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Substation Operator Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Quanta Services

Design Engineer - Substation

Portland, OR · On-site

$104K - $133K/yr

... operating companies providing solutions for the utility, renewable energy, electric power ... The Design Engineer - Substation will perform substation design assignments including physical ...

WSP

Substation Project Engineer

Lake Oswego, OR · On-site

$101K - $129K/yr

Incorporate future-ready techniques, concept development, operating strategies, and various design ... substation switchyard layouts. * Develop plans, specifications, and cost estimates; preparing ...

WSP

Substation Project Engineer

Lake Oswego, OR · Hybrid

$101K - $129K/yr

Incorporate future-ready techniques, concept development, operating strategies, and various design ... substation switchyard layouts. * Develop plans, specifications, and cost estimates; preparing ...

WSP

Senior Structural Substation Engineer

Lake Oswego, OR · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

Support of substation physical design with bus analysis calculations and coordinating with multiple ... S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms.

WSP

Senior Structural Substation Engineer

Lake Oswego, OR · On-site +1

$90K - $120K/yr

Support of substation physical design with bus analysis calculations and coordinating with multiple ... S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms.

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All JobsSubstation Operator JobsSubstation Operator Jobs in Portland, OR

Substation Operator information

See Portland, OR salary details

$5

$51

$61

How much do substation operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for substation operator in Portland, OR is $51.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47.93 and $54.42 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.

More about Substation Operator jobs

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What job categories do people searching Substation Operator jobs in Portland, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for Substation Operator jobs in Portland, OR are:

What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Substation Operator jobs?

Cities near Portland, OR with the most Substation Operator job openings:

Substation Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Substation Operator job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 51% Full Time, 47% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,573 per year, or $51.2 per hour.

High Voltage Substation Operator Apprentice I

U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)

Hillsboro, OR

$49.24/hr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

U.S. Department Of Energy rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

149th of 853 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

The Apprenticeship program is a formal training program consisting of 7 steps for Substation Operator (3 1/2 years). The apprentice must pass an end-of-step review following each 6-month step to remain in the program. Apprentices will be promoted to journeymen after successfully passing the final step review.Qualifications:Applicants must meet the requirements of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Job Qualification System for Trades and Labor Occupations (X-118C). Although a specific length of time and experience is not required for most trade and labor occupations, you must show through experience and training that you possess the quality level of knowledge and skill necessary to perform the duties of the position at the level for which you are applying. Qualification requirements emphasis is on the quality of experience, not necessarily the length of time.
Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the job elements and screen out listed below. Your resume should demonstrate that you possess these elements and screen out. Do not provide a separate narrative written statement. Rather, you must describe in your resume how your past work experience demonstrates that you possess the elements and screen out identified below. This job has a screen-out factor which will be used to determine minimum eligibility for this job. Applicants who do not receive a minimum of two points on this screen-out element(s) or who do not score at least half of the total points possible across all elements will be found ineligible.
The screen-out element for this position is: APTITUDE AND INTEREST TO LEARN TRADE THEORY. Failure to meet this Screen out Element will result in an ineligible rating.
In addition to meeting the minimum qualifications for this position, you must pass an online aptitude examination demonstrating your potential for learning and advancing in an Apprentice position. Failure to pass the examination will result in an ineligible rating.
Apprenticeship positions require that you sign a "Continuation of Service Agreement". If you voluntarily leave BPA/DOE, while completing or after completing the training program and / or prior to completing your service commitment you may be liable to BPA for the value of any service days not completed within 30 days of separation. The agreement will obligate you to remain with BPA for a period of one year upon completion of apprenticeship training.


WORKING CONDITIONS:

Working conditions for Substation Operator Apprentice are performed both indoors and outdoors under all prevailing weather conditions during the day or night. Work is also performed on uneven, outdoor surfaces, including steep inclines, on rocked or graveled surfaces and unimproved surfaces. Hazards include working around high voltage equipment and machinery with moving parts. The possibility of explosion or fire is ever-present. The Substation Operator Apprentice may work from ladders, platforms, scaffolding, or stairs. The work environment will occasionally include high noise levels and/or exposure to hazardous substances (such as acids, PCB's, pesticides, asbestos, mercury, solvents, etc.) that could, if precautions are not followed, pose a health risk. Proper respiratory and safety equipment shall be worn when hazardous substances are being handled. Emergencies, critical system conditions, or outage limitations may require that work be done at night and/or under time restraints. System priorities may require extended periods of overtime, including working weekends.

"Experience" refers to paid and unpaid experience. Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include: volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); as well as work for other community-based philanthropic and social organizations. Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills; and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
CTAP/ICTAP candidates: To be considered "well qualified" you must meet all of the requirements as described in this section.
You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Education:There are no specific education requirements or substitution of education for experience for this position.Employment Type: OTHER

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