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Substation Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

GETSG Logo

Substation Technician

Tracy, CA · On-site

The Permanent High Voltage Substation Technician provides continuous, localized oversight ... Operating under a long-term Balance of Plant (BOP) contract, this individual serves as the primary ...

Qcells

Substation Electrician III

Irvine, CA

Substation Foreman FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Position Status: Full-Time Work Status: Field-based ... This position includes operating a variety of heavy equipment such as backhoes, trenchers ...

Qcells

Substation Electrician III

Irvine, CA · On-site

Substation Foreman FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Position Status: Full-Time Work Status: Field-based ... This position includes operating a variety of heavy equipment such as backhoes, trenchers ...

WSP

Senior Substation Project Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$104K - $133K/yr

Plan and incorporate future-ready techniques, concept development, operating strategies, and ... Experience in 230kV through 765kV substation design and IEEE/ANSI standards. * Experience managing ...

WSP

Senior Substation Project Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site +1

$104K - $133K/yr

Plan and incorporate future-ready techniques, concept development, operating strategies, and ... Experience in 230kV through 765kV substation design and IEEE/ANSI standards. * Experience managing ...

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Substation Operator information

See California salary details

$5

$47

$56

How much do substation operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for substation operator in California is $47.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44.62 and $50.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a substation operator?

Substation operators are skilled professionals responsible for monitoring, controlling, and maintaining electrical substations, which are key points in the power distribution network. They ensure the safe and efficient operation of equipment that regulates voltage and directs electricity flow from power plants to homes and businesses. Their duties include inspecting equipment, monitoring systems for faults, responding to emergencies, and coordinating with other utility workers to maintain uninterrupted power supply. Substation operators play a crucial role in ensuring the reliability and safety of the electrical grid.

What does a substation operator do?

As a substation operator, it is your job to run and manage an electrical substation so that customers can safely use electricity. Your job duties are to inspect, maintain, and monitor all equipment, including power converters, circuit breakers, and voltage transformers. This career requires at least some work experience in an electrical substation. Most employers offer on-the-job training. Another option is to earn an associate degree in a related field, such as power plant technology, from a community or technical college. Additional qualifications are strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a substation operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Substation Operator, you need a solid understanding of electrical systems, safety protocols, and typically a high school diploma or technical certification in electrical technology. Familiarity with SCADA systems, circuit breakers, transformers, and compliance with OSHA safety standards is essential. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of substations, minimizing risks and maintaining uninterrupted power supply.

What are some common challenges a substation operator faces during shift work and how can they be managed?

Substation Operators often work in rotating shifts, including nights and weekends, which can disrupt sleep patterns and personal routines. Managing these challenges involves developing strong time-management skills, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, and practicing effective communication with team members to ensure seamless handovers. Additionally, operators must stay vigilant during extended shifts to monitor equipment and respond to emergencies promptly. Many employers offer training and support resources to help staff adapt to shift work and maintain safety standards.

What is the difference between Substation Operator vs Power Plant Operator?

AspectSubstation OperatorPower Plant Operator
CertificationsTypically requires a high school diploma and technical training; may need certifications in electrical safetyRequires a high school diploma; technical training or certifications in power plant operations are common
Work EnvironmentWorks in electrical substations, outdoors or in control roomsWorks inside power plants, control rooms, or outdoor facilities
Industry UsageUsed in electrical utility companies managing transmission infrastructureEmployed in power generation facilities producing electricity

While both roles involve electrical systems and safety protocols, Substation Operators focus on managing electrical substations and transmission equipment, whereas Power Plant Operators oversee the generation process within power plants. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

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Substation Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Substation Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 46% Full Time, 52% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,177 per year, or $47.7 per hour.

Substation Technician

GETSG Logo

Tracy, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Description:

The Permanent High Voltage Substation Technician provides continuous, localized oversight, maintenance, and emergency response for dedicated utility-scale substation asset. Operating under a long-term Balance of Plant (BOP) contract, this individual serves as the primary on-site technical expert. The role guarantees daily facility integrity, rapid fault remediation, and seamless grid reliability for localized renewable generation or transmission infrastructure.

Requirements:

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Daily Site Stewardship: Conduct routine physical walk-downs, thermal imaging scans, and visual inspections of localized substation assets.
  • Perform inspections on met towers, maintain culverts and simple road repairs.
  • Equipment Maintenance & Testing: Execute preventive and corrective maintenance on transformers, circuit breakers, disconnect switches, and instrument transformers.
  • Diagnostic Execution: Lead routine electrical testing, including insulation resistance (Megger), transformer turns ratio (TTR), and contact resistance.
  • Local Grid Coordination: Coordinate switching orders, voltage schedules, and plant curtailments directly with the local interconnecting utility and balancing authority.
  • BOP Compliance Management: Manage on-site NERC PRC-005 compliance records, battery bank testing logs, and environmental SPCC containment checks.
  • Rapid Emergency Response: Serve as the first line of defense for localized forced outages, diagnostic alarms, or weather-induced grid events.
  • Contractor Monitoring: Supervise specialized third-party testing crews or OEM technicians during major turnarounds or transformer oil processing.
  • Support the owner with various contractors on site performing post construction inspections.

Safety & Environmental Leadership:

  1. Zero-Incident Culture: Maintain strict compliance with OSHA regulations, site-specific safety rules, and NFPA 70E electrical safety standards.
  2. Daily Hazard Analysis: Lead the Job Safety Environmental Analysis (JSEA) process for all on-site personnel and local contractors daily.
  3. LOTO Control: Serve as the primary Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) isolation coordinator, ensuring a safe work zone through strict switching execution.
  4.  Facility Environmental Compliance: Monitor localized oil-containment systems, track SF6 gas inventory, and maintain site spill-prevention materials, vegetation inspections and hand removal in areas of immediate concern.

Qualifications & Skills:

  • Experience: 3–5 years of dedicated experience in high-voltage substation maintenance, utility operations, or localized renewable BOP environments.
  • Technical Education: Associate degree in Electrical Technology, completed electrical apprenticeship, or equivalent military technical training[RG2.1][MV2.2].
  • Certifications: OSHA 10/30, NFPA 70E, and CPR/First Aid certifications are highly preferred.
  • Schematic Proficiency: Exceptional skill in reading complex electrical schematics, logic diagrams, three-line prints, and wiring diagrams.
  • Autonomy: High degree of technical independence and self-motivation to manage site needs without constant direct supervision.

Working Conditions & Local Physical Demands:

  • Zero Travel Lifestyle: Position is strictly local to the designated regional facility asset hub, requiring no overnight travel.
  • Outdoor Resilience: Ability to work outdoors year-round in regional weather extremes and navigate gravel-heavy substation yards.
  • On-Call Availability: Participation in a regular, localized on-call rotation for evening, weekend, and holiday emergency response.[RG3.1][MV3.2] Must be on call 24-7 unless time off is scheduled with management.
  • Proximity Requirement: Must reside within a designated radius (e.g., 45–60 minutes) of the primary substation facility for response windows.

Core Values:

Green Energy Technical Services Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to engaging a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, or any other protected status.

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