Dispatch Operator Job Family

American Electric Power; Tulsa (OK); On-site; USD 61,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

American Electric Power (AEP) in Tulsa, OK, is hiring for Distribution Dispatch roles. This position focuses on safely dispatching outages to field crews, analyzing outage data, and documenting restoration processes.

The job requires the SOPD test, safety knowledge, and progression through Operator grades within the company program. The role includes shift work (days/evenings/nights, weekends/holidays), overtime acceptance, and potential overnight travel for outage restoration or training.

Qualifications

• Associate Degree in Electrical or Electronics Technology or related field or equivalent work experience (2+ years in related departments).
• Grade 2 requires 2+ years' experience in Line/Substation/Generation or DDC Support, OR 4+ years in those departments, OR 2 years as Operator Grade 3.
• Grade 1 requires 2+ years' DDC dispatching experience or 4+ years in DDC dispatching.
• Electric System Operator experience per AEP’s program.

Responsibilities

• Prioritize routine and emergency work to meet internal and external customer needs.
• Operate distribution applications during routine and emergency switching.
• Communicate instructions clearly via radio, phone, and written communications.
• Work under pressure during critical system conditions.
• Respond to emergency overtime as needed.
• Update and maintain mapping systems.
• Support all DDC team members.
• Progress to Operator Grade 2 within established timeframes.
• Participate in team safety meetings and foster a positive culture.

Skills

Team player

Communication

Computer literacy

Safety procedures

Ability to work under pressure

Overtime readiness

Education

Associate Degree in Electrical or Electronics Technology

Two+ years in Line, Substation, Generation, or DDC Support

Four+ years in Line, Substation, Generation, or DDC Support

Two years as Operator Grade 3

Two years DDC dispatching experience

Tools

SOPD test knowledge

Job description

Job Posting End Date

11-05-2026

Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.

Job Summary

Responsible to safely dispatch distributions customer outages to multiple field personnel, including analyzing outage data and accurately documenting the restoration process.

#LI-Onsite

#AEPPSO

Job Description

What You’ll Do:

• Prioritize routine and emergency work to meet the needs of our internal and external customers.

• Operate distribution applications during routine and emergency switching procedures.

• Clearly and precisely communicate verbal instructions using radio and telephone systems, as well as provide clear written communications through various applications.

• Must be able to work under pressure during periods of critical system conditions.

• Be able to quickly respond for emergency overtime.

• Update and maintain mapping systems.

• Support all DDC team members.

• Assume other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

• Continue on the job training as well as training program and testing to progress to an Operator Grade 2 within the Company established timeframes.

• Participate and assist in planning team safety meetings.

• Foster and maintain a positive work culture.

Must reside within 35 roadway miles and 40 radius of the Energy Control Center, 6878 E BA Frontage Rd Tulsa, Ok 74145

We are hire for 3 positions

What We're Looking For:

Education & Experience :

• Grade 3 ($40.51) Associate Degree in Electrical or Electronics Technology, or related field, or equivalent work experience such as two or more years' experience in Line, Substation, Generation, or DDC Support departments.

• Grade 2 ($42.16) Associate Degree in Electrical or Electronics Technology, or related field, with a minimum of two years' equivalent experience in Line, Substation, Generation, or DDC Support departments, OR four or more years' equivalent experience in Line, Substation, Generation, or DDC Support Departments, OR two years as an Operator Grade 3.

• Grade 1 ($44.82) Associate Degree in Electrical or Electronics Technology, or related field, with a minimum of two years' DDC dispatching experience, OR a minimum of four years' DDC dispatching experience.

• Electric System Operator ($53.43) Previous experience as an Electric System Operator or Operator Grade 1 as defined in AEP's Distribution Dispatch Development Program.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Successful completion of the System Operations/Power Dispatch (SOPD) test is required. Additional information related to the test battery and a review of Employment Testing Information and Tips may be helpful. A link to this material may be found at aep.com/careers/testprep.

• Must acquire within such time frames as determined by the Company, the qualifications necessary to perform the duties of the next higher classification in the line of progression.

• A good safety record and knowledge of electrical safety procedures and AEP's Accident Prevention Manual.

• A work history that demonstrates dependability and responsiveness to business needs.

• An excellent attendance record.

• Satisfactory hearing and the ability to identify line colors.

• Demonstrated ability to work well with others and be a team player.

• Effectively manage multiple tasks in a high stress environment for extended periods of time.

• Must have computer literacy skills and the ability to learn new computer programs.

• An attitude and desire to listen to and satisfy internal and external customers.

• Shift work of days, evenings, and mid-nights including on weekends and holidays.

• Planned, holdover and call out overtime could be frequent.

• A high acceptance rate for overtime is required.

• Occasional overnight travel maybe required for the purpose of outage restoration, interaction with the districts, or for training needs.

• The successful candidate may be subject to a criminal history background check.

This position is posted as a range. Qualifications and experience will be used to determine the appropriate classification.

What You’ll Get:

In addition to a competitive compensation, AEP offers a unique comprehensive benefits package that aims to support and enhance the overall well-being of our employees.

Where Putting the Customer First Powers Everything We Do!

At AEP, we’re more than just an energy company — we’re a team of dedicated professionals committed to delivering safe, reliable, and innovative energy solutions. Guided by our mission to put the customer first, we strive to exceed expectations by listening, responding, and continuously improving the way we serve our communities. If you're passionate about making a meaningful impact and being part of a forward-thinking organization, this is the company for you!

Compensation Data

Compensation Grade:

U070-886

Compensation Range:

$44.27 - $59.44

The Physical Demand Level for this job is: S – Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally (Occasionally: activity or condition exists up to 1/3 of the time) and/or a negligible amount of force frequently. (Frequently: activity or condition exists from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time) to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.

It is hereby reaffirmed that it is the policy of American Electric Power (AEP) to provide Equal Employment Opportunity in all respects of the employer-employee relationship including recruiting, hiring, upgrading and promotion, conditions and privileges of employment, company sponsored training programs, educational assistance, social and recreational programs, compensation, benefits, transfers, discipline, layoffs and termination of employment to all employees and applicants without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, veteran or military status, disability, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. When required by law, we might record certain information or applicants for employment may be invited to voluntarily disclose protected characteristics.