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Nerc System Operator Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

Nerc System Operator information

See Alabama salary details

$9

$29

$75

How much do nerc system operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for nerc system operator in Alabama is $29.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.64 and $34.66 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Nerc System Operator jobs in Alabama? The most popular types of Nerc System Operator jobs in Alabama are:
What cities in Alabama are hiring for Nerc System Operator jobs? Cities in Alabama with the most Nerc System Operator job openings:
Infographic showing various Nerc System Operator job openings in Alabama as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $61,623 per year, or $29.6 per hour.
System Operations Supervisor- Birmingham, AL

System Operations Supervisor- Birmingham, AL

Southern Company

Birmingham, AL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 4 days ago


Southern Company rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

System Operations Supervisor- Birmingham, AL 

JOB SUMMARY:   

This position is supervisory in nature, includes goal setting, performance management and will be responsible for supporting the Balancing, Interchange and OASIS business processes in the Bulk Power Operations (BPO) Power Coordination Center (PCC).

JOB REQUIREMENTS: 

  • Engineering Degree is preferred/relevant job experience will also be considered
  • Supervision experience desired
  • Understanding of transmission markets and/or Balancing Authority Area operations is desirable
  • Knowledge of SERC, NERC, and FERC and their role in our business is strongly desirable.
  • Knowledge of the Southern Company Open Access Transmission Tariff is strongly desirable.
  • Knowledge of NERC and NAESB standards pertaining to transmission reservations and energy tagging is strongly desirable.
  • Knowledge of various communication tools
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Office tools (including Visual Basic for Applications) is strongly desirable
  • Strong oral and written communications skills.
  • Strong organizational and documentation skills.
  • Strong facilitation & meeting management skills.
  • Strong project management skills
  • Strong problem-solving skills
  • Ability to bring consensus and buy-in among people with different views and agendas
  • Ability to manage and prioritize multiple assignments simultaneously and produce timely results
  • Must demonstrate Our Values as core values. 
  • Must have strong interpersonal skills, be a self-starter, a decision-maker, flexible, self-directed, and a team player.
  • Must build and maintain effective relationships across many functions, departments, and auditing.    

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:   

  • Provide daily supervision and direction to team members 
  • Carry out performance management responsibilities for team members
  • Develop team members
  • Problem definition, solution identification, solution testing, and implementation phases of current and new applications
  • Oversee and provide support for Southern's participation in the Southeastern Energy Exchange Market (SEEM)
  • Participate in administration of Southern's eTag system, Open Access Same Time Information System (OASIS), OATI's webTrans system, and custom applications utilized at the Balancing Authority
  • Provide support and data to aid in the production of metrics by BPO's data analysis team
  • Coordinate work activities with the OASIS Administrator
  • Work with the Balancing and Interchange functions to provide technical solutions for administering the Southeastern Energy Exchange Market (SEEM) under varying operational circumstances
  • Support and maintain computer-based tools utilized by the Interchange Authority and Balancing Authority 
  • Develop and maintain a clear understanding of NERC standards and requirements
  • Develop and maintain a clear understanding of the NAESB eTag and OASIS standards
  • Develop and maintain a clear understanding of the Southern Company Open Access Transmission Tariff
  • Provide leadership to maintain compliance documentation required for FERC/NERC/NAESB compliance 
  • Provide leadership to maintain business procedures under the direction of the Interchange Authority and Balancing Authority management
  • Provide leadership to respond to FERC/NERC/NAESB rulings, standard changes and requested industry feedback
  • Assist in the maintenance of the BPO NAESB compliance program 
  • Assist the BPO compliance group with data related to Southern's compliance with NERC and NAESB standards
  • Attend NAESB CISS meetings and represent Southern's position on industry issues.
  • Attend NAESB OASIS Subcommittee meetings as needed
  • Attend SEEM meetings and represent Southern's position on market issues
  • Develop and make presentations to management and staff of Bulk Power Operations and other similar groups
  • Coordinate with supporting business units to ensure data accuracy and tool enhancements are Implemented.
  • Insider Threat Program Evaluation Required 
  • Occasional travel required. Up to 25%
  • Must be able to obtain Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) access

About Southern Company

Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million customers across the Southeast and beyond through its family of companies. Providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy with excellent service is our mission. The company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company, a leading distributed energy solutions provider with national capabilities, a fiber optics network and telecommunications services. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, resilience and sustainability, we are taking action to meet customers' and communities' needs while advancing our goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and are the key to our sustained success. We are transforming energy into economic, environmental and social progress for tomorrow. Our corporate culture has been recognized by a variety of organizations, earning the company awards and recognitions that reflect Our Values and dedication to service. To learn more, visit www.southerncompany.com. 


Southern Company invests in the well-being of its employees and their families through a comprehensive total rewards strategy that includes competitive base salary, annual incentive awards for eligible employees and health, welfare and retirement benefits designed to support physical, financial, and emotional/social well-being. This position may also be eligible for additional compensation, such as an incentive program, with the amount of any bonus/awards subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable incentive plan(s). A summary of the benefits offered for this position can be found here https://seo.nlx.org/southernco/pdf/SOCO-Benefits.pdf. Additional and specific details about total compensation and benets will also be provided during the hiring process.


Southern Company is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law.

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