Apprentice/Journeyman Electric Distribution Systems Operator - Skypark Service Center - Eau Claire, WI

Xcel Energy; Eau Claire (WI); On-site; USD 61,000 - 93,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision benefits

Pension/401(k) plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Xcel Energy is hiring for an Apprentice/Journeyman Electric Distribution Systems Operator at the Skypark Service Center in Eau Claire, WI. The role supports real-time operations, switching, and restoration with a focus on safety and reliability.

Apprenticeship paths lead toward journeyman status and pay scales start at 65% of base journeyman rates. The position requires a high school diploma, 4+ years of field experience, ability to work 12-hour rotating shifts, and the willingness to

Qualifications

• High school graduate or equivalent.
• 4+ years field experience in electric distribution or transmission.
• Willing to work 12-hour rotating shifts.
• Read one-line diagrams.
• Technical degree or completion of Xcel Energy approved apprenticeship.

Responsibilities

• Operate the Electric Distribution System in real-time and monitor performance.
• Direct field personnel in switching and restoration efforts.
• Review switching procedures and troubleshoot outages and faults.
• Coordinate with Control Center and other utilities to maintain reliability.

Skills

One-line diagrams

Communication

Teamwork

Microsoft Office

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Technical degree or apprenticeship in electrical field

Job description

Xcel Energy (NASDAQ: XEL) is a leading energy provider and Fortune 500 company, dedicated to serving millions of electricity and natural gas customers across eight states: Minnesota, Colorado, Wisconsin, Michigan, North Dakota, South Dakota, New Mexico and Texas. We make energy work better for our customers, helping them thrive every day. That means always raising the bar - delivering better service and providing more reliable, resilient, and sustainable energy.Xcel Energy is a place where you’ll have opportunities to grow, expand your skills, and help lead the clean energy transition. We offer meaningful rewards, recognition, and support to help you build your career and make an impact - both on the job and beyond. Most importantly, it means you’ll be joining a company that knows employees are the driving force behind its success and is committed to helping you be your best.We anticipate the need for one or more Apprentice/Journeyman Electric Distribution Systems Operator at the Skypark Service Center in Eau Claire, WI. Apprenticeship rates are a percentage of the base journeyman rate for this classification. Those percentages are set out below. The minimum starting (Step 1 – 65%) rate of pay for this position is $44.05 hourly. Journeyman rate for this position is $69.98. The position will be posted for internally for 15 Working Days from October 20, 2026, to November 9, 2026. Candidate skills and qualifications will be evaluated and, in conformity to union contract, appropriate step placement will be offered to a successful candidate.Pay may also be adjusted in conformity with the union contract, but in no case will it be less than the negotiated step minimum. Minimum apprentice pay levels as a percentage of base Journeyman Distribution System Operator pay:Step 1: 65%Step 2: 75%Step 3: 85%Step 4: 95%SummaryThis position is responsible for the real-time operation of the Electric Distribution System. Monitors and exercises independent judgement in the operation of the Xcel Energy electric distribution system within operating guidelines; directs field employees in switching; writes, reviews and approves switching procedures; troubleshoots failures in the electric system, chooses appropriate actions and directs restoration by assigning field personnel or takes independent action through remote control switching equipment. Interacts with Control Center personnel and provides timely information of conditions of the distribution system. Maintains working relationships with other utilities, generating stations and Security Coordinators.RequiredHigh School graduate or equivalentMinimum of 4-years’ field experience in construction, maintenance or operation of electric distribution or transmission systemsAbility to work 12 hour rotating shifts according to department policiesRequires participation in after-hour emergency callouts in all kinds of weather conditionsAbility to read one-line diagramsCommitment to successful participation and advancement in apprenticeship programDemonstrated troubleshooting and problem-solving skillsCommitment to working safely and compliance with all company safety rulesMust have good communication and teamwork skillsMust have computer literacy and proficiency with Microsoft Office productsOne-year or longer technical degree or certificate in electrical field or successful completion of Xcel Energy approved apprenticeship in a related fieldOur culture is grounded in shared values and employee commitments that guide how we work, support one another, and grow together.Our ValuesConnected, Committed, Trustworthy, SafeOur Employee CommitmentsWork that makes a differenceA team you can count ofOpportunities to growRewards that help you thriveXcel Energy provides job applicants reasonable accommodations for disabilities throughout the application process. If you are in need of an accommodation to complete the application process, now or at any time in the future, please complete the Applicant Accommodation Request Form.BargainingThe anticipated starting base pay for this position is: $44.05 to $67.77 per hourThis position is eligible for the following benefits: Medical/Pharmacy Plan, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account, Health Care Flexible Spending Account, Health Savings Account (HSA) (if enrolled in eligible health plan), Limited-Purpose FSA (if enrolled in eligible health plan and HSA), Short-term disability (STD), Long-term disability (LTD), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Fitness Center Reimbursement (if enrolled in eligible health plan), Tuition reimbursement, Transit programs, Employee recognition program, Pension, 401(k) plan, Vacation, Holidays, Additional days off, Sick Time, Volunteer Paid Time Off (VPTO)Benefit plans are subject to change and Xcel Energy has the right to end, suspend, or amend any of its plans, at any time, in whole or in part.In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information including but not limited to dates of school attendance and graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.Deadline to Apply: 11/09/26EEO is the Law (PDF) | Equal Opportunity Statement (PDF) | Employee Rights (PDF)All Xcel Energy employees and contractors share responsibility for protecting the company's information and systems by adhering to cybersecurity policies, standards, and best practices, recognizing that cybersecurity is everyone's responsibility.Accessibility StatementXcel Energy endeavors to make https://www.xcelenergy.com and https://jobs.xcelenergy.com accessible to any and all users. If you are in need of an accommodation to complete the application process, now or at any time in the future, please complete the Applicant Accommodation Request Form. For any other application related questions, including application follow-ups or technical issues, please use our Recruiting Assistance, Electra, for assistance. Electra can be found in the lower right-hand corner of our Xcel Energy Careers site.