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Substation Operator Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Overview Field Service Supervisor III Overview North American Substation Services (NASS) is a ... operating reliably and efficiently. Benefits * Medical, dental, and vision coverage * 401(k) ...

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Substation Operator information

See Colorado salary details

$5

$50

$60

How much do substation operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 20, 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.

How much does substation pay per hour?

Substation operators typically earn between $20 and $35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer. The role often requires technical skills, safety training, and sometimes certifications, with pay rates varying accordingly.

What skills do you need to work in a substation?

Substation operators need strong technical skills in electrical systems, including knowledge of circuit diagrams, control systems, and safety procedures. They should have good problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and the ability to operate and monitor equipment using control panels and automation tools. Certifications such as a high school diploma or technical training in electrical technology are often required, along with safety training and sometimes a valid driver's license for site access.

What is a substation operator?

A substation operator is responsible for monitoring and controlling electrical substations to ensure the safe and reliable distribution of electricity. They operate control systems, perform inspections, and respond to equipment issues, often working in shifts and requiring technical knowledge of electrical systems and safety procedures.

Do you need a CDL to be a substation technician?

A substation technician typically does not need a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) as their primary responsibilities involve electrical system maintenance and operation. However, some positions may require a CDL if driving company vehicles or equipment is part of the job. Certification in electrical safety and technical training are more relevant requirements for this role.

What are substation operators?

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 popular job titles related to Substation Operator jobs in Colorado? For Substation Operator jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles 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:
Infographic showing various Substation Operator job openings in Colorado as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 47% Full Time, 51% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,670 per year, or $50.8 per hour.
Staff Substation Structural Engineer

Staff Substation Structural Engineer

Black & Veatch

Arvada, CO

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago


Black & Veatch rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

72nd of 369 rated engineering


Job description

We believe real value is powered by the unique skills and experiences of our professionals. The interchange of ideas from a diverse group of people gives our teams an expanded perspective and the ability to find better solutions for our clients.

Company : Black & Veatch Corporation

Req Id : 113327

Job Title : Staff Substation Structural Engineer

Location : RGRALH, KCP, PJDENVER, RGANAR, RGAUSTIN, RGBLOOMIN3, RGBOST, RGCHATTAN, RGCOLST, RGDALL, RGHOUSTON3, RGORLA, RGPHNX, RGTUALAT

Business Unit Sector : COR-BVOPS-ENGR & DEV SVCS

Department: BVCOR BV OPS EDS STRUCTURAL

Opportunity Type : Staff

Relocation eligible : Yes

Full time/Part time : Full-Time

Project Only Hire: No

Visa Sponsorship Available:No

Recruiter : Dalton Garrison

Why Black and Veatch

Black & Veatch allows you to lend your talent and perspective to humanity's biggest challenges in a flexible environment where you are empowered to grow and explore new possibilities. We offer competitive compensation; 401K match and benefits that start day one. 

 
At Black & Veatch, you own your career with purpose and meaning. You are empowered to grow and explore new possibilities at every step of your career journey. Bring your big ideas knowing you are safe to be who you are and speak up with concerns or questions and put your diverse talents and perspectives to use.  #LI-DG1 

The Opportunity

As a Staff Substation Structural Engineer, you will have the opportunity to: 

  • Lead structural design engineering and analysis on substation scopes 
  • Collect and assimilate data for engineering work. Perform research and prepare calculations in accordance with Black & Veatch and industry standards.  
  • Develop recommendations for equipment and materials. Understand and work successfully within budget, project schedule, and quality requirements.  
  • May assist with providing guidance to engineering team members. Maintain positive client relations understanding client interests and drivers through effective communication with the project team. May assist with business development activities. 
  • Function as a technical specialist and/or in a lead role. With minimal supervision, apply advanced engineering techniques and analyses for problems and methods.
  • Expand knowledge and skill set in area of discipline. May start to expand knowledge in other disciplines and/or functional areas. 
The Team

Black & Veatch isRanked #4 Overall in Powerby Engineering News-Record (2025). Our Technology, Commercial & Industrial Team has specialized capabilities focused on the latest needs for clients in a fast-growth technology-led arena of advanced manufacturing, and generative AI computing including gigafactories, bio/ag tech, data centers anddistributed infrastructure. By joining our market sector, you will have the opportunity to be involved in cutting-edge technology and work with a team that moves quickly with decisions and expectations. 

