System Operator - Level I

Join to apply for the System Operator - Level I role at Blue Ridge Energy

Keep the lights on. Keep the system safe. Keep the members informed.

At Blue Ridge Energy
, we're committed to powering communities with excellence, reliability, and care. Our System Operators are the heart of our operations—monitoring and managing the grid 24/7 to ensure safe and reliable service to our members.

We're looking for a System Operator Level 1 who can think critically under pressure, communicate clearly, and make sound operational decisions to support crews and members across our system.

• Deliver superior member service through professionalism, empathy, and accuracy.
• Receive and analyze trouble calls and outage reports, taking appropriate action to restore service safely and efficiently.
• Make work assignments to field crews, including outages, reconnects, disconnects, and emergency response requests.
• Operate and monitor SCADA and other control systems to manage grid operations.
• Coordinate with internal departments and field personnel to minimize service interruptions and maximize system performance.
• Monitor system conditions and respond to alarms related to microwave, security, and communications equipment.
• Maintain detailed and accurate logs, outage reports, and submit digital mapping modifications reflecting real-time system status.
• Execute and document switching operations under prescribed safety guidelines.
• Analyze operational data to identify trends, predict potential issues, and support proactive system reliability.
• Provide courteous, efficient communication with members and employees during normal and emergency conditions.

• Associate degree in Electrical Engineering preferred.
• Equivalent experience, such as a relevant college degree or four years in utility operations or customer service, may be substituted.

• Background in system operations, outage coordination, or electric utility dispatch preferred.
• Experience with data analytics, emergency response, SCADA, OMS, or other grid technologies is a plus.

• Strong understanding of electric transmission and distribution systems (up to 230kV).
• Ability to interpret one-line diagrams, electrical schematics, and system maps.
• Proficiency in SCADA, OMS, MDM, and AMI systems, and in using Microsoft 365 applications.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make decisions under pressure.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; capable of maintaining calm, clear communication in high-stress situations.
• Exceptional attention to detail, organization, and multitasking ability.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety, accuracy, and continuous learning.

• Environment:
  Primarily office-based in the System Operations Center.
• Schedule:
  
  Rotating shift work.
• On-Call:
  Must be available during emergencies.
• Field Work:
  Occasional visits to substations, construction sites, and district facilities.
• Overtime:
  Subject to Fair Labor Standards Act overtime requirements.

When you join Blue Ridge Energy, you become part of a cooperative with a mission to make life better for our members
.

• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits
• Ongoing professional development and advancement opportunities
• A collaborative, safety-first work culture grounded in service excellence

Ready to take charge of a system that powers communities? Apply today to join the Blue Ridge Energy System Operations team and help keep our grid strong, reliable, and ready for the future.

Non-Discrimination:
This position shall be filled on the basis of qualifications and ability to perform essential job functions, and without regard to race, religion, sex, color, age, national origin, or disability.

EEO Classification:
Technicians (3-B)

Physical Activity Requirements (Type): G, M, P, Q, R

Physical Demands Requirements (Degree): A

Visual Acuity Requirements: A

Working Condition Requirements: L

Salary: $30.19 - $37.74 per hour