Power System Operator Candidate

Job Description:

Power System Operator Candidate

Description

Position Description

Tacoma Power is currently hiring for Power System Operator Candidate! Candidates are enrolled in Tacoma Power's Power System Operator training program (approx. 2 years) and must successfully pass the apprenticeship and obtain NERC certification for continued employment and appointment as a Power System Operator.

Power System Operator Candidate work rotating shifts, e.g. 7 days on, 3 days off, 7 days on, 4 days off, 7 days on, 3 days off, etc. rotating between day, swing and grave each 7 day shift cycle.

Power System Operator Candidate learn and perform skilled work to insure the real-time safe, reliable and economic delivery of power to utility customers through the coordination and control of Tacoma Power generation, transmission and distribution electrical systems; maintaining system integrity and reliability during normal and emergency conditions by anticipating and responding appropriately to safeguard utility employees and the public through control of high voltage switching and electrical clearances; insuring operations meet NERC and WECC reliability standards; maintaining real-time balance between load and generation, appropriate frequency, interchange and operating reserves and by taking action to preserve the Interconnection up to and including manual load shedding.

Ideal candidates can stay calm under pressure, make sound, quick decisions, can collaborate with a team but take charge when the situation warrants it. Additionally, we're looking for people who are self-motivated, detail oriented, adaptable, and resilient.

Qualifications

Graduation from high school or equivalent AND:

Successful completion of an electrical utility apprenticeship program OR

Bachelor's Degree in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) or related field. Four (4) years of System Operations, Utility Operations, Power Marketing, or direct supporting roles can be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis. OR

Be a journey-level electrician working in an electrical utility system operating at 4 kV or above or military equivalent (Navy nuclear power, Army prime power, etc.) OR

Three (3) years of experience in Power System Operations of an electric utility operating at 4 kV or above, including but not limited to Power System Operator, Systems Power Dispatcher (job title used prior to 8/1/2025), Substation, or Generation Operator

LICENSES, CERTIFICATES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Valid driver's license at time of appointment and maintenance thereafter.
• First Aid/CPR certification prior to completing Level 1 and maintenance thereafter.
• Obtain NERC System Operator certification prior to completion of Tacoma Power's System Power Dispatcher Candidate training program with maintenance thereafter.

Knowledge & Skills

• Electrical theory as applied to electrical circuits and power systems
• All applicable laws, codes, regulations, safety rules, policies and procedures
• Location of streets, roads, and substations within utility service area
• Effective oral and written communication skills, including English grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary
• Record keeping techniques using state of the art technologies
• Radio and telephone technique and etiquette
• Interpersonal skills, using tact, patience and courtesy
• Mathematics that includes algebra, geometry and trigonometry
• Learn the skills and tasks required of a Systems Power Dispatcher
• Understand and follow complex oral and written instructions in exact detail
• React quickly and efficiently in emergencies
• Learn the skills associated with operating a computer, electronic equipment and communication equipment
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others
• Observe proper safety rules and precautions
• Operate a variety of tools, machinery, and equipment
• Effective teamwork skills
• Detail oriented with the ability to multi-task

Selection Process & Supplemental Information

A Commitment to Equity & Diversity
At the City of Tacoma, we're on a mission to make our workforce as diverse and inclusive as the community we serve. We actively seek out candidates from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. Join our team at the City of Tacoma and help us build a more vibrant, inclusive, and equitable community for all.

If you have a less traditional background, we want to hear about your transferrable skills and experience. We value a variety of perspectives and are excited to see what you bring to the table.

Tacoma Power
Tacoma Power is an almost 100% hydroelectric, municipally-owned public power utility, located in Tacoma. We serve approximately 180,000 customers as one of the three operating divisions of Tacoma Public Utilities, alongside Tacoma Water and Tacoma Rail. As one of the most livable, walkable cities in the country, you'll find that Tacoma is a great fit for all interests with places to bike, run, hike, and explore, the perks of a big city, and the charm of a small town.

The Community

Tacoma is centrally located just 32 miles south of the city of Seattle and 31 miles north of the state capital, Olympia. The City of Tacoma is also home to the Port of Tacoma, which is among the largest container ports in the United States. Like most cities in the northwest, Tacoma is surrounded by beautiful nature, offering residents many opportunities for outdoor adventures.

Largely suburban in nature with a small, but dense, urban core, Tacoma is home to numerous institutes of higher learning that attract students from across the country. The University of Washington Tacoma, Pacific Lutheran University, University of Puget Sound, a satellite campus of the Evergreen State College, three community/technical colleges, and several trade and business schools are within Tacoma's geographic area. Downtown's Cultural District is the site of the Washington State History Museum, Museum of Glass, the Tacoma Art Museum, and America's Car Museum.

With its affordable housing and distinctive neighborhoods and business districts, the city has been recognized numerous times as a best city to live in the nation. To see a few of the great things Tacoma has to offer, view this YouTube Video!

View this exciting video to learn more about the City of Tacoma: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2n5MWl8KFvI

Apply
Interested individuals should apply online and attach a detailed resume and cover letter that includes job experience, major responsibilities and accomplishments related to this position.

Candidates will be evaluated and ranked on an eligibility list. This list is used for vacancies that occur at the City of Tacoma for one year.

This position is represented by Local 483.

Individuals given a conditional offer of employment must also pass a background check. May also be required to pass a Department of Homeland Security background check which must result in the issuance of a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). An employee in this classification is subject to passing an annual exam required for working in and around facilities and obtaining access to secure information.

Compensation & Benefits
Pay Details:
Hourly Rate: $70.59 - $81.72

Employee Benefits | City of Tacoma
Get Assistance

For assistance with the application process or questions regarding this job announcement please contact the Human Resources office at (253) 591-5400 by 4:00 p.m. of the closing date of the job announcement.

For technical difficulties using the Neogov system, call the applicant support line at 1-855-524-5627 between 6:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. This will allow us to assist you before the job announcement closes.

Communication with the City of Tacoma

We primarily communicate via email during the application process. Emails from Tacoma.gov and/or governmentjobs.com should be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk email folders.

The City of Tacoma provides excellent medical, dental and vision plans for the whole family; paid holidays and paid leave; participation in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System (alternate plan for Police/Fire); continuing education and advancement opportunities and a growing variety of City-sponsored health and wellness opportunities and incentives.

Medical Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age26 or younger.

Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age26 or younger.

Vision Coverage: For eligible employees and their eligible dependents.

Paid Leave: City employees are entitled to received paid holidays, sick/vacation leave or personal time off (PTO), depending upon union affiliation and appointment type.

Insurance Plans: Employees are covered by a long-term disability plan. Short-term and expanded long-term disability insurance plans are also available to employees. The State Industrial Insurance Act also covers employees.

Deferred Compensation: Income can be set aside on a pretax basis and invested for supplementation of normal retirement income.

Retirement: All employees of the City, except members of the Police and Fire services, Tacoma Rail and certain project employees, are included in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System. Information on the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System can be found at www.cityoftacoma.org or by calling (253) 502-8200.

Other Employment Information

Direct Deposit: Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule by direct deposit.

Salary Increases: Based on satisfactory job performance, the City provides for a regular progression of salary increases for most classifications according to the salary schedule.

Union Affiliation: Many job classifications are covered by union security provisions which require union membership, dues, or payment of equivalent service fees.

Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.

Closing Date/Time: 4/2/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

Salary:

$70.59 - $81.72 Hourly