Black & Veatch provides complete engineering, procurement, and construction new asset and operating asset services in the following areas: 

  • Substations 
  • Overhead Transmission Lines 
  • Underground Transmission Lines 
  • Renewables Integration 
Key Responsibilities
  • Execute structural analysis, perform calculations, and prepare sketches and drawings for the design of supporting structures and foundations for substation equipment and other energy infrastructure. 
  • Lead the structural efforts on Engineering Services and EPC substation projects. 
  • Generate project-specific specifications and assist with procurement process. 
  • Supervise structural engineers (both in the US and in overseas offices) and work with structural technicians in preparation of structural drawings and specifications. Is responsible for leading production teams and serving as the responsible charge for projects. 
  • Perform construction phase engineering duties such as site visits, responding to RFI's, and review of contractor submittals. 
  • Perform project administrative tasks, which may include any/all of the following: preparation of design fee estimates, monitoring progress against budget and schedule, management of project changes, and implementation of Black & Veatch Quality Control requirements. 
  • Coordinate work with other discipline engineers. 
  • Provide guidance and direction on department design guides, standards, systems, applicable engineering codes and B&V policies.  Assist in developing, maintaining, and updating engineering standards. Provide technical guidance to others regarding projects and disciplines. Support continuous improvement efforts. Provide guidance and direction to others. 
  • Implement resource management strategy including managing resources for a small group. 
Preferred Qualifications
  • Active PE License 
  • Intermediate knowledge of Structural Engineering design principles and applicable design guides and standards 
  • Basic structural steel and concrete experience using 3D analysis and design software such as RISA 3D, STAAD Pro, or equivalent 
  • Basic foundation design experience using analysis and design software such as LPile, RISA Foundation, SP-Mats, etc. 
  • Experience performing structural connection and miscellaneous calculations using MS Excel and/or Mathcad 
  • Written Communications, Drive for Results, Priority Setting, Planning, Delegation, Directing Others, Conflict Management, Informing, Listening, Dealing with Ambiguity, and Building Effective Teams 
  • The following experience would be a plus (but not required) based on the work anticipated from the client(s): 
    • Experience with the design of utility-scale electrical substations, energy, renewables, or similar fields 
    • Structural design of electrical substation steel structures and their foundations 
Minimum Qualifications
  • Requires a bachelor's degree in engineering from either a recognized accredited program in their home country or the country in which the professional is practicing or equivalent experience in Engineering work
  • Minimum of 5 years related work experience
  • All applicants must be able to complete pre-employment onboarding requirements (if selected) which may include any/all of the following: criminal/civil background check, drug screen, and motor vehicle records search, in compliance with any applicable laws and regulations.
  • Holds an active engineering registration or licensure to support engineer of record (EOR) requirements for BV projects in applicable countries, and supports where necessary.
Certifications

Holds an active engineering registration or licensure to support engineer of record (EOR) requirements for BV projects in applicable countries, and supports where necessary.

Work Environment/Physical Demands

Hybrid or flexible work options may be offered after the first 90 days of employment based upon manager discretion, job performance and work assignments. 

Salary Plan
REG: Registered Engineering
Job Grade
016

Black & Veatch endeavors to make www.bv.com/careers accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process because of a disability, please contact the Employee Relations Department at +1-913-359-1622 or via our accommodations request form. This contact information is for disability accommodation requests only; you may not use this contact information to inquire about the status of applications. General inquiries about the status of applications will not be returned.

Black & Veatch is committed to being an employer of choice by creating a valuable work experience that keeps our people engaged, productive, safe and healthy.

Our comprehensive benefits portfolio is a key component of this commitment and offers an array of health care benefits including but not limited to medical, dental and vision insurances along with disability and a robust wellness program.

To support a healthy work-life balance, we offer flexible work schedules, paid vacation and holiday time, sick time, and dependent sick time.

A variety of additional benefits are available to our professionals, including a company-matched 401k plan, adoption reimbursement, tuition reimbursement, vendor discounts, an employment referral program, AD&D insurance, pre-taxed accounts, voluntary legal plan and the B&V Credit Union. Professionals may also be eligible for a performance-based bonus program.

We are proud to be a 100 percent ESOP-owned company. As employee-owners, our professionals are empowered to drive not only their personal growth, but the company's long-term achievements - and they share in the financial rewards of the success through stock ownership.

By valuing diverse voices and perspectives, we cultivate an authentically inclusive environment for professionals and are able to provide innovative and effective solutions for clients.

BVH, Inc., its subsidiaries and its affiliated companies, complies with all Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) laws and regulations. Black & Veatch does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender Identity and expression, disability, veteran status, pregnancy status or other status protected by law.

Notice to External Search Firms: Black & Veatch does not accept unsolicited resumes and will not be obligated to pay a placement fee for unsolicited resumes. Black & Veatch Talent Acquisition engages with search firms directly for hiring needs.

In accordance with local law, the following compensation range is applicable for the job and location associated with this requisition: $120,406.00 - $201,080.00 


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About Black & Veatch

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Company: Black & Veatch Family of Companies Together, we own our company, our future, and our shared success. As an employee-owned company, our people are Black & Veatch. We put them at the center of everything we do and empower them to grow, explore new possibilities and use their diverse talents and perspectives to solve humanity's biggest challenges in an ever-evolving world. With over 100 years of innovation in sustainable infrastructure and our expertise in engineering, procurement, consulting and construction, together we are building a world of difference.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Overland Park, KS, US

Year founded

1915