Dispatch Operator Job Family

American Electric Power•Tulsa, OK

4d•$44 - $59•Onsite

About The Position

Responsible for safely dispatching distribution customer outages to multiple field personnel, analyzing outage data, and accurately documenting the restoration process. The position prioritizes routine and emergency work, operates distribution applications during switching procedures, and communicates instructions through radio, telephone, and written applications. The role requires working under pressure, responding to emergency overtime, maintaining mapping systems, supporting DDC team members, participating in safety meetings, and continuing training to progress to Operator Grade 2 within Company-established timeframes. The role is based at the Energy Control Center in Tulsa; candidates must reside within 35 roadway miles and 40 radius miles of the center. Three positions are available. The appropriate classification will be determined based on qualifications and experience.

Requirements

Associate degree in Electrical or Electronics Technology or a related field, or equivalent work experience, as applicable to the classification.
For Grade 3: associate degree in Electrical or Electronics Technology or a related field, or equivalent work experience such as two or more years in Line, Substation, Generation, or DDC Support departments.
For Grade 2: an 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.
For Grade 1: an 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.
For Electric System Operator: previous experience as an Electric System Operator or Operator Grade 1 as defined in AEP's Distribution Dispatch Development Program.
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, and an 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.
Attitude and desire to listen to and satisfy internal and external customers.
Ability to work shifts on days, evenings, and midnights, including weekends and holidays.
Ability and willingness to work planned, holdover, and call-out overtime, which could be frequent; a high acceptance rate for overtime is required.
Must reside within 35 roadway miles and 40 radius miles of the Energy Control Center at 6878 E BA Frontage Rd, Tulsa, OK 74145.
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 effectively under pressure during critical system conditions.
Respond quickly for emergency overtime.
Update and maintain mapping systems.
Support all DDC team members.
Assume other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Continue on-the-job and program training, including 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 needs.