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Nerc System Operator Jobs in California (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 ...

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Nerc System Operator information

See California salary details

$10

$32

$82

How much do nerc system operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for nerc system operator in California is $32.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $37.74 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 California? The most popular types of Nerc System Operator jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Nerc System Operator jobs in California? For Nerc System Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Nerc System Operator jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Nerc System Operator jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Nerc System Operator jobs? Cities in California with the most Nerc System Operator job openings:
Nerc System Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Nerc System Operator job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 90% In-person, 5% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,097 per year, or $32.3 per hour.

Electric Utility Senior System Operator - Transmission and Distribution (NERC Certification Rate)

City of Redding, CA

Redding, CA • On-site

$169K - $206K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Salary : $169,893.36 - $206,519.04 Annually
Location : Redding, CA
Job Type: Full-Time (Status 3)
Job Number: 305E 8061 042026
Department: Electric Department
Division: 8061 - REU - Operations Engineering
Opening Date: 04/03/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Bargaining Unit: UPEC
Description
We are looking for someone to
  • Direct and supervise assigned personnel in their related duties to coordinate activities with operation of the City of Redding electric power system.
  • Supervise redistribution of loads and required switching to sectionalize lines in case of trouble and insure maintenance of service during emergencies.
  • Review and direct the training of Electric Utility System Operators - Transmission & Distribution and Electric Utility Assistant System Operators - Transmission & Distribution in performance of assigned duties, and insure System Operator compliance with safe work practices and procedures.
  • Assist the REU designated trainer with the training of Electric Utility System Operators - Transmission & Distribution and Electric Utility Assistant System Operators - Transmission & Distribution in NERC/WECC Reliability Standards associated with Transmission Owner (TO), Transmission Planner (TP) and Transmission Operator (TOP) Classifications. Assist REU designated trainer administer training materials and programs for both in-house and outside training venues and track and monitor training programs and hours. Assist REU designated trainer with preparation to provide evidence of compliance with training requirements during an audit.
  • Inform relevant parties of system outage status in a timely fashion and provide periodic updates for the duration of the outage. During SOP-200 emergency situations, provide REU PIO with system outage status as requested.
  • Evaluate assigned personnel job performance and recommend personnel actions such as merit increases, and disciplinary actions.
  • Assist Standard Owner to ensure all applicable NERC and WECC reliability standards for the Transmission and Distribution System Operator desk are in full compliance, report non-compliance events as required by applicable procedures. Maintain applicable reliability certifications as required

Qualifications we're looking for
Knowledge of:
  • Principles of engineering, supervision, and business management; electric substations
  • Electric generating stations
  • Switching and dispatching operations
  • Methods applied in coordinating load, distribution and transmission requirements
  • Generation sources
  • Utility service area
  • System Operations-related safety rules and regulations
  • Mathematics as it pertains to electric utility operations; and effective supervisory skills and techniques
  • NERC requirements associated with Transmission System Operator duties

Ability to:
  • Interact effectively with the public and employees
  • Direct the redistribution of electric loads, required switching, the removal and restoration to service of lines and equipment
  • Exercise sound judgment in coordinating safety of personnel and equipment during emergencies
  • Maintain effective relations with public, other utilities and with City personnel
  • Prepare oral and written reports and supervise the compilation and preparation of related data
  • Work harmoniously with other employees, both internal and external to the Utility

Education, Experience and Special Requirements:
  • Typical education would include a high school diploma or equivalent, with some emphasis in physics, science, mathematics and communications courses
  • Typical experience would include five years of power dispatching experience or seven years of increasingly responsible experience in power substation, generation, and dispatching operations
  • Possession of a NERC Certificate in one of the following areas: Reliability Operator, Balancing, Interchange and Transmission Operator, Transmission Operator

What to expect from the Application and Exam Process
You will receive notifications pertaining to this recruitment at the e-mail address and text message number provided on your application. Email correspondence may go to your spam and junk mail folders. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any portion of the testing or interview process should contact Personnel at (530) 225-4065 by the application deadline.
Examination Process: An oral board interview will be administered. This recruitment will establish an eligibility list and may be used to fill future vacancies.
Selection Process:
  • Final appointment is contingent upon:
  • Positive past employment references
  • Passing a city paid fingerprint criminal conviction check
  • Passing of a pre-employment medical exam and drug and alcohol screening test (depending on position)
Veteran's Credit: Applicants who attach a copy of the DD-214 to their application indicating Honorable Discharge from military service and receive a passing score on the examination process will have two (2) additional points added to their final examination score.
The City of Redding adheres to Cal/OSHA COVID-19 requirements.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/FEDERAL AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER
NOTE: This is a summary of benefits and is provided as a courtesy. For specific benefit information, refer to the labor agreements (MOUs) of each bargaining unit.
To view the United Public Employees of California MOU,
THESE BENEFITS DO NOT APPLY TO EXTRA-HELP EMPLOYEES OR PART-TIME EMPLOYEES.
Holidays:
An average of thirteen and a half per year. Fire Association covered employees receive a payment in lieu of holidays. Holiday compensation for Redding Peace Officers Association and Redding Police Managers Association employees has been converted to base pay.
Vacation:
Two weeks per year up to the fourth year of service, three weeks up to nine years of service, three and a half weeks up to fourteen years of service, four weeks up to nineteen years of service, four and a half weeks up to twenty-four years of service, five weeks after twenty-four years of service. For accrual rates for Fire Department shift employees, refer to MOU. Part-time and temporary employees may be eligible for some vacation/paid time off benefits.
Sick Leave:
Twelve working days of sick leave are accrued each year. Unused sick leave may be credited toward retirement. For accrual rates for Fire Department shift employees, refer to MOU.
Health Insurance:
Excellent medical, dental, vision, and life for employee and dependent, and long-term disability for employees.
Retirement:
Full-time employees are covered by CalPERS (formula is dependent on hire date and member status in CalPERS) and are not covered under the Social Security System.
Administrative Leave:
Management positions are eligible to receive 40 hours of administrative leave per calendar year as authorized by the department director; additional leave up to 40 hours may be granted by the City Manager.
Deferred Compensation Plans:
Available for interested employees.
Union Dues: Some job classifications are represented by collective bargaining units, the employees of which may choose to join and pay union dues.
Part-Time Retirement Benefit Program:
Part-time, seasonal, and full-time temporary employees either participate in the Social Security System or the PARS Alternate Retirement System depending upon bargaining unit assignment.
SDI:
United Public Employees of California represented positions do not participate in SDI.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice.
01
Do you possess a current NERC System Operator Certification? If yes, please attach your certification to your application.
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

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