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Switch Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

JEA

System Operator

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

... switching, operating system equipment, and investigative tasks, consistent with JEA policies and procedures, tariffs and regulatory requirements - Studies switching requests, authorizes based on ...

Marmon

Rail Switching Operator

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

$21.50 - $24.50/hr

Railserve is hiring dependable, safety-focused Rail Switching Technicians in Cincinnati, OH to support daily rail operations at an industrial facility. This is a full-time, outdoor, hands-on role ...

nationalbeverage

Switcher/Forklift Operator

Warren, MI · On-site

$16 - $18.75/hr

This position is also responsible for switching trailers and transporting product to remote ... operating a forklift, certification preferred Previous experience in an industrial setting ...

nationalbeverage

Switcher/Forklift Operator

Warren, MI · On-site

$16 - $18.75/hr

This position is also responsible for switching trailers and transporting product to remote ... operating a forklift, certification preferred Previous experience in an industrial setting ...

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Switch Operator information

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How much do switch operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for switch operator in the United States is $24.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.43 and $30.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges a Switch Operator might face during daily operations?

Switch Operators often work in fast-paced environments where attention to detail is critical. One common challenge is coordinating with multiple train movements while ensuring safety protocols are strictly followed. Handling unexpected changes in schedules or equipment issues requires quick thinking and effective communication with dispatchers, engineers, and yard crews. Additionally, working outdoors in various weather conditions and during irregular hours can add to the complexity of the role.

What are Switch Operators?

Switch Operators are professionals responsible for operating and controlling railroad track switches and signals to direct the movement of trains. They ensure trains are routed safely and efficiently through rail yards, onto different tracks, or along specified routes. Their duties may also include communicating with train crews, inspecting track switches for proper operation, and coordinating with dispatchers to prevent collisions or delays. Switch Operators play a critical role in maintaining the smooth and safe flow of rail traffic.

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

To thrive as a Switch Operator, you need strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with signaling systems, communication radios, and control panels is typically required, along with safety certifications such as FRA regulations in rail settings. Excellent situational awareness, problem-solving, and teamwork skills help you respond quickly to changing conditions and coordinate with others. These abilities are crucial to ensure the safe, efficient movement of trains and prevent accidents in rail yards or on tracks.

What is the difference between Switch Operator vs Signal Maintainer?

AspectSwitch OperatorSignal Maintainer
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma, technical training, certifications
Work EnvironmentRail yards, track switches, switching stationsRailway signals, control centers, trackside equipment
Industry UsageRailroad companies, transit agenciesRailroad companies, transit agencies
Common Search/ComparisonSwitch Operator vs Signal Maintainer

Switch Operators primarily focus on operating track switches to direct train movements, while Signal Maintainers are responsible for maintaining and repairing railway signals and related equipment. Both roles are essential for safe and efficient railway operations, often working closely in the same environments but with different technical focuses.

More about Switch Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Switch Operator jobs? Cities with the most Switch Operator job openings:
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Switch Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Switch Operator job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 52% Full Time, 46% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,869 per year, or $24.5 per hour.
System Operator

System Operator

JEA

Jacksonville, FL • On-site

Other

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Thank you for your interest in the System Operator position! This is a continuous recruitment, which means applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Candidates may be contacted monthly as we move through the evaluation process, and selections may be made at any time.
The hiring process currently includes:
    Civil Service Interview

We appreciate your interest and look forward to reviewing your application!
 

As a training role, with direct supervision assists in performing operational planning, monitoring, coordinating and operating the transmission and distribution system and the JEA balancing area in compliance with all applicable corporate policies and procedures and regulatory requirements, to include taking corrective action to mitigate pre and post contingency events to maintain a reliable JEA and interconnected system.  Guidelines are available but are not completely applicable to the work or have gaps in specificity requiring independent action, judgment and decision making to interpret, analyze and adapt methods, techniques and procedures to specific cases or problems.  Solves problems within established parameters and identifies and recommends responses to new and unusual circumstances.  Completed work is evaluated for technical soundness, appropriateness and conformity with policies and requirements.  Regular contact with individuals in other work groups and external organizations is required to plan, coordinate or advise on work efforts, resolve problems and communicate information.

