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System Operator Trainee Jobs in Rensselaer, NY (NOW HIRING)

StateJobsNY

Airport Firefighter 1 Trainee

Scotia, NY · On-site

$45K/yr

... fire systems inspections, customer training, fire prevention practices, and extinguisher ... Airport Fire Fighter, Driver/Operator Pumper, Driver/Operator Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighter (ARFF ...

StateJobsNY

Plant Utilities Assistant (NY HELPS)

Albany, NY · On-site

$42K - $52K/yr

... systems technician, submarine nuclear propulsion plant operator reactor control, utilities man ... Successful completion of the traineeship and the training program includes a total of 288 hours of ...

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All JobsSystem Operator JobsSystem Operator Trainee JobsSystem Operator Trainee Jobs in Rensselaer, NY

System Operator Trainee information

See Rensselaer, NY salary details

$14

$27

$44

How much do system operator trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for system operator trainee in Rensselaer, NY is $27.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.85 and $27.93 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 cities near Rensselaer, NY are hiring for System Operator Trainee jobs?

Cities near Rensselaer, NY with the most System Operator Trainee job openings:

System Operator Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various System Operator Trainee job openings in Rensselaer, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,308 per year, or $27.6 per hour.

Thruway Maintenance Worker, Trainee 1,2,3

StateJobsNY

Old Chatham, NY • On-site

$25.26 - $30.77/hr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Duties Description Tasks include paving, patching, right-of-way maintenance, underdrain installation, shoulder and slope restoration, crack pouring, drainage structure repair, repair and erection of fences, lighting, guide rails, delineators and signs. Also building temporary structures and chutes for removal of debris, fabricating and erecting scaffolding, cribbing, staging and shoring; performing concrete and steel repairs (including removal of concrete with pneumatic tolls and sand blasting steel and concrete), painting and stream channel maintenance. Will be required to operate a variety of gasoline and diesel driven construction equipment and vehicles in the performance of bridge, highway, and facility operations, maintenance and/or construction activities, in addition to snow and ice control equipment vehicles including front-end loaders, truck with plows, spreaders, and tractors.
Minimum Qualifications Thruway Maintenance Worker Trainee 1 - 36 Month Traineeship
Possession of a valid NYS Commercial Driver License Class B Permit with tank endorsement and no air brake restriction.
Thruway Maintenance Worker Trainee 2 - 24 Month Traineeship
One year as a Thruway Maintenance Worker Trainee 1
OR
Possession of a Commercial Driver License Class B with tank endorsement and no air brake restriction, AND, six months of experience operating construction equipment vehicles, AND, twelve months of experience in carpentry, masonry, welding, ironwork, or other trade related to bridge construction or repair.
OR
A valid Commercial Driver License Class B with tank endorsement and no air brake restriction and eighteen months of experience operating construction equipment and vehicles.
Thruway Maintenance Worker Trainee 3 - 12 Month Traineeship
One year as a Thruway Maintenance Worker Trainee 2
OR
Possession of a Commercial Driver License Class B with tank endorsement and no air brake restriction, AND, twelve months of experience in operating construction equipment and vehicles, AND, eighteen months of experience in carpentry, masonry, welding, ironwork, or other trade related to bridge construction or repair.
Thruway Maintenance Worker: JOURNEY LEVEL
Satisfactory completion of a three-year Thruway Maintenance Worker Traineeship.
OR
Possession of a New York State Commercial Driver License Class B with tank endorsement and no air brake restriction, AND, one year of experience operating construction equipment and vehicles, AND, two years of experience in carpentry, masonry, ironwork, welding, or other trade related to bridge construction or repair.
Additional Comments This is a Teamsters position. The NYS Thruway Authority offers an extensive benefits package, including but not limited to paid time off, sick leave incentive, membership to the NYS Retirement System, and 90% tuition assistance.
We offer FREE onsite employee parking.
ADDITIONAL PAY INFORMATION:
The salary range for this position includes all applicable annual components of pay which are:
Base Pay: $21.89 up to job rate 27.00
Geographic Pay: $3.37
This position may be filled as a traineeship. The starting salaries for this traineeship are outlined below. For current New York State employees, salary is based on the candidate's salary at the time of hire.
$25.26 (Trainee 1)
$26.87 (Trainee 2)
$28.46 (Trainee 3)
$30.37 (Journey Level)
ELIGIBILITY FOR EMPLOYMENT:
All potential candidates for this position must be legally eligible to work in the United States at the time of appointment and throughout your employment with the New York State Thruway Authority. If appointed, you will be required to produce documents that verify your identity and authorization to work in the United States, as required by the Federal Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, and the Immigration and Nationality Act.
Please be advised, the New York State Thruway Authority does not use eVerify, and we are unable to provide sponsorship for employment visa statuses (i.e. H-1B, Self-Sponsorship, STEM OPT).
The New York State Thruway Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All individuals including women, people of color, LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.
New York State Human Rights Law prohibits discrimination based on age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, military status, familial status, citizen or immigration status, sex, disability, marital status, gender identity or expression, prior arrests, prior conviction records, predisposing genetic characteristics or domestic violence victim status. The Thruway Authority is committed to a workplace free from discrimination based on the referenced characteristics and other federal and state protected characteristics.
The New York State Thruway Authority provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact the Bureau of Accessibility, Equity, Diversity and Employee Engagement at accommodations@thruway.ny.gov or call (518) 471-4321.
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.
Name Tricia
Telephone 518-436-2725
Fax 518-471-5076
Email Address canvassreply6@thruway.ny.gov
Address
Street 200 Southern Boulevard
City Albany
State NY
Zip Code 12209
Notes on Applying If interested in this vacancy, you must submit a resume and any other documents for proof of eligibility to the contact information in this announcement. You must include the Vacancy ID and Title of the position you are applying for in your email.

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