Power Operations Desk Operator
GridCARE · Johnson City · $24–$29/hr (stated in the posting)
GridCARE accelerates power for AI. We help data centers connect to the grid years faster by identifying available capacity and operationalizing flexible interconnections, and we help utilities serve large loads without compromising reliability. Our Power Operations platform provides real-time monitoring and dispatch, drives long-term energy management and system optimization, and seamlessly connects utility planning, utility operations, and data center operations. It builds on decades of experience deploying best-in-class DERMS and virtual power plants at AutoGrid.
Learn more about GridCARE:
TechCrunch: GridCARE thinks more than 100 GW of data-center capacity is hiding in the grid
Data Center Dynamics: From Years to Months — Creating an AI Fast Lane for Data Centers
GridCARE Raises $64 Million Series A to Create a New Category: Power Acceleration
THE ROLE
Where flexible interconnections become real
Our Johnson City Operations Center is where flexible interconnections become real. As a Power Operations Desk Operator, you will staff a 24/7 desk that monitors data center loads, on-site generation, and grid conditions in real time, and you will execute the curtailment and dispatch actions that keep those sites within their interconnection agreements. You are the person utilities and site teams call when conditions change, and the person who makes sure nothing gets missed at 3 a.m. This role reports to the Director of 24/7 & Customer Support Operations.
We are hiring at multiple levels, from trainable early-career operators to seasoned control room professionals. Your title, responsibilities, and pay will match your experience.
RESPONSIBILITIES
What you'll do
Monitor real-time telemetry (load, generation, frequency, voltage, and grid signals) across a fleet of data center sites and flexible interconnection assets.
Execute dispatch and curtailment instructions from utilities and ISOs/RTOs within contractual response windows, and verify that sites respond as expected.
Follow, and help improve, operating procedures, checklists, and escalation paths; document every action in the shift log.
Coordinate over phone, radio, and chat with utility control centers, data center facility teams, and GridCARE engineering during normal and abnormal conditions.
Identify alarms, anomalies, and data quality issues early; troubleshoot with the field and software teams and escalate when needed.
Conduct thorough shift turnovers so the incoming operator has full situational awareness.
Participate in drills, post-event reviews, and continuous improvement of the operations desk.
Senior operators: mentor junior staff, lead complex events, and serve as a subject matter expert on utility interconnection and market operations.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required at all levels
Ability to work a fixed 12-hour day or fixed 12-hour night schedule, including weekends and holidays, on-site in Johnson City, TN.
Strong situational awareness, attention to detail, and the discipline to follow procedures exactly, especially under pressure.
Clear, professional communication over the phone and in writing.
Comfort working with software dashboards, alarm systems, and spreadsheets; ability to learn new tools quickly.
High school diploma or equivalent. Offers for this position are contingent on a background check and a pre-employment drug screen.
Operator I / II (0–5 years)
Candidates with a technical or military background, or an associate's degree in electrical, energy, or a related field, will stand out.
Interest in the power grid and a desire to earn industry certifications on the job.
Senior Operator (5+ years)
Experience in a utility control room, generation dispatch, NOC, or a similar 24/7 operations environment.
Working knowledge of SCADA/EMS systems, demand response, or DER/DERMS operations.
Familiarity with ISO/RTO market and reliability operations (PJM, MISO, TVA, ERCOT, or similar).
NERC System Operator certification is valued but not required.
SCHEDULE
Twelve-hour shifts on a 2-2-3 rotation
Rotation. Two on, two off, three on, then the reverse. Seven 12-hour shifts every two weeks, never more than three in a row, and every other weekend off as a three-day weekend.
Fixed assignment. You are hired into a fixed day shift (6:00 AM – 6:00 PM) or a fixed night shift (6:00 PM – 6:00 AM); days and nights do not rotate. Tell us your preference when you apply.
Hours. The desk is staffed 24/7/365, including weekends and holidays. Overtime is built into the schedule and paid at 1.5x, and night-shift operators receive a $3.00/hr differential.
COMPENSATION
Placement within a range depends on directly relevant experience and certifications. Overtime and night differential are paid on top.
Pay by level
OPERATOR I: 0–2 yrs · trainable, strong aptitude
$24 – $29 /hr
OPERATOR II: 2–5 yrs · dispatch, NOC, or SCADA
$29 – $36 /hr
SENIOR OPERATOR: 5+ yrs · NERC cert or utility control room
$38 – $48 /hr
BENEFITS
What else you get
Medical, dental, and vision coverage, and a 401(k) retirement plan.
Flexible paid time off, scheduled with your manager so the desk stays covered.
Twelve observed holidays plus two floating holidays. Because the desk never closes, operators receive holiday pay whether the holiday falls on a shift or a day off, with additional pay for holidays worked.
Equity in a fast-growing company at the center of the AI power buildout.
Paid training, with support for NERC certification and continuing education.
Join us in tackling one of the most important infrastructure challenges of our time — enabling the energy foundation for the age of AI.
GridCARE is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.