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$11

$34

$87

How much do nerc system operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for nerc system operator in Colorado is $34.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.48 and $40.19 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 Colorado?

The most popular types of Nerc System Operator jobs in Colorado are:

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

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Nerc System Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Nerc System Operator job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 90% In-person, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,490 per year, or $34.4 per hour.

System Operator Trainee

Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Inc.

Westminster, CO

$42/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Responsible for gaining a comprehensive working knowledge of all aspects of System Operations through formal training courses, on-the-job training, field training and self-study. The Trainee will progress through a phased training program to teach the Trainee all of the aspects of System Operations including scheduling, electrical fundamentals, transmission system switching, transmission system reliability, and emergency response. The training is to be completed within 24 months.   Participate, under the direction of a NERC Certified System Operator, in daily routine or emergency operations of the power system. 

Tri-State recognizes the value of a highly engaged and committed workforce and provides an excellent benefits program that includes: Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance Health Savings Account (HSA), Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Tuition Reimbursement, Flexible Work Schedules, Life Insurance, 401K, Long Term Disability (LTD), Short Term Disability (STD), Employee Assistant Program (EAP) and Paid Leave Benefits. 

System Operator Trainee
Hiring Wage: $42.00 

Tri-State is a wholesale power supply cooperative, operating on a not-for-profit basis, with electric distribution cooperatives and public power district members in four states: Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico and Wyoming. Together with its members, Tri-State delivers reliable, affordable and responsible power and energy services to nearly a million electricity consumers across roughly 200,000 square miles of the West.

Founded in 1952 by its member systems to provide a reliable, cost-based supply of electricity, Tri-State is now headquartered in Westminster, Colo., employing approximately 1,000 people across five states.

Tri-State's electricity is generated from coal, natural gas, hydropower, wind, and solar. This power reaches members via a transmission system that includes substation facilities, telecommunications sites and almost 6,000 miles of high voltage transmission lines.

As a member-owned and -governed cooperative, every member has a voice and an equal vote in the future of Tri-State.

Education and Training

  • High school education or equivalent. Associate degree in electronics or electrical technology or equivalent. Completion of technical training/schooling such as military A school training, desirable. Working knowledge of algebra, geometry and basic principles of physics.

Knowledge, Skills, and Ability:

  • Ability to learn electrical and mechanical theory, AC and DC circuits and the fundamentals of power flow.

  • Must become NERC System Operator Certified in the first six months of employment. 

  • Must maintain NERC System Operator Certification by obtaining the required continuing education hours.

  • Must be able to distinguish full range of colors; position duties involve the use of computer monitor which displays color-coded electric system diagrams.

  • Willingness to work rotating shifts.

  • Ability to use or learn computer terminal.   

  • Ability to communicate, both orally and written.

  • Working knowledge of safety rules and equipment.

  • Ability to work under stress.

  • Ability to maintain effective working relationships.

Experience:

  • Zero (0) to two and one half (2 ) years of related experience.

Other:

  • Willingness to travel as required. (Must possess a valid driver's license.)

  • Utility experience in power plant or field maintenance is desired or military equivalent.

DESIRED JOB QUALIFICATIONS

  • NERC Certification

  • Complete and pass TSGT System Operator Trainee training course designed for System Operations.

  • Participate, under the direction of a NERC Certified System Operator, in daily routine or emergency operations of the power system.

  • Develop a working knowledge of the EMS/SCADA (Energy Management System/Supervisor Control and Data Acquisition) system and become competent in its operation including the performance of real-time system studies.

  • Develop a working knowledge of the electrical transmission system to include transmission lines, substations, telecommunications, and all other major related components.

  • Become competent on all communications equipment to include radio and telephone equipment and other associated devices.

  • Become competent on various computer applications for data entry, report writing, and data exchange.

  • Complete field assignments with TriState crews in order to learn transmission, substation, and generation job functions.  Minimum of one week with each field discipline, or as required.

  • Develop a working knowledge of all WECC major transmission paths and their impact on the interconnected system (i.e. TOTs).

  • Learn the basic fundamentals of coal fired, combined cycle and combustion turbine generation, hydroelectric, and renewable generation technologies (i.e. wind and solar) to include terminology, characteristics and limitations.

  • Develop a working knowledge of Regional Transmission Organization (RTO) and/or Independent System Operator (ISO) reliability functions.

  • Gain a working knowledge of power scheduling, power contracts, and learn basic power marketing principles.

  • Learn and comply with safe work and clearance procedures as they apply to routine and emergency situations.

  • Understand and fulfill the role and responsibility for all compliance programs within the company.
  • Because Tri-State is an electric utility with continuous service obligations to its customers, regular, reliable, and predictable performance of the essential functions and responsibilities is an essential function of the job.
  • Because Tri-State has an obligation to provide continuous, reliable electric service to its customers, the ability to work overtime at any time of the day or week is considered an essential function of the job.

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