60 Utility System Operator Jobs Hiring Near You

Substation System Operator

Priority Power Management is seeking a Substation System Operator to join our Grid Infrastructure team. This is a critical, around-the-clock technical position responsible for the real-time monitoring, control, and protection of our electrical substation assets and SCADA systems from a centralized operations center.

The Substation NOC Operator works under the direction of the NOC Supervisor and collaborates closely with Engineering, Field Operations, and external utility partners to ensure system reliability, safety, and compliance. This role involves continuous surveillance of substation equipment and transmission/distribution networks, creation and coordination of switching and tagging orders, outage dispatching, alarm management, and maintaining situational awareness of the power system at all times.

***Willing to fully train the selected candidate, with or without applicable experience.***

Job Responsibilities:

Real-Time System Monitoring & Control

• Continuously monitor the SCADA system and all operational platforms to maintain real-time situational awareness of substation and grid conditions
• Operate and control substation equipment remotely, including circuit breakers, reclosers, capacitor banks, voltage regulators, and tap changers via the SCADA system
• Monitor and respond to alarms, alerts, and abnormal system conditions promptly; escalate critical events per established protocols
• Demonstrate sound judgment and decision-making regarding system operations based on current and projected conditions
• Perform load management and restorations as required by system conditions or directives

Switching & Outage Coordination

• Develop, write, and execute switching orders for planned and unplanned circuit transfers, utilizing mapping data, field verification, load flow analysis, and engineering guidelines
• Create and coordinate hold orders to ensure personnel safety during maintenance and construction activities
• Dispatch and manage outage response, coordinating with field crews, engineering, and external utilities
• Coordinate with neighboring utilities, ISOs/RTOs, and member organizations for planned transfers, outages, and interconnection activities

Substation & Electrical System Knowledge

• Maintain a thorough understanding of radial and networked transmission and distribution systems, including substation equipment such as transformers, breakers, relays, switches, and protective devices
• Interpret single-line diagrams and substation layout drawings
• Understand protective relay coordination and recognize relay event sequences during fault conditions

Communication, Dispatching & Documentation

• Perform daily dispatching and logging of field crews as they conduct maintenance, construction, and emergency work
• Maintain detailed and accurate operational logs, switching records, and incident reports for every shift
• Communicate effectively with field personnel, engineering staff, management, and external entities during normal and emergency operations
• Participate in shift handover briefings, providing clear and thorough summaries of system status, ongoing activities, and pending issues

Safety & Compliance

• Understand, observe, and enforce all safety and security procedures and company policies
• Report potentially unsafe conditions immediately to the department supervisor and/or safety department personnel
• Support compliance with applicable regulatory requirements and participate in audits, drills, and training exercises as required

General

• Work closely with other departments to ensure all teams are informed and aware of ongoing system operations and planned activities
• Participate in ongoing professional development, training programs, and certification efforts as directed
• Perform other related duties as may be assigned

Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities necessary. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Must be comfortable working 12-hour shifts in a 7days-on/7days-off rotation, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

• Experience and Education: High school diploma or equivalent required. An associate's or bachelor's degree in Electrical Technology, Power Systems, Engineering Technology, or a related field is preferred but not required. Previous experience in a utility control room, NOC, or power system operations environment is a plus. Salary commensurate with education and/or relevant experience.
• Technical Knowledge: Familiarity with SCADA/EMS platforms, substation equipment, protective relaying concepts, and power system operations is highly desirable. Willingness to learn and develop proficiency in all technical systems is required.
• Certificates, Licenses, and Training: Must possess a valid driver's license. Must have the ability and willingness to attend meetings, training seminars, and certification programs as requested, including those that may require overnight travel. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills to perform the job at a high level of accomplishment. NERC System Operator certification or ability to obtain within a specified timeframe may be required.
• Language and Interpersonal Skills: Must possess excellent written and verbal communication skills and treat others in a courteous and professional manner at all times. Ability to present clear written and oral reports to management. Must be a good listener who actively engages in conversations to clearly understand others' messages and intent. Is easy to approach and talk to, and makes the extra effort to put others at ease—especially important during high-stress, emergency situations.
• Other Skills and Abilities: Performs well under stress when confronted with emergency, critical, or unusual situations. Displays high standards of ethical conduct and is widely trusted as a direct and truthful individual. Maintains sensitive and confidential information with the highest level of discretion. Effectively solves problems and has a realistic vision of desired outcomes. Able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously with ease and remains organized in work area and workflow processes. Requires minimal supervision.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit for extended periods while monitoring multiple screens and systems during 12-hour shifts
• Must be able to remain alert and focused throughout the entire shift, including overnight hours
• Must be able to read and interpret detailed system displays, alarms, and documentation
• Ability to communicate clearly by phone and email

Work Environment:

• Climate-controlled Network Operations Center environment
• Multiple-monitor workstation with continuous exposure to computer screens
• Moderate noise level from equipment and communication systems
• Fast-paced, high-stakes environment requiring sustained attention and rapid decision-making

Why Choose Priority Power?

Empowered to Make an Impact in a Values-Driven Energy Future

At Priority Power, we're more than just an energy company—we're a purpose-driven team dedicated to transforming the future of energy through meaningful work, empowered people, and enduring partnerships. We invite mission-minded professionals to grow with us in a culture defined by trust, collaboration, and real outcomes.

Values-Driven Culture

We lead with integrity, customer focus, and accountability—prioritizing ethics and purpose in every decision we make. Our culture is rooted in doing what's right for our clients, our communities, and each other.

Empowered Opportunities

Here, initiative is celebrated. You'll have the autonomy to lead, innovate, and contribute in ways that grow your career and advance our mission. We empower our employees to take ownership of their impact.

Accountability & Outcomes Orientation

Our results matter. We are a high-performance culture that rewards accountability, champions progress and celebrates milestones that move the needle for our clients and the energy industry.

Collaborative Colleagues

You'll work alongside passionate experts who are generous with knowledge and united by a shared vision. Cross-functional teamwork and open communication are at the core of how we solve big energy challenges together.

Make a Real Difference

At Priority Power, your work directly contributes to building a more resilient, efficient, and sustainable energy future. Whether optimizing large-scale power strategies or innovating in renewables, you'll be part of something bigger than yourself.

Flexible Work Environment

We respect your life outside of work. Our flexible work policies allow you to thrive personally and professionally ensuring balance, trust, and well-being for every team member.