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System Operator Trainee Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Maxim Crane Works LP

Sales Trainee

Memphis, TN · On-site

Maintain customer records, sales activities, and opportunities within company CRM systems ... Adhere to all company safety policies, procedures, and operating standards. * Perform other duties ...

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System Operator Trainee information

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.
What are the most commonly searched types of System Operator jobs in Tennessee? The most popular types of System Operator jobs in Tennessee are:
What are popular job titles related to System Operator Trainee jobs in Tennessee? For System Operator Trainee jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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What cities in Tennessee are hiring for System Operator Trainee jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most System Operator Trainee job openings:
System Operator Trainee jobs near you

Specialist, Transmission System Operator II - 518594

TVA External Site

Georgetown, TN • On-site

Other

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

External - Posting Description Specialist, Transmission System Operator II - 518594 Organization: Transmission Department: Transmission Ops Work Location: Georgetown, TN Relocation: Relocation benefits are offered for this position and will be aligned with federal travel regulations Posting Open: 07/02/2026 Posting Close: 07/15/2026 at 11:59 PM EST Salary: Competitive Position Purpose This position is responsible for the directing the safe and reliable real-time operation of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) transmission system and to ensure the connectivity of the Bulk Electric System (BES). Operations include monitoring the transmission facilities, nuclear plant off-site electrical power supply and executing switching. Restores electrical power to customers following a disturbance and coordinates those activities with power distributors.

Provides surveillance of the TVA transmission system to ensure all applicable North American Electrical Reliability Council (NERC) standards are followed. Evaluates, coordinates and directs all switching operations on the TVA transmission system to remove and return TVA and customer assets. Principal Accountabilities Responsible to ensure TVA clearance procedure is followed to provide a safe work environment.

Responsible for complying with NERC standards. Must have a current NERC certification in Transmission Operator or Reliability Operator level. Monitors system conditions to ensure the availability of off-site electrical power supply to nuclear plants.

Develops and implements black-start and system restoration procedures. Monitors reactive reserve requirements to ensure availability meets system needs, both in real-time and anticipated. Ensures the safe and reliable real-time operation of the TVA transmission system and to ensure the connectivity of the BES by monitoring the operating limits, developing contingency plans and directing switching operations.

Coordinates with TVA Reliability Coordinator to alleviate System Operating Limits (SOL) and Interconnection Reliability Operating Limit (IROL) to protect the integrity of the TVA transmission system and to ensure the connectivity of the BES. Take real-time actions to restore customer and TVA transmission system assets to service following a disturbance. Coordinates and directs work with all TVA personnel, Corps of Engineers, power distributors, direct served customers and neighboring utilities.

Write, review and direct all switching activities on the TVA transmission system. Coordinates with representative between Transmission, Fossil Power Group (FPG), River System Operations and Environment (RSO&E) and Nuclear Power (NP) organizations on all activities on the TVA transmission system. Writes and reviews scheduled outages to ensure FPG, RSO&E and NP scheduled outages have no impact on the generation needs of the TVA transmission system.

Responsible for maintaining records of system data, system conditions, switching instructions, personnel arrival and departure from TVA substations and test performed. During normal and emergency conditions, has the authority to take or direct timely and appropriate real-time actions. Such actions shall include shedding of firm load to prevent or alleviate SOL and IROL violations.

These actions are performed without obtaining approval from higher level personnel within the Transmission Operator or Balancing Authority. Minimum Requirements Education - B.S. Degree in Electrical Engineering or an Associate's Degree in Electrical Engineering with 3-5 years of relay protection and field operations or equivalent experience in systems operations or Journeyman electrician or lineman with 3-5 years field experience

Experience - Must have demonstrated satisfactory performance and experience as Transmission Operator trainee. Certification/License, etc - Must have a current NERC certification in Transmission Operator or Reliability Operator level. Must be able to obtain and maintain FFD program Integrity Clearance.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities - Thorough knowledge of electrical theory of large power transmission system; detailed operational knowledge of generators, transformers, power circuit breakers, relaying protection principles and switching practices. Knowledge and demonstrated ability to assess and implement operating procedures to ensure the transmission system remains in a stable and safe operating condition. Good communications skills both verbally and written.

Proven leadership ability to work with others and take charge following emergencies. Required to work 12-hour rotating shifts. Candidate may be required to obtain and maintain a security clearance based on position / access requirements and essential job functions.

Equal Employment Opportunity TVA is an Equal Opportunity employer and complies with all applicable laws and regulations regarding equal employment opportunities. Any applicant or employee who believes s/he has a discrimination claim (including harassment or retaliation) must contact TVA's Equal Opportunity Compliance office within 45 calendar days of the event or action s/he believes to constitute discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. Drug-Free Workplace All TVA Non-Nuclear employees are covered by TVA's Federal Drug-Free Workplace Program Plan, in accordance with Executive Order 12564, Public Law 100-71 and the Mandatory Guidelines for Federal Workplace Drug Testing.

Information regarding the Drug Free Workplace Program can be found at www.samhsa.gov/workplace. TVA Non-Nuclear employees in Testing Designated Positions, including those performing safety-sensitive duties are also subject to random drug testing. TVA Nuclear employees are subject to random alcohol and drug tests in accordance with 10 CFR Part 26 as mandated by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)

How to Claim Vet Preference If you are requesting to be considered as a preference-eligible veteran as outlined in the application process, you must submit your military documents before the posting close date indicated above. Be sure to include all supporting documentation: Form DD214 (member 2 or member 4 copy), a Veterans Disability Rating Letter from the VA (if applicable), and a completed form TVA 3595. If you will not get your DD214 until you are separated or retired, you can request a Statement of Service through your military personnel office.

The Statement of Service must list your dates of military service, character of service, expected date of separation and any service-connected disability rating that you have been awarded from your branch of military service. Please submit your military documents each time you apply for a position. How to Submit Documentation: Upload documents in Step 7 of the application process.

Email documents to [email protected] More information about preference eligibility and a link to form TVA 3595, can be found at https://www.tva.gov/Careers/Claiming-Veteran-Preference. If you have a question about preference eligibility, please email [email protected].

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