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Nerc System Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

EverLine

NERC System Operator

Houston, TX · On-site

Participating in all required training to perform as a System Operator * Real-time operational decision-making needs of customer facilities, including meeting NERC control performance measures and ...

Jobs for Humanity

AR · On-site

NERC System Operator certification to be obtained within the first 12 months of employment. If unable to obtain certification in the specified time period, employment for this position will be ...

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Nerc System Operator information

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How much do nerc system operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 19, 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 35% Full Time, 1% Contract, 63% Nights, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 79% Physical, 12% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,988 per year, or $32.7 per hour.
NERC System Operator

NERC System Operator

EverLine

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Position Summary:
The System Operator is a vital member of the 24x7 operations team, supporting the contracted clients with optimizing revenue for transmission and generation assets while maintaining safety and production standards. This role involves identifying alarm conditions and initiating timely response plans, while ensuring compliance with all relevant regulatory and contractual requirements across real-time operations. The System Operator will also oversee the daily operational coordination of a diverse portfolio of transmission and generation assets, working across multiple balancing authorities, transmission providers, and scheduling entities.
Major Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Managing and responding to emergency procedures (up to and including curtailing firm demand)
  • Coordinating start-up/shutdown of customer generation assets
  • Scheduling outages
  • Communicating with Independent System Operators (ISO), Reliability Coordinators (RC), Balancing
  • Authorities (BA) and Transmission Operators (TOP)
  • Preparing and analyzing operating reports/logs and providing real time data to the Company and third party contracted counterparts
  • Responsibility and authority to implement real-time actions to ensure the stable and reliable operation of the
Bulk Electric System (BES), including shedding load
  • Participating in all required training to perform as a System Operator
  • Real-time operational decision-making needs of customer facilities, including meeting NERC control performance measures and operating limits.
  • The ability to effectively and efficiently manage a range of factors that impact performance and limits, including energy schedule volumes, frequency, voltage, power flows and deviations.
  • Managing compliance with all applicable NERC Reliability Standards.
  • Implementing emergency procedures as necessary/required
  • Ensure that internal organizational policies are always adhered to while on shift
  • Must be able to work a Dupont revolving 12hr shift, including days, nights, weekends, and holidays.
Knowledge, Skills, abilities and Other Personal Characteristics:
  • Experience working for a utility, IPP, Power Plant, Control Center, ISO, etc.
  • Strong communications skills, including both written and verbal communication
  • Strong critical analysis and problem-solving skills
  • Highly developed organizational skills
  • Ability to manage multiple time-sensitive priorities without diminished effectiveness
  • Must be NERC RC, TOP, or BIT certified
Minimum Requirements:
  • Associate’s degree in engineering, power plant, electric, business, and/or related discipline
  • Minimum high school diploma, or two (2) year diploma/certificate in a technical program (Electrical or Instrumentation controls), other degrees/certificates may be considered
  • Two or more years of relevant experience including a working knowledge of generating plants, RTO/ISO operations, and transmission or distribution operations.
  • NERC certification (RC, BIT, or TOP) required.
  • Must be willing to work a 12-hour rotating shift schedule including holidays and adapt to a rapidly changing environment
  • Work independently to perform primary duties and be able to interpret existing policies and procedures to make decisions in real time
  • Ability to identify and solicit appropriate services customers that fit the existing services portfolio and Company’s forward business strategies
  • Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing; possess strong analytical, problem solving, presentation and negotiation skills, and the ability to use computer applications
  • The position requires specific working knowledge of NERC region and NERC criteria and requirements.
  • Must have a valid driver's license
Desired but not Required:
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Electronics, Economics, Business Administration, or other related discipline and/or experience desired
  • Five (5) or more years of relevant experience including working knowledge of generating plants, RTO/ISO operations, and transmission or distribution operations.
  • Specific working knowledge of regional reliability operating policies and representation on NERC and regional committees nationwide
Work Environment:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee will regularly work within an office environment and is required to sit and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms and talk and listen. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision. Physical Requirements include the ability to sit for long periods of time, communicate verbally and in writing and handle long periods of screen time.
This position supports a 24 x 7 business; must be willing to work a 12-hour rotating shift schedule including weekends and holidays and adapt to a rapidly changing environment.
Employment is contingent upon a successful background check and drug screen.
Equal Opportunity Employer: E-Verify Employer
This document describes the current position. It is not an employment contract. Our Company reserves the right to modify Position duties or Position descriptions at its discretion

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