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Nerc System Operator Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

QE Solar

Director of NERC Compliance

Scottsdale, AZ · On-site

$115K - $130K/yr

... years of operating experience. We manage 10 GW of solar and 7.5 GWh of BESS across 44 states ... systems. We're pure-play O&M. That focus means our entire organization is built around one thing ...

Leidos

Systems Operations Engineer

Phoenix, AZ

This position performs daily, weekly, and seasonal operating studies and reliability assessments to ensure secure system operations and compliance with applicable NERC Reliability Standards and ...

Leidos

Systems Operations Engineer

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

This position performs daily, weekly, and seasonal operating studies and reliability assessments to ensure secure system operations and compliance with applicable NERC Reliability Standards and ...

APS

Senior Director/Director Cybersecurity

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

Summary Cybersecurity at APS is more than protecting systems. It's about protecting the people and ... In-depth knowledge of NERC CIP and SOX regulations. Must hold or be eligible for U.S. National ...

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Nerc System Operator information

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$10

$30

$77

How much do nerc system operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for nerc system operator in Arizona is $30.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.12 and $35.62 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 Arizona? The most popular types of Nerc System Operator jobs in Arizona are:
What are popular job titles related to Nerc System Operator jobs in Arizona? For Nerc System Operator jobs in Arizona, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Nerc System Operator jobs in Arizona look for? The top searched job categories for Nerc System Operator jobs in Arizona are:
What cities in Arizona are hiring for Nerc System Operator jobs? Cities in Arizona with the most Nerc System Operator job openings:
Nerc System Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Nerc System Operator job openings in Arizona as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 93% In-person, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,357 per year, or $30.5 per hour.
Power System Dispatcher

Power System Dispatcher

Western Area Power Administration

Phoenix, AZ • On-site, Remote

$117K - $197K/yr

Full-time

PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Summary
This position is part of the WAPA-RMR-Rocky Mountain Region, Sierra Nevada Region, Desert Southwest Region, or Upper Great Plains. As a Power System Dispatcher, you will be responsible for the real-time operations of Bulk Power Systems (BPS) performing actions during normal and emergency conditions.
This open and continuous announcement establishes a standing register of eligible applicants. See Additional Information section.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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As a Power System Dispatcher, you will:
  • Creates and maintains accurate logs to document operations. Records pertinent dispatcher actions, decisions and observations.
  • Reviews logs, reports, and receives pertinent verbal information from departing dispatchers to ascertain present conditions of the power system.
  • Coordinates actions with other personnel and management to implement operations plans.
  • Complies with the Operating Instructions from the Reliability Coordinator and/or other power system operating entities for both real-time and next-day operating events.
  • Operates AC-DC-AC converter stations and places associated converter equipment in service and removes equipment from services via the Energy Management System (EMS).
  • Utilizes EMS and other advanced applications to control, record, modify parameters, verify, and analyze BPS and lower voltage systems operational data.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
  • This employer participates in the e-Verify program.
  • Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
  • Suitable for Federal employment, as determined by a background investigation.
  • May be required to successfully complete a probationary/trial period. Employees serving on a probationary or trial period may be terminated at any time during the probationary or trial period for performance, conduct, or business-related reasons in the interest of Federal service.
  • In accordance with Executive Order 14170, applicants are encouraged to respond to the four short, free-response, essay questions in the questionnaire. Answers to these questions are not scored or rated. Your answers will be reviewed by the hiring manager and agency leadership if you are referred for selection consideration.
  • Limit your resume to no more than two (2) pages. If more than two pages are submitted, only the first two pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility and qualifications.
  • Security clearance and associated requirements- High Risk.
  • The incumbent is subject to the random drug and alcohol testing program established by the Department of Energy.
  • The position requires a pre-appointment and annual physical exam at Federal expense.
  • Occasional travel up to 5-10% annually is required, with overnight travel possible during all or part of that time.
  • Total salary varies depending on location of position (See Additional Information Section).
  • The incumbent must be at least 18 years of age, able to obtain and maintain Defensive Driver's certification and have a valid state driver's license. Defensive Driver's training will be completed upon employment.
  • For consideration at the AD-03 Level if the incumbent does not hold a valid NERC certification at the time of appointment, it must be obtained within 180 days from the date of hire. Failure to be able to obtain the required NERC certification may result in disciplinary action up to removal from appointment. For consideration at the AD-04 Level the incumbent my have (one) of the following NERC Certifications: Transmission Operator (TO), Balancing/Interchange/Transmission Operation (BIT), or Reliability Coordinator (RC).
  • The incumbent must be able to fully qualify and pass transmission operator desk training to independently operate the transmission desk within 11 months. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action up to and including removal.

