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System Operator Trainee Jobs in Newark, NJ (NOW HIRING)

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System Operator Trainee information

See Newark, NJ salary details

$14

$29

$46

How much do system operator trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for system operator trainee in Newark, NJ is $29.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.14 and $29.42 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.
What are popular job titles related to System Operator Trainee jobs in Newark, NJ? For System Operator Trainee jobs in Newark, NJ, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching System Operator Trainee jobs in Newark, NJ look for? The top searched job categories for System Operator Trainee jobs in Newark, NJ are:
What cities near Newark, NJ are hiring for System Operator Trainee jobs? Cities near Newark, NJ with the most System Operator Trainee job openings:
System Operator Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various System Operator Trainee job openings in Newark, NJ as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $60,360 per year, or $29 per hour.
Part Time System Operator I Trainee

Part Time System Operator I Trainee

WSP

Long Island City, NY • On-site

$33K - $54K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago

WSP rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 67 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 58 rated business consultants

Job description


This Opportunity
WSP is currently initiating a search for a Part Time System Operator I for our Long Island City, NY office. Be involved in projects with our Mobility Operations Team and be a part of a growing organization that meets our client's objectives and solves their challenges.
Your Impact
  • Operate various computer-based traffic & freeway management systems to manage incidents on roadways and improve traffic conditions
  • Monitor roadways via CCTV surveillance cameras and detection systems
  • Monitor all Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) devices and computer equipment associated with the systems
  • Perform routine daily checklist of all ITS devices and control room equipment
  • Troubleshoot system failures and help maintain equipment ticket databases
  • Posting traveler information messages and checking the accuracy and validity of the messages displayed on all Variable Message Signs (VMS)
  • Enter incident information into Traveler Information Systems (TIS) using our Incident Management Portal (IMP)
  • Familiarity with state-maintained roadways, comprehension of ITS device types, usage purposes, and locations of VMS and CCTV devices
  • Skilled operation of all ITS equipment, computers and software(s) associated with ITS systems
  • Utilize ITS equipment for incident management and travel time messaging, prioritizing traveler safety and quality of life
  • Use of standard operating procedures (SOPs) to detect, dispatch, monitor, and document roadway incidents
  • Coordinate with Joint Transportation Management Center (JTMC) partners as well as adjacent NYSDOT Region TMCs to coordinate resources for incidents that may affect regional travel
  • Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct and adhere to WSP's Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures
  • Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP's health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies

Who You Are
Required Qualifications
  • High school Diploma or equivalent
  • 0-2 Years of experience
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
  • Ability to handle phone calls efficiently and professionally.
  • Familiarity and ability to use MS Office applications, spreadsheets and databases
    Public, internal and external relations Work well with internal and external partners to achieve common goals
  • Must be able to type at a minimum speed of 35 words per minute.
  • Must have the ability to use digital roadway maps and have a working knowledge of roadway elements
  • Ability to work a variety of shifts as assigned, including days, evenings, nights, weekends and holidays. Due to the nature of the position, short notice overtime may be required. Due to the demands of this position, outstanding attendance is required.
  • All candidates must successfully pass a New York State Police (NYSP) Criminal History Background Check

All candidates must successfully pass a NYSP Criminal History Background Check.
WSP Benefits:
WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on a providing health and financial stability throughout the employee's career. These benefits include coverage related to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life; retirement savings; paid sick leave; paid vacation (or other personal time); paid parental leave; and paid time off for purposes of bereavement, voting, and/or attendance at naturalization proceedings.
Expected Salary: $33,200 - $54,780
#LI-DS1
About Us
About WSP
WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With more than 15,000 employees in over 300 offices across the U.S., we partner with our clients to help communities prosper.
www.wsp.com
WSP provides a flexible and agile workplace model while meeting client needs. Employees are also afforded a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee's career.
At WSP, we want to give our employees the challenges they seek to grow their careers and knowledge base. Your daily contributions to your team will be essential in meeting client objectives, goals and challenges. Are you ready to get started?
WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer Race/Age/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disability or Protected Veteran Status.
The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.
NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:
WSP does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes include any resume or hiring document sent to WSP in the absence of a signed Service Agreement where WSP has expressly requested recruitment/staffing services specific to the position at hand. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers or other business leaders, will become the property of WSP and WSP will have the right to hire that candidate without reservation - no fee or other compensation will be owed or paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or other staffing service.

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