DUTIES
A Load Dispatcher exercises centralized control over electric transmission and distribution lines, generating equipment, and other electrical systems. Responsibilities include directing switching to remove lines and equipment from service for routine or emergency work, coordinating restoration of service, negotiating purchase, sale, and scheduling of electrical energy and associated services in accordance with contracts and real‑time schedules, and executing other related duties.
ANNUAL SALARY
For trainee positions: $153,614 to $190,843
For permanent Load Dispatcher positions: $176,081 to $218,738
NOTES
- For information regarding reciprocity between City of Los Angeles departments and LADWP, go to: http://per.lacity.org/Reciprocity_CityDepts_and_DWP.pdf.
- Annual salary is at the start of the pay range. The current salary range is subject to change. Please confirm the starting salary with the hiring department before accepting a job offer.
- Candidates from the eligible list are normally appointed to vacancies in the lower pay grade positions.
- There are three phases of training. A one‑time bonus of up to $7,500 will be paid to trainees in three payments as each phase is completed.
- Employees regularly assigned to positions for shifts beginning at or after 2:00 p.m. but before 9:00 p.m. are paid up to an additional 4 percent for each hour worked during any such normal shift.
- Employees regularly assigned to positions for shifts beginning at or after 9:00 p.m. but before 4:00 a.m. are paid up to an additional 7 percent for each hour worked during any such normal shift.
- Employees who are appointed off this eligible list may receive salary bonuses for attainment of dispatcher certification(s) such as the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC).
REQUIREMENTS / MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Two years of full‑time paid experience as an electric station operator, steam plant operator, electric distribution mechanic, electrical mechanic, hydroelectric station operator, senior electrical repairer, lineman, senior electrical tester, electric trouble dispatcher, or a position which is at least at that level and provides experience in operating a switchboard controlling the function or maintenance of electric equipment and lines in an electric power generating plant, substation, or in a receiving, switching, or distribution station; or maintaining an electrical distribution system at 4‑kV or higher.
- Two years of full‑time paid experience as a load dispatcher, systems operator, or in a position which is at least at that level and provides experience in centralized control over electric transmission lines, distribution lines, generating equipment, and/or other electrical equipment of an electric utility system at 4‑kV or higher.
- Three years of full‑time paid experience in a position at least at the level of electrical engineering associate, which provides experience in power system field operations in maintenance of power system control equipment, or the functioning or maintenance of electric equipment and lines in an electric power generating plant, in a substation, receiving, switching or distribution station, or maintaining an electrical distribution system at 4‑kV or higher voltage and possessing either an Engineer‑in‑Training certification or a Professional Engineers license.
- Five years of full‑time paid experience, including time spent in training, in the operation or maintenance of a nuclear power plant and/or its associated auxiliaries on a naval ship.
PROCESS NOTES
- Under Requirements #1, #2, or #3, time spent as an assistant, apprentice, or trainee will not be included as qualifying experience.
- Candidates qualifying under Requirement #3 must submit a copy of either an Engineer‑in‑Training certification or a Professional Engineers license by attaching it to their online application at the time of filing. They must have within seven (7) calendar days from the online submission date to e‑mail their document to per.appdocs@lacity.org. The subject line of your e‑mail must include the exam title, your name, and indicate it is a certificate or license. In the body of your e‑mail, you must also include your first and last name, last four digits of your Social Security Number, and contact phone number. Candidates who fail to submit either document within the time required will not be considered further in this examination and their applications will not be processed.
WHERE TO APPLY & APPLICATION DEADLINE
Applications will only be accepted online. When you are viewing the online job bulletin of your choice, simply scroll to the top of the page and select the "Apply" icon. Online job bulletins are also available at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/lacity for Open Competitive Examinations.
Applicants are urged to apply early to ensure you have time to resolve any technical issues you may encounter.
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Filing Period 1: FRIDAY, JANUARY 23, 2026 to THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2026
Filing Period 2: FRIDAY, MAY 29, 2026 to THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2026
Filing Period 3: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2026 to THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2026
The examination may close without prior notice at any time after a sufficient number of applications have been received. Filing periods may change without prior notice or additional dates may be added, as needed, at a later date. For administrative purposes, filing will close periodically and reopen on the dates noted in the "Application Deadline" section of this bulletin.
SELECTION PROCESS
Examination Weight: Multiple‑Choice Test – 100%.
The examination will consist of a multiple‑choice test administered and proctored online. Competencies evaluated include Judgment and Decision Making, Learning Ability, Mathematics, Fact Finding, Attention to Detail, Analytical Ability, Safety Focus, and Job Knowledge including electrical theory and concepts; use of nomograms; and other necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities.
NOTES
- This examination is and as provided by Civil Service Commission Rule 4.20, the multiple‑choice test will not be subject to candidate inspection.
- Candidates may take this test only once every 365 days during the administration of this examination. Names may be removed from the open competitive eligible list after 6 months.
- All entry‑level positions are temporary training positions as defined in Civil Service Commission Rule 5.30. All trainees must complete an intensive three‑week evaluation period, a five‑week classroom training period, and the first phase of on‑the‑job training within nine months. All trainees must complete the remaining phase of the on‑the‑job training and be assigned to a permanent position within twenty‑one months. A Load Dispatcher may regularly work various shifts including weekends, holidays and overtime.
- Applications are accepted subject to review to ensure that minimum qualifications are met. Candidates may be disqualified at any time if it is determined that they do not possess the minimum qualifications stated on this bulletin.
- As a covered entity under the Fair Employment and Housing Act and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Los Angeles does not discriminate on the basis of disability and upon request, will provide reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access to its programs, services, and activities. To request a disability accommodation, please complete the Disability Accommodation Form within 14 calendar days of the submittal of the City application.
- A final average score of 70% is required to be placed on the eligible list.
- Your rank on the employment list may change throughout the year as the scores of candidates from other administrations of this examination are merged onto one list.
- In accordance with Civil Service Rule, Sec. 4.24, review periods may be combined. Candidates in the examination process may file protests as provided in Sec. 4.20, 4.22 and 4.23 as applicable and within the required time frame; however, the Personnel Department may respond to and resolve protests prior to the establishment of the eligible list.
BENEFITS
If you receive and accept an offer of employment to a regular position with the City of Los Angeles, your employee benefit coverage (including health and dental coverage as well as life insurance) will commence approximately six weeks after your original regular appointment. Not all positions in the City receive benefit coverage; you should inquire regarding the availability of employee benefits prior to accepting a position. All City employees are required to be Disaster Service Workers.
ANNOUNCEMENT
THIS EXAMINATION IS TO BE GIVEN ONLY ON AN OPEN COMPETITIVE BASIS.
ANNOUNCEMENT – EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
For additional information and FAQs regarding the City's hiring process, please go to: https://per.lacity.org/faqs/employment-testing-process.html
EEO STATEMENT
The City of Los Angeles does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, creed, color, ancestry, medical condition (cancer), or Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.