WECCand other regulatory compliance obligations.
  • Manage real-time system disturbancesinvolving generation, substation, and transmission equipment, coordinatingoutages in conjunction with the Transmission Operator and ReliabilityCoordinator.
  • Ensure compliance with NERC and WECCreliability standards for BA & GOP as it relates to procedures,policies and guidelines, and real-time logging and other record-keepingprocedures for NOC Operators/Operations, Implement new/updated reliabilitystandards. Take actions to mitigate and communicate any identifiedregulatory non-compliance event.
  • The position will perform dailycompliance assessments and review company performance, draft potentialnon-compliance documents for WECC, AESO and other regional areas asrequired, and support annual NERC Compliance audits, reviewing riskassessments, monitoring compliance activities, and identifying areas ofpotential non-compliance.
  • Draft, produce and submit for review theBalancing Authority NERC Compliance program assigned monthly, quarterlyand annual Balancing Authority Compliance Reports. Attends Compliance andother committee meetings as assigned.
  • Support the implementation and utilizeas required, Generation Management and Energy Management systems. Adaptprocesses and protocols to coordinate with network automation and theimplementation of outage management, forecasting, Generation Management andEnergy Management Systems.
  • Support the schedule, coordination andmanagement of BHE Montana's switching operations and procedures. Supervisescheduling of energy and execution of operational tasks by operators.
  • Review company logging and work safetyprocedures and report any issues to management.
  • Represent BHE Montana's grid and energyoperations with external groups
  • May serve as the Company'srepresentative for third-party coordination meetings. May serve as liaisonbetween reliability entities and commercial partners to ensure properbalance and optimization of assets given reliability constraints andforecast outages.
  • Support reporting/settlement duties forthe Company's generation projects and third-party generation operationsprojects, as requested.

REQUIREMENTS
  • Bachelor's degree inenergy/environmental studies, economics, business, finance, electricalengineering, or other relevant degree. Progressive work experience isneeded for candidates applying for this position who do not have abachelor's degree.
  • 10 years of proven experience in energymarkets (preferably WECC, CAISO, and AESO), energy marketing &trading, renewable energy (wind, solar, and battery), or comparableexperience. Demand Response and Microgrid experience helpful. 5+ years ofexperience managing real-time operations.
  • Balancing authority operations,scheduling, or power marketing experience is preferred. Must haveknowledge of energy markets including familiarity with regulatorypolicies, rates and tariffs, electric transmission, pooled markets, andrenewable energy generation technologies including wind, solar and/orbattery.
  • Knowledge, understanding and experiencewith NERC and Alberta Reliability standards and related compliance as itpertains to balancing authority operations, and Generation Owner(GO)/Generation Operator (GOP) requirements.
  • Previous experience working in acommercial negotiation environment with excellent customer-focused,commercial management, negotiation and influencing skills, is required.Previous experience negotiating, reviewing, and closing on PPA (PowerPurchase Agreements) preferred.
  • Ability to manage a network of potentialenergy off-takers. These entities include, but are not limited to,merchant, Load Serving Entities, cooperatives, utilities.
  • Ability to evaluate Energy Market trendsand identify potential target customers. Uses various forms of marketing(in-person, online, etc.) to secure balancing authority services andenergy customer contracts.
  • Knowledge of power system economics,especially economic dispatch and generator efficiency characteristics andreal-time energy trading. Technical skills and knowledge related tounderstanding electric generation and power system operations.
  • Knowledge of applicable California ISOprocedures and practices, with experience in one or more of the followingenergy markets preferred:
    • WECC interconnection
    • Western Energy Imbalance Market (EIM)
    • Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO)
    • Electric Reliability Council of Texas(ERCOT)
    • Midcontinent Independent SystemOperator (MISO)
    • PJM
  • Experience as a Power System Operator(with three years BAA experience preferred including Energy ManagementSystem (EMS) experience, in a BA environment)
  • Experience preferred in high voltagegrid, control, and switching operations.
  • Experience with power management OTsystems (SCADA, EMS, Automatic Generation Control (AGC), Historian, etc.)preferred.
  • Strong leadership experience in managingteams for collaborative success.
  • Strong business acumen and appreciationfor entrepreneurial approach to optimizing operations.
  • In-depth knowledge of regulatorycompliance issues
  • Solid analytical and math skills andexcellent computer capabilities
  • Adept and experienced in working in ateamwork environment.
  • Proven ability to effectively manage anddirect emergency operations.
  • Performs well under tight deadlines andemergency conditions, is capable of making decisions in a time-compressedenvironment.
  • Strong communication skills for voiceand electronic communications within the Company and with third-partyentities, including the use of three-part communication.
  • Ability to effectively coordinate/managemultiple tasks simultaneously.
  • Must be adaptable to change and have theability to prioritize responsibilities.
  • Must be highly detail oriented.