- Develops plans, monitors, operates, controls and reviews outcomes to maintain an efficient, cost effective and reliable system  through the performance of system dispatch, market coordination, switching, operating system equipment, and investigative tasks,  consistent with JEA policies and procedures, tariffs and regulatory requirements
- Studies switching requests, authorizes based on reliability and safety considerations and monitors switching on transmission lines,  switching stations, bulk power substations, and distribution circuits.
- Monitors system parameters and maintains proper voltage levels and energy flows within prescribed limits.
- Responds to alarms from substations and underground transmission line pump houses, analyzes problems and takes appropriate  action including the issuing of malfunction reports.
- Performs incident management processes and documentation.
- Maintains continuous radio communication with field employees.
- Operates an Energy Management System and other data communications equipment and required software and hardware  applications.
- Issues safety hold tags and clearances to ensure the safe operation and maintenance of electrical system lines and equipment.
- Performs coordination roles within JEA and other reliability organizations.
- Forecasts system load and variable resources, balances electric load and electric generation.
- Forecasts and estimates fuel and fuel delivery system requirements for electric generation.
- Performs scheduling functions to include generation on-line or off-line to meet load and reliability requirements, interchange  between control areas pursuant to NERC and FRCC policies and emergency power to and from other utilities.
- Determines the need and implements emergency procedures that may include the curtailment of transmission services based on  JEAs tariff requirements, purchasing of emergency power, switching, re-dispatch of generation devices, interruption of firm and  non-firm load. 
- Performs system dispatch, maintains, and schedules reserves, and market coordination tasks for the economic operation of JEA  resources to meet JEA load and interchange requirements within operating, fuel, reliability or environmental constraints
- Monitors conventional and variable generation levels, operating capability, operating limits, ramp rate, control status
- Monitors security analysis programs, troubleshoots software system, takes corrective action to ensure security analysis tools are  functioning properly.
- Operates study load flow and contingency analysis to test the system for changes in generation, interchange, tap changes, topology  changes, and voltage schedules and develop mitigation plans to ensure transmission security in the operating horizon.
- Coordinates with other areas to develop maintenance schedules for transmission, distribution and generation facility outages in the  operating horizon meeting reliability and other business considerations.
- Apply study results to approve or disapprove maintenance requests in the operating horizon
- Monitors online security analysis output, based on output utilizes study load flow and contingency analysis to develop mitigation  plans to ensure adequate system security.
- Performs network studies, develops mitigation plans and takes action to ensure transmission security is maintained at acceptable  levels in the operating horizon.
- Ensures adequate voltage schedules of balancing area generating resources.
- Evaluates impact protection systems being out of service and taking corrective action.
- Maintains accurate data records on load, generation, interchange and transmission service.
- Performs other job-related work as assigned.
 
Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering and two (2) years of system operator experience in one or more of the following disciplines:  balancing and interchange, transmission or bulk distribution
OR
An Associate Degree in an engineering related discipline or successful completion of Military Power Training School in Electrical, Electronic, Communications or Computer Technologies and four (4) years of system operator experience in one or more of the following disciplines:  balancing and interchange, transmission or bulk distribution
 
A regular valid driver's license is required prior to employment and must be maintained during employment in this classification.
 
North American Electric Reliability Council (NERC) Combined Balancing and Interchange/Transmission Operator or higher is required.
 
The full salary range for this position is $110,406.40 - $136,364.80. Salary will vary based on education, experience, skills, and abilities. 
 
*Please note: The work location for this position is JEA's SOCC (System Operations Control Center) facility, located on the westside of Jacksonville.
 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Activity                                                           Activity

Sitting

   Up to 12 hours per day

Lifting

 Will not generally apply

Walking

   Will not generally apply

 Up to 50 max. pounds

Standing

   Will not generally apply

Pushing

 Will not generally apply

Bending

   Will not generally apply

 Up to 50 max. pounds

Squatting

   Will not generally apply

Pulling

 Will not generally apply

Stooping

   Will not generally apply

 Up to 50 max. pounds

Reaching

   Will not generally apply

Climbing

 Will not generally apply

Balancing

   Will not generally apply

       Stairs

 Will not generally apply

Twisting

    Will not generally apply

       Ladder

 Will not generally apply

Crawling

   Will not generally apply

       Step-stool

 Will not generally apply

Kneeling

   Will not generally apply

Excessive heat

 Will not generally apply

Typing

    Up to 12  hours per day

Excessive cold

 Will not generally apply

Data Entry

    Up to 12  hours per day

Dust

 Will not generally apply

Hands in Water

 Will not generally apply

Humidity

 Will not generally apply

Loud Noise

 Will not generally apply

Unusual  hearing or vision demands:

Ability to distinguish primary colors and maintain vision correctable to 20/40; normal field of vision; normal night vision; good depth perception; good hearing and sense of smell.

Other physical demands or notes:

JEA employees should not attempt to lift, pull or push a load in excess of 50 lbs. without assistance.  Care should always be taken when lifting, pushing or pulling in an awkward position. 

Must possess sufficient strength and agility to perform lifting, climbing and carrying of tools and equipment. Able to wear appropriate safety equipment; work at heights and perform arduous duties.

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