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Nerc System Operator Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Engineer RQ00904

Edmonds, WA · On-site +1

$100 - $140/hr

... within NERC Operating & Planning (O&P) or comparable regulatory frameworks. The successful ... Familiarity with CAD systems, drawing standards, and industry design/analysis software. Experience ...

Plant Engineer

Tacoma, WA

$108K - $162K/yr

Acting as site NERC Compliance Officer, to include reporting and interfacing with the Capital Power ... control systems, equipment failure, equipment optimization, etc. * Obtain Out-Plant Operator ...

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Nerc System Operator information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$12

$37

$94

How much do nerc system operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for nerc system operator in Seattle, WA is $37.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.16 and $43.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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?

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 Seattle, WA? The most popular types of Nerc System Operator jobs in Seattle, WA are:
What are popular job titles related to Nerc System Operator jobs in Seattle, WA? For Nerc System Operator jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Nerc System Operator jobs in Seattle, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Nerc System Operator jobs in Seattle, WA are:
What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Nerc System Operator jobs? Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Nerc System Operator job openings:
Infographic showing various Nerc System Operator job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,371 per year, or $37.2 per hour.

Energy Management Systems Technical Administrator

City of Seattle

Seattle, WA • On-site

$50.33 - $58.51/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


City Of Seattle rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 31 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

121st of 845 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Position Description Seattle City Light, a department of the City of Seattle, is one of the nation's largest municipally owned utilities in terms of the number of customers served. Over the years we have worked very hard to keep Seattle's electricity affordable, reliable, and environmentally sound. Today, City Light is a recognized national leader in energy efficiency and environmental stewardship.

System Reliability, transit electrification, and grid modernization initiatives within City Light require an expanding footprint of Operational Technology (OT) Systems and qualified personnel to support them. This position offers an opportunity to engage with a diverse base of technologies to solve problems and design systems that steer City Light towards its Energy Future. The position of Energy Management Systems Technical Administrator will engage in day-to-day operations and maintenance of the SCL Energy Management System (EMS), as well as participate in project work to implement strategic computer technologies that will help modernize the SCL power grid operations with enhanced intelligence, automation, and decision making.

This position will report to the Supervisor of Energy Delivery Systems of the Power System Automation (PSA) Unit in the System Operations Center. Job Responsibilities The PSA Energy Delivery Technology Application team provides technical application and infrastructure support for the SCL Energy Management System (EMS) and supporting technology. The EMS is a highly available, secure computer system that allows for remote monitoring and control of SCL power generation, transmission, and distributions systems.

The candidate will frequently collaborate with members of the greater PSA team, System Operations, Engineers, and Communications Electricians to solve system issues and complete project work. This position will engage with the following technologies and protocols: OSII Monarch SCADA/EMS/AGC ICCP RTU Communication protocols: DNP3 Telegyr 8979, Modbus EIDE C Programming Language Linux, CLI OSISoft PI PostgreSQL and Oracle database management systems SEL RTAC OSII Sentinel Future Seattle Electrification Strategy, including: AMI, Micro-Grid, Renewables, Storage, Advanced Distribution Management Systems, and Distributed Energy Resource Management Systems The job responsibilities outlined below are aligned with the traditional system development life cycle procedures and workflow for asset management, information protection, change management, cyber security protection and NERC CIP standards. Contribute to the development of high-quality design standards and support processes for: High availability, redundancy and operational continuity.

Quality assurance to ensure that as-built changes meet design standards. Ensuring compliance with NERC CIP regulatory standards. Interface with OT infrastructure stakeholders, users, and partner teams to ensure: Monitoring, logging, notifying and reporting on reliable system operations and problem resolution.

Preparation and execution of test procedures in accordance with change management processes. Maintaining system documentation, performance metrics and reports. Maintaining compliance with NERC CIP regulatory standards.

