Pay Growth
?
out of 5
Not enough data
Not enough info to score pay or growth
NERC Certified System Operator
Job
NPAworldwide Recruitment Network
Great Falls, MT (In Person)
$139,500 Salary, Full-Time
Review key factors to help you decide if the role fits your goals.
Job Security
?
out of 5
Not enough data
Calculating job security score...
Total Score
78
out of 100
Average of individual scores
Skill Insights
Compare your current skills to what this opportunity needs—we'll show you what you already have and what could strengthen your application.
Job Description
NERC Certified System Operator (OOJ - 46588) 111000-168000 / US Dollars / Annual Salary NPAworldwide Recruitment Network update Last updated: Jun/23/2026
Job Description
Position Summary The System Operator reports to the System Operations Manager is responsible for the safe, reliable, and efficient real-time operation of balancing authority and generation assets from a Network Operations Center (NOC). This role monitors system conditions, coordinates generation and interchange schedules, responds to system events, and ensures continuous compliance with applicable reliability standards — while optimizing operational performance and supporting grid reliability.
This position plays a critical role during both normal and emergency operating conditions and is entrusted with the authority to take timely real-time operational actions to protect the bulk electric system, support system restoration, and prevent potential reliability violations. The System Operator works closely with internal teams and external partners to maintain system integrity and operational excellence. Primary Duties & Responsibilities
Operate and monitor balancing authority and generation assets in real time to ensure safe, reliable, and economic performance
Manage hourly resource optimization, generation dispatch, and interchange scheduling
Respond to system disturbances, outages, and emergency conditions in coordination with transmission operators, reliability coordinators, and internal stakeholders
Ensure continuous compliance with NERC, WECC, FERC, and applicable regional reliability standards (including AESO/Alberta requirements, as applicable)
Coordinate with internal operations, environmental, and asset management teams, as well as external trading and reliability partners
Review and approve switching activities and coordinate planned and unplanned outages to support system reliability
Prepare and provide operational reports, system updates, and event communications to leadership
Support the training, development, and mentoring of Associate System Operators
Performance Expectations
Provide training to Associate System Operators in real-time direction of interconnected generation asset operations
Perform direct asset operations in a highly reliable, safe manner in accordance with NERC and WECC reliability standards for BA & GOP, including adherence to procedures, policies, guidelines, and real-time logging requirements
Work with the Compliance Team to implement new or updated reliability standards
Maintain NERC Reliability or Balancing Interchange Certification, including a minimum of 60 continuing education hours over each 3-year period (30 hours simulated operations, 30 hours NERC standards training)
Demonstrate high customer focus, ensuring system event and outage information is accurate and communicated in a timely manner to the Lead System Operator, NOC Manager, senior management, and third-party asset owner/operators
Follow department procedures and utilize human performance tools to ensure clarity in instructions and communications with field personnel
Support reporting and settlement duties for generation projects and third-party generation operations
Contribute to the development and maintenance of NOC procedures, policies, and operational guidelines
Maintain effective working relationships within the department and across the organization; sustain professional competence and composure under normal and high-stress operating conditions