ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Utility System Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Georgia Systems Operations

System Operator

Tucker, GA · On-site

As a System Operator, you will independently manage owned and contracted generation resources ... Schedule and coordinate interchange transactions with utilities, power marketers, control areas ...

UGI

System Operator II

Kingston, PA · On-site

System Operator II Location: Edwardsville, PA, US, 18704 Workplace Environment: Onsite Company ... UGI Utilities, Inc Requisition Number: 28819 At UGI Utilities, Inc. we believe in providing a ...

Aquaamerica

$37.90/hr

About Essential Utilities Essential Utilities, Inc. delivers safe, clean, reliable services that improve quality of life for individuals, families, and entire communities. Operating as the Aqua ...

UGI Corporation

System Operator II

Edwardsville, PA · On-site

As an employee of UGI Utilities, you can expect a competitive total compensation plan and ... The System Operator II position has the responsibilities and authority to take actions that are ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsUtility System Operator Jobs

Utility System Operator information

See salary details

$13

$26

$37

How much do utility system operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for utility system operator in the United States is $26.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.91 and $30.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectUtility System OperatorPower Plant Operator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, technical training, certifications in utility operationsHigh school diploma, technical training, certifications in power plant operations
Work EnvironmentControl rooms, substations, field sites managing electrical or water systemsPower plants, control rooms, mechanical areas operating turbines or generators
Industry UsageElectric, water, gas utilitiesElectric power generation facilities
Common Search/ComparisonUtility System Operator vs Power Plant Operator

The Utility System Operator and Power Plant Operator roles both involve operating and maintaining critical energy infrastructure. While Utility System Operators focus on managing utility networks like electricity, water, or gas systems, Power Plant Operators specifically control and monitor power generation equipment within power plants. Both roles require technical certifications and work in control room environments, but their primary focus and work settings differ based on the utility type and industry sector.

What are some common challenges utility system operators face in ensuring reliable service delivery?

Utility System Operators often encounter challenges such as responding to unexpected equipment failures, managing load fluctuations during peak demand, and coordinating with maintenance teams to minimize downtime. They must also stay vigilant for safety hazards and comply with strict regulatory standards. Effective communication and quick decision-making are essential, as operators frequently collaborate with engineers, field technicians, and dispatchers to maintain uninterrupted service and address emergencies promptly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a utility system operator?

To thrive as a Utility System Operator, you need a solid understanding of electrical or water system operations, safety protocols, and typically a high school diploma or technical certification. Familiarity with SCADA systems, control room software, and regulatory compliance programs is commonly required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are critical soft skills for this role. These skills ensure the reliable and safe operation of utility systems, quick response to emergencies, and compliance with industry standards.

What is a utility system operator?

Utility System Operators are professionals responsible for controlling and monitoring the operations of utilities such as electricity, water, or gas distribution systems. They ensure the safe and efficient delivery of these essential services by managing equipment, responding to emergencies, and coordinating with field crews. Their role often involves using computer systems to track system performance, identify problems, and make real-time decisions to maintain service reliability.
More about Utility System Operator jobs
What job categories do people searching Utility System Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Utility System Operator jobs are:
Utility System Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Utility System Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,276 per year, or $26.1 per hour.

Engineer I/II/III/Principal - System Engineering

PPL Corporation

Northumberland, PA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

PPL rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

44th of 53 rated energy and utility

Job description

Company Summary Statement
PPL Electric Utilities delivers safe, reliable and affordable electricity to more than 1.4 million homes and businesses throughout its 29-county service territory in eastern and central Pennsylvania. Through smart investments and innovation, it has built one of the most advanced electric grids in the United States. And, with over a century of expertise, PPL Electric remains focused on continuing to build the utility of the future, today. Regularly ranking among the country's best utility companies for reliability and customer satisfaction, PPL Electric has won numerous awards, including 30 J.D. Power Awards for providing top-quality service to residential and business customers. PPL Electric is a major employer and an active supporter of the communities it serves. Empowering employees, community members and initiatives across its service territory through volunteerism and investments in organizations that support education, sustainability, and wellbeing.
Overview

This position is responsible for performing, under supervision, challenging engineering work but with limited direct responsibility. Specific job positions may include planning, designing, and/or overseeing construction, installation, operation and maintenance of components, systems and facilities used in the transmission, distribution, and utilization of electrical energy.


Responsibilities

1. Assists in the work on smaller engineering projects or well-defined areas of larger projects. Uses existing procedures to investigate, evaluate and assist in producing technically correct and cost-effective designs or recommendations that solve ongoing problems.

2. Builds relationships that will facilitate knowledge transfer, cross functional knowledge of related work groups, and ability to present work products effectively.

3. Works under supervision in the field and/or home office in a variety of functions and challenging but structured work that develops competencies in the function/discipline.

4. Gathers and correlates basic engineering data using well defined engineering procedures, which may include routine and diagnostic testing of components and systems, and engineering studies.

5. Continually expands and improves technical and business skill set under own initiative with instruction, guidance, and direction from others.

6. Assists in a variety of topics including developing innovative procedures, improved design recommendations or new or better equipment purchase recommendations.

7. All positions in which driving is an essential function of the job, regardless if the job code is marked safety sensitive or not, will also be included as safety sensitive

8. May be assigned an Electric Utilities emergency and storm role. This is a special assignment that comes into play during storms and other emergencies when the company needs to restore power or respond to other issues affecting customer service. This role may necessitate the need to work after-hours, outside of your normal schedule.

9. The company reserves the right to determine if this position will be assigned to work on-site, remotely, or a combination of both. Assigned work location may change. In the case of remote work, physical presence in the office/on-site may be required to engage in face-to-face interaction and coordination of work among direct reports and co-workers.


Qualifications

Engineer I:
- ABET Accredited bachelor’s degree in engineering or engineering technology.


Engineer II:

- ABET Accredited bachelor’s degree in engineering or engineering technology plus 2 years of engineering experience. Utility system operator experience will also be counted as engineering experience.

 
Engineer III:
- ABET Accredited bachelor’s degree in engineering or engineering technology plus 5 years of engineering experience, or a master’s degree in engineering plus 3 years of engineering experience, or a PhD in Engineering plus 2 years of engineering experience.  Utility system operator experience will also be counted as engineering experience.

Principal Engineer:

- ABET Accredited bachelor’s degree in engineering or engineering technology plus 10 years of engineering experience, or a master’s degree in engineering plus 8 years of engineering experience, or a PhD in Engineering plus 7 years of engineering experience.  Utility system operator experience will be counted as engineering experience for this position.

Qualifications:

Engineer I:
- ABET Accredited bachelor’s degree in engineering or engineering technology.


Engineer II:

- ABET Accredited bachelor’s degree in engineering or engineering technology plus 2 years of engineering experience. Utility system operator experience will also be counted as engineering experience.

 
Engineer III:
- ABET Accredited bachelor’s degree in engineering or engineering technology plus 5 years of engineering experience, or a master’s degree in engineering plus 3 years of engineering experience, or a PhD in Engineering plus 2 years of engineering experience.  Utility system operator experience will also be counted as engineering experience.

Principal Engineer:

- ABET Accredited bachelor’s degree in engineering or engineering technology plus 10 years of engineering experience, or a master’s degree in engineering plus 8 years of engineering experience, or a PhD in Engineering plus 7 years of engineering experience.  Utility system operator experience will be counted as engineering experience for this position.

Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: UNAVAILABLE

What PPL employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply