System Operator / Apprentice

Northeast Missouri Electric Power Cooperative, Inc.; Palmyra (MO); On-site; USD 39,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive insurance coverage

Two retirement plans

Employer-paid life insurance for you,/

Paid vacation, sick leave, and 10 paid

AirMedCare membership for household

Payroll-deductible supplemental life/A

Job summary

Northeast Missouri Electric Power Cooperative (Northeast Power) in Palmyra, Missouri, seeks a System Operator to operate the electric transmission system via SCADA across Missouri and Iowa. The role requires rotating shifts in a 24/7 control room, and residency within 45 minutes of Palmyra.

NERC certification or enrollment in an apprenticeship may apply. Applicants may be considered for an Apprentice-level position; on-the-job training will be tailored by Northeast Power.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required; Prefer a two (2) year technical degree in electrical engineering or related technology
• NERC Certified System Operator Reliability Certification (RC) or Transmission Operator (TO) Certification required (or must be obtained within one year of hire)
• Five (5) years of related experience preferred, or completion of Northeast Power’s Apprentice System Operator Program
• Experience with SCADA systems, breaker operations, voltage control and outage coordination
• Strong computer skills including Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook
• Excellent verbal and written communication, organizational and decision-making skills
• Ability to maintain composure during high‑pressure situations and multitask with accuracy

Responsibilities

• Monitoring, analyzing and controlling the electric transmission system using SCADA
• Coordinating and executing switching orders, outage schedules and system protection procedures(lock-out/tagout)
• Creating personal protection zones for crews, issuing operating instructions and directing restoration efforts
• Performing system studies to maintain power grid reliability and prevent overloads
• Logging and maintaining records of system activity, including outages, breaker operations, weather and security checks
• Managing after-hours calls from MDCs, resolving outages and dispatching service personnel
• Reporting and coordinating response to emergencies such as oil spills, security alerts or Mayday events

Skills

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Safety-focused

24/7 control room endurance

Multitasking

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Two-year technical degree in electrical engineering or related technology

Tools

SCADA systems

MS Word/Excel/Outlook

Job description

Northeast Missouri Electric Power Cooperative (Northeast Power) has an immediate opening for a System Operator at the Palmyra, Missouri location. Northeast Power is a transmission cooperative delivering power to northeast Missouri and southeast Iowa.

This is an hourly, non-exempt position requiring residency within 45 minutes of Northeast Power's headquarters in Palmyra, Missouri. The Control Center operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in a secure, restricted work environment. This position requires rotating shifts, including days, evenings, nights, weekends and holidays. Applicants must be available to work the required rotating schedule.

Candidates will be required to hold or obtain a NERC System Operator Certification and complete on-the-job training tailored by Northeast Power.

Candidates without prior System Operator experience may be considered and, if selected, will be enrolled in an apprenticeship program lasting up to 60 months, depending on qualifications and experience.

What You Will Do:

This position is responsible for operating the electric transmission system using the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system, overseeing voltages from 12.5 kV to 345 kV across Missouri and Iowa. You will work in real-time with field personnel to monitor, operate and secure the system safely and efficiently during both normal and emergency conditions. Responsibilities include:

• Monitoring, analyzing and controlling the electric transmission system using SCADA
• Coordinating and executing switching orders, outage schedules and system protection procedures(lock-out/tagout)
• Creating personal protection zones for crews, issuing operating instructions and directing restoration efforts
• Performing system studies to maintain power grid reliability and prevent overloads
• Logging and maintaining records of system activity, including outages, breaker operations, weather and security checks
• Managing after-hours calls from Member-Distribution Cooperatives (MDCs), resolving outages and dispatching service personnel
• Reporting and coordinating response to emergencies such as oil spills, security alerts or Mayday events

What We Are Looking For:

We are seeking a detail-oriented, safety-focused individual with strong analytical and communication skills who can perform reliably in a 24/7 control room environment. A strong understanding of electrical systems and computer proficiency are essential.

We are hiring for a System Operator, but candidates without direct System Operator experience may be considered for an Apprentice-level position. The ideal candidate will have:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required; Prefer a two (2) year technical degree in electrical engineering or related technology
• North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) Certified System Operator Reliability Certification (RC) or Transmission Operator (TO) Certification required (or must be obtained within one year of hire)
• Five (5) years of related experience preferred, or completion of Northeast Power’s Apprentice System Operator Program
• Experience with SCADA systems, breaker operations, voltage control and outage coordination
• Strong computer skills including Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook
• Excellent verbal and written communication, organizational and decision-making skills
• Ability to maintain composure during high‑pressure situations and multitask with accuracy

What You Will Get:

We value our employees and are committed to supporting their well-being, professional growth and long-term success. In addition to our competitive pay, our benefits package includes:

• Comprehensive insurance coverage – Medical, dental and vision insurance to support your health and wellness.
• Strong financial future – Two (2) robust retirement plans to help you build long-term security.
• Family protection – Employer-paid life insurance for employee, spouse and child, plus long-term disability coverage.
• Work-life balance – Generous vacation, sick leave and 10 paid holidays per year.
• Peace of mind on the go – Business travel accident insurance and an AirMedCare membership for your household.
• Flexible options – Supplemental life insurance and Aflac policies available through convenient payroll deduction.

This job posting will remain open until filled, with priority consideration given to those candidates who submitted their application by November 6, 2026.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.