Liaison with other operational technology providers (e.g. power plants, substations, data network communications, regulatory compliance, Seattle IT, industry vendors and consultants). Contribute to the development and deployment of system changes that include: OT infrastructure, operating system, and application patches and upgrades

Configure, test and deployment to servers and workstations. Hardware, software and data recovery System interfaces, performance and reports with vendor supported software. Participate in 24x7 call-out Qualifications Minimum Qualifications Requires an Associate Degree in Computer Science or related field and two years of experience in systems software, hardware, system analysis, design, programming or network (voice/data) implementation (or a combination of education, training and/or experience that provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class).

Work Environment/Physical Demands Physical demands include lifting, bending and crawling. Work may be performed at City office locations as well as department specific remote facilities and field job sites. May be required to be on call nights, holidays, and weekends to respond to emergency situations and/or performs shift work in a 24X7 environment.

May require some travel to remote field locations for department-specific technical support and project management. License, Certification and Other Requirements May required to be on call nights, holidays and weekends to respond to emergency situations and /or perform shift work in a 24x7 environment. May require a valid Washington State Driver's License or equivalent mobility.

Desired Qualifications - You will be successful if you have the following experience, skills, and abilities: Technical Knowledge Requirements: General understanding of IT applications, infrastructure and integration supporting SCADA/EMS systems. Working knowledge of Linux and Windows environments. Command line proficiency and general troubleshooting skills.

Ability to plan, manage and execute multiple tasks and projects within defined timelines. Strong understanding of Operational Technology trends, risks and security methods. Strong understanding of cyber security best practices for electric utilities.

Excellent analytical ability, problem solving and collaboration skills. Excellent verbal, written and presentation communication skills. Excellent troubleshooting abilities.

Programming, scripting, workflow, and automation technologies (C, Python, SQL, PowerShell, and web technologies). Creating reports from large amounts of data. NERC CIP or other cyber security regulatory compliance.

Electric utility SCADA or other utility/industrial control systems. Understanding of high availability 24x7 computing environments. IT Infrastructure with network, servers and workstations.

Relational databases (PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Oracle, SQL Server, Sybase, etc.). Operational technology communications networks. Communication protocols (e.g., DNP3, Modbus, LG8979, SDI12, IEC60870)

RTU / SCADA equipment vendors (e.g., SEL RTAC RTU). Application of cyber security and compliance best practices for OT/SCADA systems. Coordination of activities that impact engineering, field crews and operations personnel

Preference will be given for applicants who possess the Desired Qualifications: Skills related to change management in mission critical environments. Organization and planning skills to manage competing priorities. Personal initiative to deliver high quality and continuous improvement results.

Flexibility to work independently or in teams that include users, peers, vendor and consultant resources. Knowledge of network and operating system hardening techniques. Knowledge of basic cyber operations activity concepts (e.g., footprinting, scanning and enumeration, penetration testing, white/black listing, etc.)

Willingness to learn and accept responsibility, comply with safety rules and regulations, work efficiently, effectively and independently. Ability to work in a fast-paced government technology environment; to work as a productive member of a professional team, as well as initiative to be a self starter; ability to work under pressure, multitask and rapidly changing priorities. Solid understanding of operational technology for the power grid and the electric utility is strongly preferred.

Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Emergency Response Commitment: Seattle City Light is committed to reliable service during emergencies.

Through our Emergency Response Program, each employee is assigned a role-usually aligned with their regular duties-to support emergency operations. Your participation is required and vital to helping the utility stay prepared and serve our community when it matters most. Additional Information The full salary range for this position is $50.33 to $58.51 per hour

Application Process Please submit the following with your online application: A cover letter in which you clearly describe how your knowledge, experience, skills, and abilities prepare you for the job responsibilities and qualifications outlined in the job announcement A current resume of your educational and professional work experience. Incomplete applications may not be accepted. Who May Apply: This position is open to all candidates that meet the qualifications.

Seattle City Light values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Seattle City Light encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.

Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process, including the completion of a background check. The background check will involve a criminal history check, which includes conviction and arrest records in compliance with the Seattle's Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17and the City of Seattle Personnel Rule 10.3. A driving history review may be conducted in compliance with SMC 4.79.020.Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits. Want to know more about Seattle City Light

Check out our web page: https://www.seattle.gov/city-light/about-us/careers.


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