About this role
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%
Summary
This 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.
Required
- High School graduate or equivalent
- Minimum of 4-years’ field experience in construction, maintenance or operation of electric distribution or transmission systems
- Ability to work 12 hour rotating shifts according to department policies
- Requires participation in after-hour emergency callouts in all kinds of weather conditions
- Ability to read one-line diagrams
- Commitment to successful participation and advancement in apprenticeship program
- Demonstrated troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
- Commitment to working safely and compliance with all company safety rules
- Must have good communication and teamwork skills
- Must have computer literacy and proficiency with Microsoft Office products
- One-year or longer technical degree or certificate in electrical field or successful completion of Xcel Energy approved apprenticeship in a related field
Our culture is grounded in shared values and employee commitments that guide how we work, support one another, and grow together.
Our Values
Connected, Committed, Trustworthy, Safe
Our Employee Commitments
- Work that makes a difference
- A team you can count of
- Opportunities to grow
- Rewards that help you thrive
Xcel 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.
Bargaining
The anticipated starting base pay for this position is: $44.05 to $67.77 per hour
This 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: 11/09/26
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Accessibility Statement
Xcel 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.