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Senior Operator Jobs in Arkansas (NOW HIRING)

Operator - II, III or Senior

Little Rock, AR ยท On-site

$70K - $87K/yr

Operator III - Pay Range - $87,950 - $112,190 * Sr. Operator - Pay Range - $97,580 - $126,790 Join our team as a Power System Operator! We're seeking Power System Operators who thrive in a fast-paced ...

Operator III - Pay Range - $87,950 - $112,190 * Sr. Operator - Pay Range - $97,580 - $126,790 Join our team as a Power System Operator! We're seeking Power System Operators who thrive in a fast-paced ...

AR ยท On-site

Entergy Services, Inc ESI (OLD) This position will be filled as a System Operator Trainee, System Operator I, II, or Sr. based on the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate. This ...

Overnight Maintenance

Rogers, AR ยท On-site

$30K - $40K/yr

Provincial Senior Living, proudly part of the Discovery Senior Living family of operating companies, manages lifestyle-focused senior living communities. Our company, which was built on our "Pillars ...

Sr. Software Engineer

Little Rock, AR ยท On-site

$103K - $136K/yr

Continually review performance and collaborate with Sr. Software Engineers to recommend repairs of existing programs to increase operating efficiency or to adapt to new requirements * Document ...

Job Title: Sr. Specialist, Manufacturing Engineer Job Code: 39099 Job Location: Camden, AR Job ... Contributes to achievement of departmental goals and operating plans with direct impact on the ...

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Showing results 1-20

Senior Operator information

See Arkansas salary details

$20.7K

$66.4K

$135.2K

How much do senior operator jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior operator in Arkansas is $66,390.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34,300.00 and $85,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior operator?

Senior Operators are experienced professionals responsible for overseeing and managing the operations of machinery, equipment, or production processes in industries such as manufacturing, energy, or logistics. They ensure that operations run smoothly, efficiently, and safely while adhering to company policies and regulations. Senior Operators often train and supervise junior staff, troubleshoot technical issues, and may be involved in process optimization and reporting. Their extensive knowledge and leadership skills are vital for minimizing downtime and maintaining high standards of productivity.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior operator?

To excel as a Senior Operator, you typically need in-depth knowledge of production processes, strong troubleshooting abilities, and relevant experience, often supported by a technical diploma or certification. Familiarity with industrial control systems, PLCs, SCADA software, and safety protocols is essential. Leadership, attention to detail, and effective communication are important soft skills to manage teams and ensure smooth operations. These competencies are crucial for maintaining production efficiency, ensuring safety, and minimizing downtime in complex industrial environments.

What are the typical challenges a senior operator might face when managing a production shift?

Senior Operators often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting equipment malfunctions, ensuring team members adhere to safety protocols, and maintaining production efficiency under tight deadlines. They are also responsible for coordinating communication between various departments, quickly adapting to changes in production schedules, and mentoring less experienced operators. Success in this role requires strong problem-solving skills, leadership abilities, and a proactive approach to process improvements.

What is the difference between Senior Operator vs Process Technician?

AspectSenior OperatorProcess Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; often additional certifications in equipment or safetyHigh school diploma; certifications in process control or safety may be preferred
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, refineries, or production facilitiesIndustrial settings, manufacturing plants, or chemical processing facilities
Job ResponsibilitiesOversees operations, monitors equipment, troubleshoots issues, and ensures safetyMaintains and calibrates equipment, assists in process control, and supports production

Both roles operate in similar industrial environments and require related certifications. Senior Operators typically have more responsibilities in overseeing operations and troubleshooting, while Process Technicians focus on maintaining and calibrating equipment. The roles often overlap, but Senior Operators usually have more experience and supervisory duties.

What are the most commonly searched types of Operator jobs in Arkansas?

The most popular types of Operator jobs in Arkansas are:

What cities in Arkansas are hiring for Senior Operator jobs?

Cities in Arkansas with the most Senior Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Senior Operator job openings in Arkansas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 45% Full Time, 53% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,390 per year, or $31.9 per hour.