Qualifications
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
For the AD-03 level - A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level [AD-02/GS-09] in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as meeting at least one of the following:
  1. Power system operator experience equivalent to the AD-02 level (advanced trainee), with centralized SCADA/EMS control of power system equipment with 34.5 kV or higher voltage power lines and substations, OR
  2. Power plant or control center operator experience, where normal duties include direct SCADA control over multiple, remotely operated power plants, OR
  3. Operations or maintenance experience executing switching programs for clearances or other general switching actions on power system equipment at 34.5kV or above voltage level.

For the AD-04 level - A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level [AD-03/GS-11] in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as meeting at least one of the following:
  1. Power system operator experience equivalent to the AD-03 level with interconnected system monitoring of voltages, power flows, maintaining limits, responding to changing system conditions, meeting safety, reliability, and coordination requirements, and adhering to applicable policies and procedures, and guidelines. AND
  2. Experience using power system switching procedures to prepare, check and direct routine and emergency switching activities. AND
  3. Experience using a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA)/Energy Management System (EMS) in order to monitor system conditions and respond to contingencies.

"Experience" refers to paid and unpaid experience. Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include: volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); as well as work for other community-based philanthropic and social organizations. Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills; and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Physical Demands:
The work is primarily sedentary and requires sitting in one position for long periods of time with intense concentrations. Required to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Arc Rated protected clothing when in proximity to exposed energized circuits.
Work Environment:
Work is performed in an office setting. The position is in a continuous operation control center, requiring the incumbent work 12-hour rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Occasional field training will be required to various BPS and lower voltage system and facilities. The incumbent may be subject to inclement weather conditions such as high temperatures, rain, sleet, snow, and extreme cold. This position is designated as Emergency Essential.
Limit your resume to no more than two (2) pages. If more than two pages are submitted, only the first two pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility and qualifications.
Education
For this position, education cannot be substituted for experience.
Additional information
  • This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional similar vacancies across DOE.
  • For general information on government-wide Telework polices visit: www.telework.gov.
  • This open and continuous announcement establishes a standing register of eligible applicants.
    • Applications received by June 6, 2026 will be considered for the first referral.
    • Applications received after June 6, 2026, but by July 7, 2026, will be considered for the second referral.
    • Applications received after July 7, 2026, but by August 6, 2026, will be considered for the final referral.
  • You do not need to resubmit your application between referral periods unless your contact information, qualifications, or interest change.
  • Applicants may request Reasonable Accommodation (RA) when applying or competing for a job due to a medical condition or to exercise religious beliefs. If you need reasonable accommodation in the application or selection process, please contact the Agency Contact listed on this vacancy announcement.
  • If selection is made at a lower grade, promotion up to the full performance level may be made without further competition. However, promotion(s) will depend on the performance of the incumbent and are not guaranteed.
  • Promotion Potential: AD-04
  • The selectee for this position may be eligible to receive a recruitment or relocation incentive. You will need to sign an employment agreement to be eligible for this incentive.
  • Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs are not authorized.
  • This position may be eligible for creditable service towards annual leave. Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. DOE may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed.
  • Salary negotiation may be available for those candidates who are new to Federal service.
  • Salary: The salary range indicated in this announcement will be adjusted to reflect the selected duty location.

Salary Ranges:
  • Folsom, CA: $141,085 - 197,200
  • Loveland, CO: $117,816-172,341
  • Watertown, SD: $117,816-172,341
  • Phoenix, AZ: $117,816-172,341

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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

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