ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

System Operator Trainee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Jobs for Humanity

AR · On-site

Entergy Services, Inc ESI (OLD) This position will be filled as a System Operator Trainee, System Operator I, II, or Sr. based on the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate. This ...

Jobs for Humanity

System Operators

Little Rock, AR · On-site

Entergy Services, Inc ESI (OLD) This position will be filled as a System Operator Trainee, System Operator I, II, or Sr. based on the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate. This ...

Kapsch TrafficCom AG

System Operator I

Binghamton, NY · On-site

$24/hr

An Operator I - Trainee will begin in a training capacity and is eligible for promotion to System Operator I upon successful completion of a core competency evaluation developed by NYSDOT Region 9 ...

Kapsch TrafficCom

System Operator I

Binghamton, NY

$24/hr

An Operator I - Trainee will begin in a training capacity and is eligible for promotion to System Operator I upon successful completion of a core competency evaluation developed by NYSDOT Region 9 ...

Kapsch TrafficCom AG

System Operator I

Binghamton, NY · On-site

$24/hr

An Operator I - Trainee will begin in a training capacity and is eligible for promotion to System Operator I upon successful completion of a core competency evaluation developed by NYSDOT Region 9 ...

Vermont Electric Cooperative

System Operator

Johnson, VT · On-site

$58.53/hr

System Operator Vermont Electric Cooperative (VEC) is seeking a System Operator in either our ... Starting pay $41.49/hour (trainee), progressing to $58.53/hour for First Class Operators, plus ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsSystem Operator Trainee Jobs

System Operator Trainee information

See salary details

$14

$27

$44

How much do system operator trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for system operator trainee in the United States is $27.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.04 and $28.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a System Operator Trainee, you need a solid understanding of electrical systems, power grid fundamentals, and typically an associate’s degree in electrical engineering technology or a related field. Familiarity with SCADA systems, energy management software, and NERC certification is often required or preferred. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help trainees excel in high-pressure, team-oriented environments. These competencies are crucial for maintaining grid reliability, ensuring safety, and responding rapidly to system disturbances.

What are some common challenges faced by System Operator Trainees in their first year on the job?

As a System Operator Trainee, one of the main challenges is mastering complex monitoring systems and learning to respond quickly and accurately to real-time changes in the power grid. Trainees must also adapt to rotating shift schedules, which can impact work-life balance. Collaborating with experienced operators and staying updated on protocols is key, as the role involves both independent decision-making and close teamwork under pressure. Building confidence in handling emergency scenarios and communicating effectively with field crews are also essential skills developed during the first year.

What is the difference between System Operator Trainee vs Power Plant Operator?

AspectSystem Operator TraineePower Plant Operator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical trainingHigh school diploma; technical training or certification
Work EnvironmentControl rooms, training facilitiesPower plant facilities, control rooms
Employer & Industry UsageUtilities, energy companies, training programsPower generation plants, energy sector
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference is that a System Operator Trainee is in a training phase, learning to monitor and control systems, while a Power Plant Operator is a fully qualified professional responsible for operating power plant equipment. The trainee role focuses on gaining experience, whereas the power plant operator role involves hands-on operational duties.

What are system operator trainees?

System operator trainees are entry-level professionals who are undergoing training to manage and monitor the operations of systems such as electrical power grids, water treatment plants, or other critical infrastructure. They work under the supervision of experienced operators, learning how to ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of these systems. Their responsibilities typically include observing control panels, responding to alarms, recording data, and assisting with routine maintenance. The goal of the training is to prepare them for full operator roles by providing both hands-on experience and classroom instruction.
More about System Operator Trainee jobs
What cities are hiring for System Operator Trainee jobs? Cities with the most System Operator Trainee job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of System Operator jobs? The most popular types of System Operator jobs are:
What states have the most System Operator Trainee jobs? States with the most job openings for System Operator Trainee jobs include:
What job categories do people searching System Operator Trainee jobs look for? The top searched job categories for System Operator Trainee jobs are:
System Operator Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various System Operator Trainee job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 18% Full Time, 63% Part Time, 12% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,721 per year, or $27.8 per hour.
System Operator Trainee

System Operator Trainee

Georgia System Operations

Tucker, GA • On-site

Other

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

System Operator Trainee

Under the supervision of the GSOC Power Delivery Training group and in conjunction with certified Transmission & Generation System Operators this journeyman position (with no authority to act independently) will be trained on the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to become a NERC Certified System Operator. Training will include a combination of classroom, field, online and control center exposure. The primary goal of the Trainee program will be to successfully prepare for and obtain NERC Certification.

After completing the Trainee program and successfully obtaining NERC Certification a Trainee will then begin an initial training program which upon completion enables them to enter into more advance training to support either Generation, Transmission, or both as a GSOC System Operator.

Completion of the Trainee role and obtaining NERC Certified System Operator will prepare Trainee to transition to progressive levels within the GSOC System Operator family of jobs. These positions, varying in required experience and level of complexity, have responsibility for the 24x7 real-time operation of the member owned transmission and generation system. System Operators write switching orders and issues clearances, work to restore customer outages in a safe and reliable manner and respond to alarms to maintain awareness of the system. System Operators work with neighboring utilities to schedule power into and out of the system as well as forecast system conditions and dispatch generation and transmission resources to maintain an economic and reliable balance of power on the system.

Job Duties:

  • Develop and demonstrate the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities required to obtain NERC System Operator Certification designation while simultaneously developing a deep understanding of the electric utility business and specifically GSOC's member owned model.
  • Work directly with Power Delivery Training and in conjunction with certified Transmission & Generation System Operators through classroom training, field visits to substations and generating plants to become fully versed in the system operations requirements for both the Transmission System Operator and Generation System Operator positions.
  • All other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

Education: A high school diploma, GED or equivalent.

Experience: One to 3 years of work in a related field such as distribution operations, substation construction, relay maintenance or testing substation equipment, generation plant operations preferred.

Equivalent Experience: One to 3 years of technical training in a related field such as distribution operations, substation construction, relay maintenance or testing substation equipment, generation plant operations preferred.

Specialized Skills:

  • Required:
    • Must obtain and maintain Bulk Electric System Cyber Authorized Status as defined in GSOC's CIP Cyber Security Policy 301 and NERC Reliability Standard CIP 004 - Personnel Risk Assessment.
    • Ability to use Microsoft Office suite of products: Outlook, Word, Excel (Power Point a plus).
    • Must have sound decision making skills under stressful conditions.
    • Must be able to communicate effectively, both oral and written.
  • Desired - but can be trained:
    • AC/DC theory
    • Ability to read one-line diagrams.

Licenses/Certifications: Must obtain a NERC System Operation Certification within six months after the Trainee's hire date. Management has the right to review and extend the time frame if needed on a case by case basis.

Physical Requirements: Some shift work will be assigned to gain a specific understanding of the requirements of 24x7 operations for the System Operation role for both transmission and balancing obligations.

Additional Information: The System Operator Trainee is required to obtain NERC Certification through in-person instructions and on-line training. A NERC Certification test will be coordinated at least by month four of the training process. Subsequent tests, should they be required, will be scheduled at management's discretion. Obtaining NERC System Operator Certification is a requirement for successful completion of the Trainee program.

Rotating shift (including Days/Nights/Holidays) will be assigned during the training period and will be required of a successful candidate after completion of this training program.

Georgia System Operations Corporation is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, including veterans and disabled. We are a drug-free workplace. All applicants are subject to substance abuse testing.

Apply