Electric System Operator

About the role

The Electric System Operator (Distribution Dispatcher) is responsible for coordinating, regulating, and controlling the real-time operation of the electric distribution system to ensure reliable, safe, and efficient service to customers. This role monitors system conditions, executes switching orders, responds to outages and emergencies, and communicates with field crews, engineers, and other utility personnel.

Responsibilities

• Promote and enforce the Company's Safety and Health programs.
• Be knowledgeable and adhere to written company and department policy and procedures.
• Demonstrate the highest standards of ethical behavior and support the Company's Corporate Compliance Policy.
• Effectively operate company communication equipment.
• Track crew locations and ongoing work on the distribution system.
• Dispatch service personnel to respond to outage and emergency situations.
• Authorize the energizing and restoration of distribution facilities.
• Maintain accurate outage records.
• Maintain accurate records of abnormal and defective equipment for distribution facilities.

Requirements

• Entry-level hires in the Distribution Dispatcher role have opportunities to advance into progressive positions at regular intervals through our job progression pathway.
• Must be able to work under pressure during periods of critical system conditions and deal with diverse situations simultaneously.
• Critical decisions must be made affecting reliability and priority of service to customers.
• Must maintain a high availability for call-out response.
• Must satisfactorily complete required training and testing to progress to the next level within the Distribution Dispatcher Associate classification within 2 years and to the Distribution Dispatcher classification within 4 years or vacate the position.
• Must be able to work under pressure during periods of critical system conditions and deal with diverse situations simultaneously.
• Critical decisions must be made affecting reliability and priority of service to customers.
• Failure to issue correct instructions could affect personnel safety, welfare of the general public, equipment damage, loss of revenue and adverse publicity.

Qualifications

• Dist. Dispatcher Assoc.: Education requirements: Bachelor’s degree in any field, OR associate degree in electrical or electronic technology, OR High School Diploma with 2 years of experience with technical customer support and service, including successful multi-tasking and handling of multiple programs/screens.
• Dist. Dispatcher: Education requirements are listed below: Bachelor’s degree in any field, OR associate’s degree in electrical or electronic technology, OR High School Diploma with 2 years of experience with technical customer support and service, including successful multi-tasking and handling of multiple programs/screens in addition to experience listed below.
• Work Experience requirement listed below: Minimum 2 years of experience as a Distribution Dispatcher Assoc.
• Dist. Dispatcher Sr.: Education requirements are listed below: Bachelor’s degree in any field, OR associate’s degree in electrical or electronic technology, OR High School Diploma with 2 years of experience with technical customer support and service, including successful multi-tasking and handling of multiple programs/screens in addition to experience listed below.
• Work Experience requirement listed below: Minimum 2 years of experience as a Distribution Dispatcher.

Skills

• Technical problem solving skills.
• Decisive action.
• Teamwork.

Benefits

AEP offers a unique comprehensive benefits package that aims to support and enhance the overall well-being of our employees. This includes:

• Competitive compensation.
• Company-sponsored training programs.
• Educational assistance.
• Social and recreational programs.
• Comprehensive health and wellness programs.
• Retirement savings plans.
• Flexible work arrangements.

Pay

• Dist. Dispatcher Assoc.: $70,000 to start.
• Dist. Dispatcher: $74,551 - $93,188.
• Dist. Dispatcher Sr.: $87,633 - $109,544.

Schedule

Rotating shift work required.