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System Operator Trainee Jobs in North Carolina (NOW HIRING)

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Operator Trainee - Conway, NC

Conway, NC · On-site

Operator Trainee: The Impact You'll Have On The Organization and World * You'll help us achieve ... system played in westward expansion and trade. * Learn more about Conway What Does a Typical Day ...

bakelite

Operator Trainee - Conway, NC

Conway, NC · On-site

Operator Trainee: The Impact You'll Have On The Organization and World * You'll help us achieve ... system played in westward expansion and trade. * Learn more about Conway What Does a Typical Day ...

bakelite

Operator Trainee - Conway, NC

Conway, NC · On-site

Operator Trainee: The Impact You'll Have On The Organization and World * You'll help us achieve ... system played in westward expansion and trade. * Learn more about Conway What Does a Typical Day ...

bakelite

Operator Trainee - Conway, NC

Conway, NC · On-site

Operator Trainee: The Impact You'll Have On The Organization and World * You'll help us achieve ... system played in westward expansion and trade. * Learn more about Conway What Does a Typical Day ...

bakelite

Operator Trainee - Conway, NC

Conway, NC · On-site

Operator Trainee: The Impact You'll Have On The Organization and World * You'll help us achieve ... system played in westward expansion and trade. * Learn more about Conway What Does a Typical Day ...

Vanguard Furniture Co Inc

PD FRAME TRAINEE

Conover, NC · On-site

Conveyor systems, battery-operated pallet jacks, and other material-handling equipment General Sign-Off The employee is expected to adhere to all company policies and to act as a role model in the ...

Circle K Stores, Inc.

Subway Trainee Manager

Sanford, NC · On-site

$13.75 - $15.50/hr

... operated Restaurant for a period of no longer than 90 days. The RGMT may have partial or full ... Establishes build to's and maintains the production management system * Directs team and ensures ...

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System Operator Trainee information

What is a system operator trainee?

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.

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 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 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 does a system operator do?

A system operator monitors and controls industrial, electrical, or computer systems to ensure they run efficiently and safely. They troubleshoot issues, perform routine maintenance, and may use specialized software or equipment to manage system operations, often working in shifts or 24/7 environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of System Operator jobs in North Carolina?

The most popular types of System Operator jobs in North Carolina are:

What are popular job titles related to System Operator Trainee jobs in North Carolina?

For System Operator Trainee jobs in North Carolina, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching System Operator Trainee jobs in North Carolina look for?

The top searched job categories for System Operator Trainee jobs in North Carolina are:

What cities in North Carolina are hiring for System Operator Trainee jobs?

Cities in North Carolina with the most System Operator Trainee job openings:

System Operator Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various System Operator Trainee job openings in North Carolina as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Assoc System Operator - Intern/Co-op Conversion 2027 (Taylor)

Duke Energy Corporation

Charlotte, NC • On-site

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Duke Energy rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 167 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

12th of 87 rated oil and gas companies

Job description

Important Application Submission Information

In order to ensure your application is successfully received before the job posting expires, please submit your application by 11:59 PM on Thursday, August 13, 2026More than a career - a chance to make a difference in people's lives.

Build an exciting, rewarding career with us - help us make a difference for millions of people every day. Consider joining the Duke Energy team, where you'll find a friendly work environment, opportunities for growth and development, recognition for your work, and competitive pay and benefits.

This position is the first level of the System Operator classification hierarchy.

The Associate System Operator is a trainee position that has the responsibility with limited direct supervision to develop advanced knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to obtain the credentials, professional competencies, and intellectual capability required and defined in the Duke Energy System Operator Qualification Program (SOQP). Employees will obtain/maintain NERC System Operator certification and obtain all required job task verifications required by the System Operator position. The System Operator monitors bulk electric system parameters such as system load, frequency, voltage, line flows, transformer flows, voltages, etcetera via the Energy Management System and other systems and has the responsibility and accountability to ensure the electric system meets demand while being operated within defined parameters.

The Associate System Operator will not independently operate on the BES until they have obtained the required and appropriate credentials (NERC Certification and functional job task verification). Prior to obtaining these required credentials, the Associate System Operator will be partnered with a System Operator I or higher while working at a functional console. They donot make independent operational decisions that could affect the bulk electric system until they are appropriately credentialed.

The Associate System Operator training program requires flexible scheduling that includes the ability to work 24x7 shift rotation, shift change debriefing in addition to regular 40-hour work weeks.Upon completion of training program, incumbent will move through System Operator hierarchy to positions of increasing responsibilities.

Additional Preferred Qualifications

  • 4 year degree in engineering or related technical subject

  • Advanced knowledge of basic system operations and equipment

  • NERC System Operator Certification

  • Regional or local system operator certification/job task verification

Working Conditions

  • Ability to work in a 24 X 7 rotating shift schedule or typical office hours

Specific Requirements

  • Two-year technical degree or 2 to 4 years relevant work experience

  • Duke Energy Intern/Co-op Experience.

Travel Requirements

5-15%Relocation Assistance Provided (as applicable)NoRepresented/Union PositionNoVisa Sponsored PositionNo. This is not a Visa Sponsored Position. This role requires the ability to work lawfully in the U.S. without employment-based immigration sponsorship, now or in the future.
Please note that in order to be considered for this position, you must possess all of the basic/required qualifications.

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About Duke Energy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Duke Energy, a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America’s largest energy holding companies. Our electric utilities serve 8.2 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 50,000 megawatts of energy capacity. Our natural gas unit serves 1.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio and Kentucky. Our company employs 28,000 people.

Industry

Utilities

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Charlotte, NC, US

Year founded

1904

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