1

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 Aug 24, 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 is a NERC System Operator?

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 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a NERC System Operator?

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 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 are popular job titles related to Nerc System Operator jobs in Alabama?

For Nerc System Operator jobs in Alabama, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Nerc System Operator jobs in Alabama look for?

The top searched job categories for 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 August 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.

Remote Operations Center Operator

Birmingham, AL • On-site


Southern Company

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer


$16.75 - $20.75/hr

Other

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

SPC Remote Operations Center (ROC) Operator

This position will function as part of the Southern Power Remote Operations Center, a 24x7 operation, which provides remote monitoring and operational support to the SPC renewable fleet of wind, solar, and BESS generating assets across the country. This position is primarily responsible for the monitoring and operation of multiple renewable sites across the U.S. from the ROC in Birmingham, AL.

This position is responsible for the following:

  • Controlling and operating sites as dictated by dispatch orders and procedures.
  • Managing remote resets of equipment.
  • Managing curtailment directives.
  • Interacting with Transmission Provider & Customer
  • Logging of all site events, alarms, resets, and dispatches and completing shift reports.
  • Troubleshooting in conjunction with site personnel.
  • Coordinating activities with site personnel, system operations, and asset management.
  • Managing facility forecasts.
  • Providing plant performance & output reporting
  • Managing NERC reporting in conjunction with site personnel
  • Maintain QSE qualifications.

This position will closely support and interface with System Operations, Plant Operations, and Asset Managers in these activities.

This position will be located at the Southern Power Remote Operations Center in Birmingham, AL and will be filled at a level and job classification commensurate with the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate.

EXPERIENCE:

  • 2-year AS Technical Degree – preferred
  • Military experience in technical field – desired
  • Knowledge and experience in the areas of wind and/or solar power plant Operations is preferred.
  • Knowledge and experience in Plant Performance, and/or Engineering is desired.
  • Basic Understanding of electrical theory
  • Experience with plant control systems such as Allen Bradley PLC and/or SCADA systems is desired.
  • Hands-on experience with plant data historian (AspenTech or PI) – building trends and analyzing data - preferred.
  • Knowledge of and experience with different power generation technologies including solar, wind, and battery storage is preferred.
  • Experience with data management techniques to access, integrate, and present data from multiple sources is desired (Excel, Access, etc).
  • Experience in organizing and managing multiple projects at the same time. Proven ability to plan and ability to discern problems that need immediate attention versus those that allow more time to resolve.
  • Proved ability to adapt to changing priorities.

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS REQUIREMENTS:

  • Basic Understanding of Electrical Theory
  • Ability to use multiple data sources such as SCADA, plant controls, and data historians to troubleshoot problems with sites and site equipment
  • Proficiency in the use of Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Access, and other applications.
  • Proven interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Awareness of and compliance with NERC/CIP requirements applicable to facility and ROC operations

BEHAVIORAL ATTRIBUTES

  • Must be able to make timely decisions, apply seasoned judgment, and display personal responsibility.
  • Display unquestionable trust, superior performance, and total commitment.
  • Be a team player - able to quickly build good working relationships.
  • Results oriented self-starter that can work independently.
  • Promote Safety and DE&I

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Controlling and operating sites as dictated by dispatch orders and procedures.
  • Managing remote resets of equipment.
  • Managing curtailment directives.
  • Interacting with Transmission Provider & Customer
  • Logging of all site events, alarms, resets, and dispatches and completing shift reports.
  • Troubleshooting in conjunction with site personnel.
  • Coordinating activities with site personnel, system operations, and asset management.
  • Managing facility forecasts.
  • Providing plant performance & output reporting
  • Managing NERC reporting in conjunction with site personnel
  • Establishing ongoing relationships and effectively communicating with all levels of plant and corporate employees and management.
  • Taking an active role in the development of new employees.
  • Perform 24/7 Realtime QSE operations.

Total travel time will be no more than 10%.

This position will require shift work in a 24x7 operational facility.


What Southern Company employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom