Distribution System Operator (Switching & Clearances)

HireTalent - Staffing & Recruiting Firm; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

HireTalent - Staffing & Recruiting Firm in Minneapolis is seeking a Distribution System Operator to support grid operations for a major utility. This role sits at the intersection of field expertise and control-room operations, ideal for a lineman or troubleman moving into a planning and coordination function.

You will join a team of six, collaborating with Control Center, Outage Coordination, and Grid Operations groups to write switching requests, develop switch plans, coordinate daily with the

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of distribution electrical system experience.
• Utility industry background.
• Field experience as a lineman or troubleman strongly preferred.
• Working knowledge of switching procedures, safety tags, clearances, and grid operations.
• Basic engineering or electrical theory knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Write switching requests for grid work.
• Develop switch plans for the distribution service territory.
• Coordinate daily with the Control Center on scheduling and approvals.
• Apply safety tags, clearances, and switching procedures in line with utility safety standards.
• Support safe work practices across planned outage and maintenance activities.

Skills

Electrical distribution experience

Lineman/troubleman background

Switching procedures knowledge

Safety tags & clearances

Electrical theory basics

Job description

We\'re hiring a Distribution System Operator to support grid operations for a major utility in the Minneapolis area. This role sits at the intersection of field expertise and control-room operations — ideal for a lineman or troubleman ready to move into a planning and coordination function.

Team: Joining a team of 6, working directly with Control Center, Outage Coordination, and Grid Operations groups

Key Responsibilities

• Write switching requests for grid work
• Develop switch plans for the distribution service territory
• Coordinate daily with the Control Center on scheduling and approvals
• Apply safety tags, clearances, and switching procedures in line with utility safety standards
• Support safe work practices across planned outage and maintenance activities

Required Qualifications

• 3-5 years of distribution electrical system experience
• Utility industry background
• Field experience as a lineman or troubleman strongly preferred
• Working knowledge of switching procedures, safety tags, clearances, and grid operations
• Basic engineering or electrical theory knowledge

Preferred Qualifications

• Oracle NMS experience

Why Apply

• Foot in the door with a major utility
• Long-term contract with strong conversion potential to a full-time union role
• Direct, hands-on collaboration with grid operations and control center teams