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Nerc System Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

California ISO

Transmission Dispatcher (Onsite)

Folsom, CA · On-site

$69.13 - $79.35/hr

NERC System Operator Certification required. Type of Experience: System operator experience. Recent experience in either California or other major WECC transmission grid or Balancing Authority Area ...

JEA

System Operator

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

Thank you for your interest in the System Operator position! This is a continuous recruitment ... North American Electric Reliability Council (NERC) Combined Balancing and Interchange/Transmission ...

JEA

Associate System Operator

Jacksonville, FL

Position requires knowledge of and compliance to North American Reliability Corporation (NERC) and ... operating substation and distribution system equipment. * Develops plans, monitors, operates ...

SMECO

TRANSMISSION SYSTEM OPERATOR

Hughesville, MD · On-site

$81K - $105K/yr

... NERC, NESC, PJM, ISO and Maryland PSC codes and regulations. A System Operator should possess the following Characteristics and Attributes: 1) Flexible Schedule- must have the ability to work ...

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NERC System Operator information

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$10

$32

$83

How much do nerc system operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for nerc system operator in the United States is $32.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $38.22 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Nerc System Operator position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a NERC System Operator, you need a solid understanding of electric power systems, grid operations, and regulatory compliance, often supported by a degree in electrical engineering or a related field and the NERC certification. Familiarity with energy management systems (EMS), SCADA systems, and outage coordination tools is critical. Strong decision-making abilities, communication skills, and the capacity to perform under pressure help operators excel. These competencies ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the power grid in compliance with federal standards.

What is a typical workday like for a NERC System Operator?

A typical day for a NERC System Operator involves monitoring real-time grid conditions, responding to alarms, coordinating planned and unplanned outages, and communicating with field personnel and neighboring utilities to maintain system reliability. Operators often work in a control room setting, using advanced software and monitoring equipment to oversee power flows and facilitate rapid responses to disturbances. The role requires vigilance, as operators must be ready to take swift, decisive action during emergency events or system anomalies. Shifts may cover nights, weekends, and holidays due to the 24/7 nature of grid operations, but this dynamic environment also offers opportunities to develop specialized expertise and advance into senior roles within grid management or operations planning.

What is a NERC System Operator job?

A NERC System Operator is responsible for monitoring and controlling the electrical power grid to ensure a reliable and balanced flow of electricity. They follow North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) standards to prevent outages and respond to system disturbances. Operators communicate with power plants, substations, and other entities to manage grid stability and emergency situations. They typically work in real-time control centers and must be NERC-certified to perform their duties.

More about NERC System Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Nerc System Operator jobs? Cities with the most 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 Nerc System Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Nerc System Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Nerc System Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Nerc System Operator jobs are:
NERC System Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Nerc System Operator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 84% In-person, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,988 per year, or $32.7 per hour.
Transmission Dispatcher (Onsite)

Transmission Dispatcher (Onsite)

California ISO

Folsom, CA • On-site

$69.13 - $79.35/hr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Company Description
The California Independent System Operator (ISO) manages the flow of electricity across the high-voltage, long-distance power lines that make up 80 percent of California's power grid. We safeguard the economy and well-being of 30 million Californians by operating the grid reliably 24/7.
As the impartial grid operator, the California ISO opens access to the wholesale power market that is designed to diversify resources and lower prices. It also grants equal access to 25,865 circuit-miles of power lines and reduces barriers to diverse resources competing to bring power to customers.
The California ISO's function is often compared to that of air traffic controllers. It would be grossly unfair for air traffic controllers to represent one airline and profit from allowing that company's planes to go through before others. In the same way, the California ISO operates independently-managing the electron traffic on a power grid we do not own-making sure electricity is safely delivered to utilities and consumers on time and reliably.
Relocation Assistance is available.
Job Description
Under the general direction of the shift manager, works to manage daily planned outages and to match energy schedules to meet system energy needs on a real-time basis in compliance with NERC Reliability Standards, WECC Regional Reliability Standards, and applicable ISO Tariff, to ensure the safe and reliable operation of the ISO controlled grid. Maintains logs and related documentation for grid operations. Performs related work as required.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Coordinates and approves planned outages of the transmission system to ensure system security and reliable operations.
  • Maintains and establishes contact with participating transmission owners ensuring reliable data acquisition, maintenance schedules and information overseeing the operation, control and usage of the transmission system.
  • Implements transmission service rights under existing contracts.
  • Controls applicable interchange schedules to meet Balancing Authority Area obligations, emergency responses, WECC Regional Reliability Standards and NERC Reliability Standards, and supports the transmission system in the most reliable manner.
  • Exercises corrective scheduling action under normal and emergency conditions.
  • Coordinates and schedules energy resources to meet system load requirements.
  • As appropriate, exercises authority over scheduling coordinators regarding system reliability and system emergencies.
  • Monitors and responds to telemetry alarms or failures.
  • Checks accuracy of metering tie points used by SCADA.
  • Maintains logs and documentation for grid operations and prepares reports as required.
  • Takes or directs appropriate real-time actions, as necessary, under normal and emergency conditions, to maintain system reliability in compliance with WECC Regional Reliability Standards, NERC Reliability Standards, and ISO procedures, up to and including the shedding of firm customer load

Qualifications
Level of Education and Discipline:
A Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Economics, Mathematics, or Computer Science or completion of formal System Operator training program or equivalent system operations experience.
Amount of Experience:
Completion of California ISO formal Operations Trainee program or 2 years of experience as a system operator.
Certifications:
NERC System Operator Certification required.
Type of Experience:
System operator experience. Recent experience in either California or other major WECC transmission grid or Balancing Authority Area desired. Background in Electrical System Operations or Electric Utility Operations helpful.
Additional Skills and Abilities:
Must have strong interpersonal skills with the ability to coordinate multiple activities with multiple parties. Ability to respond effectively to emergency conditions and operate in a highly stressful and dynamic environment. Must be able to work effectively in a team environment as facilitator and team member. Excellent communication and analytical skills required.
Additional Information
The pay range for the Transmission Dispatcher is $69.13 - $79.35 per hour.

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