ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Substation Operator Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Leinenkugel's

Substation Technician

Golden, CO

$46.26 - $48.03/hr

Performing work at elevation, utilizing a bucket truck * Assist Utility Operators in ... Coordinate substation outages with the Operations teams, to ensure minimal downtimes and high ...

Leidos

Senior Substation Physical Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site +1

$107K - $147K/yr

Your greatest work is ahead! We're seeking a Senior Substation Physical Engineer to take a key role ... Utilities and mobile operators rely on our Power Delivery Services Team for reliable power and ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsSubstation Operator JobsSubstation Operator Jobs in Colorado

Substation Operator information

See Colorado salary details

$5

$50

$60

How much do substation operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for substation operator in Colorado is $50.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47.50 and $53.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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.

More about Substation Operator jobs
What are popular job titles related to Substation Operator jobs in Colorado? For Substation Operator jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Substation Operator jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Substation Operator jobs in Colorado are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Substation Operator jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Substation Operator job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Substation Operator jobs in CO? For Substation Operator jobs in CO, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Substation Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Substation Operator job openings in Colorado as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,670 per year, or $50.8 per hour.

Physical Substation Designer - Transmission & Distribution (Denver)

Burns & McDonnell

Denver, CO

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

Burns & McDonnell rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 50 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 80 rated construction

Job description

The Substation Physical Designer will perform various phases of planning, site evaluations, analytical designs, design documents for proposals, specifications, and electrical plans as part of a project team. This project will directly execute complex, early design phases while partnering with diverse firms and international resources on detailed design work.

  • Perform various electrical project designs including substation plan layouts, section cuts, physical details, ground grid design, lightning design and other physical substation components. Follow all company, client and project design and drafting standards.
  • Perform drawing, planning, development and production work including problem analysis, design layout and calculations on non-routine assignments of substantial variety and complexity.
  • Perform a variety of assignments using prescribed methods and standard techniques including drawing sequence and presentation, sizing various system components and refining rough sketches.
  • Perform the evaluation of designs or sketches and redlines or mark-ups on ongoing projects for quality assurance.
  • Approve design codes and specifications related to design requirements.
  • Perform production of design drawings within scope, budget and schedule. Perform project tasks and assignments within budgeted hours and deadlines.
  • Compute volume calculations for conduit, lightning, grounding designs under the direction of the engineer.
  • Incorporate schedules, budgets and project criteria into electrical design and layouts for project financial goals.
  • Responsible for the quality review of all revisions of project drawings, plot files and project-related information in a logical and well-structured manner.
  • Train, mentor, and develop less experienced drafting, detailing and design staff members.
  • Support the development of subcontracted diverse firms and Burns & McDonnell international affiliates.
  • Participate in marketing and possible client development meetings.
  • Responsible for the physical design QA/QC process.
  • Evaluate manufacturer prints from vendors to verify they meet design criteria
  • All other duties as assigned.
  • Bachelor Degree in drafting technology or related field and 7 years related experience required or,
  • Associate Degree and 8 years related experience required or,
  • 9 years progressive detailing and design experience required.
  • Advanced understanding of design software such as: AutoCAD, MicroStation, and Excel to develop the design deliverables. Ability to learn and effectively utilize new design software programs.
  • Advanced ability to utilize both 2D and 3D applications to prepare engineering drawings.
  • Advanced knowledge in design, calculations and design systems.
  • Advanced knowledge in the theory and practices of assigned discipline; competent in the fundamental concepts of other disciplines as they relate to the assigned discipline; and capable of operating related discipline design software necessary to execute production tasks.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with others including, but not limited to Project Managers, Engineers and Designers in a multi-discipline project team environment to resolve design or drawing issues as appropriate and to accomplish objectives.
  • Excellent written & verbal communication skills.
  • Strong analytical and problem solving skills, and attention to detail.

What Burns & McDonnell employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Burns & McDonnell logo

About Burns & McDonnell

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Burns & McDonnell assists clients of all sizes and industries by providing extensive physical services ranging from assessments, integrated security solutions, and large security architecture designs. Services we typically provide include security and safety system design, threat, risk, and vulnerability assessments, security surveys, security master planning, compliance to federal security programs, independent validation and verification of integrated security system operations, management of installation and maintenance, and staff augmentation to develop and implement facility management and protection processes.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Kansas City, MO, US

Year founded

1898

Social media

FacebookTwitter

View All Burns & McDonnell Jobs

Apply