Operator - II, III or Senior

Little Rock, AR โ€ข On-site

$70K - $87K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Southwest Power Pool (SPP) is about more than power. We're about the power of relationships. Our employees have the opportunity to work together to ensure electricity is delivered reliably and affordably to the millions of people living in our service territory. We have been voted one of Arkansas' Best Places to work by Arkansas Business and we are looking for a member of our team who is passionate about our mission to keep the lights on!
We have a core ideology here at SPP that we stand by: Do the right thing, for the right reason, in the right way.
We believe in supporting our employees through a fantastic benefits package:
  • Competitive and transparent pay with bonus opportunities
  • Excellent insurance package including three great medical plans to choose from, employer-paid short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance
  • Relocation bonus (if applicable)
  • Hybrid working environment for positions that are eligible
  • Fantastic contributions to your retirement through a 401(k) savings plan with employer-match benefits and a pension (defined benefit plan) fully funded by SPP

PLEASE NOTE: SPP is not able to sponsor employment visas or student-work authorizations (STEM OPT) for this position. Please ensure you are eligible to work in the U.S. without sponsorship prior to applying.
COMPENSATION INFORMATION
The salary range(s) represents our good faith estimate for the role at this time. While we strive to provide competitive and transparent compensation, there may be circumstances where an offer is above or outside of the listed range. We are open to discussing salary expectations with qualified candidates considering factors such as the candidate's qualifications, skills, competencies, experience and geographic location will all be considered during the hiring process.
  • Operator II - Pay Range: $70,320 - $87,890
  • Operator III - Pay Range - $87,950 - $112,190
  • Sr. Operator - Pay Range - $97,580 - $126,790

Join our team as a Power System Operator!
We're seeking Power System Operators who thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment to support the reliable, real-time operation of a dynamic bulk electric system. Operators play a critical role in managing grid reliability, customer coordination, and ensuring compliance with the SPP Transmission Tariff and ancillary services markets. This position requires strong analytical thinking, sound judgment under pressure, and a commitment to continuous learning. Operators rotate through several desks with distinct but interconnected responsibilities: Real-time Balancing Market (RTBM) and or Balancing Coordinator (BC) or Reliability Coordination (RC) Operators are required to work a rotating shift, and this adds to the inherent stress/fatigue associated with operating a dynamic power system.
Key Responsibilities:
On a continuous around-the-clock basis, the Operator has responsibility for the following:
  • Support and run RTBM, Balancing or Reliability desk functions using available tools.
  • Have a complete working knowledge of the interactions between Reliability, Balancing, and RTBM functions.
  • Monitor and maintain SPP Area Control Error (ACE) and Current Operating Plan (COP)
  • Verify inputs for completeness and accuracy of RTBM, RUC, Reliability Congestion
  • Management studies.
  • Run RTBM, Reliability Unit Commitment (RUC), Reliability Congestion Management studies
  • within required parameters and timeframe.
  • Verify RTBM, RUC, Reliability Congestion Management study results for completeness and
  • accuracy.
  • Collaborate and communicate as needed.
  • Assist management with special assignments or requests.
  • Test existing RTBM, RUC, Balancing, or Reliability functionality as needed.
  • Test new RTBM, RUC, Balancing, or Reliability functionality as needed.
  • Learn tariff and market rules as appropriate.
  • Provide recommendations for improvements to processes and procedures.

What We're Looking For:
  • High School diploma or equivalent
  • Operator II โ€ข One (1) year experience as OPER I or equivalent industry experience
  • Operator III - Three (3) years' combined experience as OPER I or II or equivalent industry experience -
  • Sr. Operator - Eight (8) Years combined experience as OPER I, II, III or equivalent industry experience
  • Ability to work a rotating shift schedule
  • Good communication skills
  • Motivation to take appropriate action when required
  • Ability to make decisions with limited supervision
  • Ability to be a mentor to younger operators
  • Ability to work with a broad spectrum of individuals with diverse interests when resolving problems
  • Understanding of and compliance with SPP Policies and Procedures
  • Understanding of, compliance with NERC Policies

Professional Certification Requirements:
  • NERC Reliability Coordinator Certification, or the ability to secure such certification within three months of employment

Preferred:
  • Bachelor's degree in a technical field, such as electrical engineering
  • Knowledge of SPP Criteria, SPP OATT, and Market Protocols, NERC Operating Policies, scheduling practices and pro forma tariff procedures widely practiced in the industry

Work Environment:
This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.
Travel Requirement:
This position requires minimal travel (approximately 5%)
Southwest Power Pool is an equal opportunity employer that makes employment decisions without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, veteran status, age, disability status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Further, Southwest Power Pool makes good faith efforts to employ and advance in employment qualified protected veterans and qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, please contact us at HR@spp.org and let us know the nature of your request. We will only respond to messages left that involve a request for a reasonable accommodation in the application process.
At SPP we believe in a culture of belonging. Learn more here: Culture of Belonging - Southwest Power Pool.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.