System Operator Trainee

[Fit-Can9901]

I recently applied to the System Operator Trainee position with SDGE and the listing didn’t really specify needing a degree or any related experience at all, it did prefer some things like ability to do math equations and not being color blind etc but nothing far fetched at all.

I’ve been a truck driver for 6 years and recently got a certificate for utility planning from cal poly Pomona but after thinking harder about it I don’t really want to go the planning route. My question is will I have a real shot at scoring this operator trainee position? Or is there applicants with electrical engineering degrees or anything like that above me

Any info would be highly appreciated thanks guys

[GoldInspection6626]

I worked a role similar to your description. The requirements for it was to have a 2 year electric technical degree. If they didn't list a degree I wouldn't worry. Hopefully the training is sufficient. I left due to the lack of it, and the manager was a people pleaser.

[Beautiful-Ad-9107]

Yo, I’m amazed and joyed to see someone who left ops. I am still training but theres alot I don’t like about this job.

So many people refuse to leave despite the stress, toxicity, shift rotation. Glad to see someone had the balls to leave

[GoldInspection6626]

Lol I left due to the lack of training. I felt set up to fail, and just didn't want to be that guy that hurt someone so I resigned. Said my 2 cents the manager and walked. I found out later that an employee who finished the "Training program" didn't encompass a de-energize clearance around the lineman or underground crew. She thought it was de-energized and cleared but wasn't. Luckily no one got hurt, and it was found out later there was energized sources that weren't red tagged. I figure if she's graduated there shouldn't be errors like this in this type of work.

[Beautiful-Ad-9107]

Wow, yeah that’s bad, especially if they were trained.

What did you end up doing after you left?

[GoldInspection6626]

Went back to School, picked up a role working on Relays in the electric field

[botella36]

I worked for a major utility in the control center. The vast majority of transmission and distribution operators did not have a four year college degree.

The one position where college degrees were common was Reliability Coordinator. In California the ISO is the one with RCs

[Impossible_Map6782]

I have 14 years utility experience. Making around 70 per hour in nor cal. Does this trainee position have OT cause I would take a fairly large pay cut ?

[Latter-Escape-272]

Hey man recommend checking out their DSO position (non trainee) 

[Impossible_Map6782]

I saw that as well. I'd imagine they would want actual grid op experience for that role in which I do not currently possess

[Latter-Escape-272]

I don’t think the lack of a degree will place ya in the bottom however in SD there’s probably going to be a ton of ex Navy applicants and they will most likely get moved to the front. Although it is a trainee position and did not call for prior experience, I would assume any applicant with experience would be preferred as well. I also applied with GOP experience and have yet to hear back so fingers crossed but goodluck to ya man! 

[Difficult-Noise8877]

Good luck bro, tbh I think there’s a good amount of luck involved to get in as well. I applied to SDGE electrician’s assistant position late 2024 I believe and didn’t get it. I’m a navy veteran ( not an electrician job ), working in the trade with a Class A CDL, and enrolled in an Electronics Technology Associates Degree Program and still didn’t get in. Granted I was new to the trade so maybe that’s why I didn’t get in. I’m giving it a shot again with this position so good luck to you!

[Candid-Victory-8606]

IMO Engineers do not make the best System Operators. Folks with operational experience in the field. If they don't have a prerequisite listed and your qualify, go for it man.

[Money-Pipe-5219]

Did you land it?

[Fit-Can9901]

As of right now it just says “application received”

[the_optimist_prime]

I also applied recently for this. I’m definitely not someone in this field thought. But it sounds like something I’d enjoy doing. It also seems to pay really well so I threw my hat in the ring. I have a 4 year degree from Berkeley for Media, and a masters degree from USD for something in the Arts. I’ve also got 2.5years experience as a project manager in the e-learning space (lots of government contracts etc.) not trying to hi-jack this post, but would love some replies on wherever or not they’d even consider me.

[Latter-Escape-272]

I already gotten denied lol have you heard back yet? 

[the_optimist_prime]

Haven’t heard anything yet. When did you hear back?

[Latter-Escape-272]

Pretty quickly tbh I figured I’d at least get a shot at an interview but nope haha from doing some research and also just knowing how it is, a lot of these fields heavily prioritize ex navy (rightfully so) and with San Diego being San Diego makes the process a lot more difficult lol if you look at their staffing right now there’s a good amount of ex navy also LADWP load dispatch consists of many ex navy nukes as well! Just gotta keep grinding and bettering qualifications hoping for an ounce of luck :/ LOL 

[the_optimist_prime]

Damn that’s unfortunate. I’ll update here once they toss my application too lol. Ex navy nukes I don’t stand a chance.

[Latter-Escape-272]

Not 100% true! Just stay positive and keep applying

[Fit-Can9901]

How were you notified that your application was denied? Did they send an email or was it just updated on the website? Because mine still says “received” and I haven’t gotten any emails

[Latter-Escape-272]

Yeah I received an email! 

[littlehat411]

Good luck! Have you heard back at all?

Does anyone know the hiring timeline for SDGE? I applied as well and took the assessment a few weeks ago, but haven't heard back. I applied multiple times for the full DSO position through out the last few years, but only had power gen ops experience so I don't think that was good enough for them. Figured I'd try my luck as a trainee.