Dispatch Operator Job Family

American Electric Power•Tulsa, OK

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Dispatch Operator is responsible for safely dispatching distribution customer outages to multiple field personnel, analyzing outage data, and accurately documenting the restoration process. The role prioritizes routine and emergency work, operates distribution applications during switching procedures, and communicates instructions through radio, telephone, and written applications. It requires working under pressure during critical system conditions and responding quickly to emergency overtime. The position supports the Distribution Dispatch Center (DDC) team, maintains mapping systems, participates in safety meetings, and continues on-the-job and program training to progress to Operator Grade 2 within company-established timeframes. The candidate must reside within 35 roadway miles and 40 radius of the Energy Control Center at 6878 E BA Frontage Rd, Tulsa, OK 74145. Three positions are being hired. Classification within the posted range is determined by qualifications and experience.

Requirements

Successful completion of the System Operations/Power Dispatch (SOPD) test.
Acquire, within company-determined timeframes, the qualifications necessary to perform the duties of the next higher classification in the line of progression.
Good safety record and knowledge of electrical safety procedures and AEP's Accident Prevention Manual.
Work history demonstrating dependability and responsiveness to business needs.
Excellent attendance record.
Satisfactory hearing and ability to identify line colors.
Demonstrated ability to work well with others and be a team player.
Ability to manage multiple tasks effectively in a high-stress environment for extended periods.
Computer literacy and ability to learn new computer programs.
Customer-focused attitude and desire to listen to and satisfy internal and external customers.
Ability to work days, evenings, and midnights, including weekends and holidays.
High acceptance rate for overtime; planned, holdover, and call-out overtime could be frequent.
Must reside within 35 roadway miles and 40 radius of the Energy Control Center, 6878 E BA Frontage Rd, Tulsa, OK 74145.
Grade 3: Associate degree in Electrical or Electronics Technology or a related field, or equivalent work experience such as two or more years of experience in Line, Substation, Generation, or DDC Support departments.
Grade 2: Associate degree in Electrical or Electronics Technology or a related field and at least two years of equivalent experience in Line, Substation, Generation, or DDC Support departments; or four or more years of equivalent experience in those departments; or two years as an Operator Grade 3.
Grade 1: Associate degree in Electrical or Electronics Technology or a related field and at least two years of DDC dispatching experience, or at least four years of DDC dispatching experience.
Electric System Operator: Previous experience as an Electric System Operator or Operator Grade 1 as defined in AEP's Distribution Dispatch Development Program.
The successful candidate may be subject to a criminal history background check.

Responsibilities

Prioritize routine and emergency work to meet internal and external customer needs.
Operate distribution applications during routine and emergency switching procedures.
Communicate verbal instructions clearly and precisely using radio and telephone systems, and provide clear written communications through various applications.
Respond to emergency overtime and work under pressure during critical system conditions.
Update and maintain mapping systems.
Support all DDC team members.
Assume other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Continue on-the-job training, program training, and testing to progress to Operator Grade 2 within company-established timeframes.
Participate in and assist with planning team safety meetings.
Foster and maintain a positive work culture.
Travel occasionally overnight for outage restoration, interaction with districts, or training.