Electric System Operator

Public Service Co. of OK; Alhambra (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 84,000; Full time

Job summary

American Electric Power in the United States is seeking an Electrical System Operator to safely dispatch customer outages, analyze outage data, and document restoration steps. The role is posted at multiple levels, with the description below based on the Electrical System Operator level, and offers progression with demonstrated skills and experience.

You will prioritize work, communicate clearly by radio, telephone, and written applications, maintain mapping systems, and lead dispatchers.

Qualifications

• Experience as Electric System Operator or Distribution Dispatcher Sr per SOPD program.
• Successful completion of the SOPD test.
• Knowledge of safety procedures and Accident Prevention Manual.
• Dependable attendance and responsiveness to business needs.
• Satisfactory hearing and ability to identify line colors.
• Demonstrated ability to work well with others and be a team player.

Responsibilities

• Prioritize routine and emergency work to meet customer needs.
• Communicate verbal instructions clearly via radio/phone and written applications.
• Update and maintain paper or electronic mapping systems.
• Operate SCADA during routine and emergency switching procedures.
• Write operational procedures for switching substation and distribution feeders.
• Interface with transmission operations and provide outage recovery leadership.
• Lead dispatchers and participate in safety meetings; maintain positive culture.
• Be available for overtime and occasional travel as needed.

Skills

Electric System Operator experience

SOPD test completion

Safety procedures knowledge

Dependability / attendance

Hearing / color identification

Team player / collaboration

Job description

Job Posting End Date 10-18-2026 Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.

Job Summary

**This is a single position posted at multiple levels. The description below is based on Electrical System Operator level. Additional skills and experience required for other levels. Successful candidate will be offered the level commensurate with skills and experience. Responsible to safely dispatch customer outages to multiple field personnel, including analyzing outage data and accurately documenting the restoration process.**

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Prioritize routine and emergency work to meet the needs of our internal and external customers.
• Clearly and precisely communicate verbal instructions using radio and telephone systems, as well as provide clear written communications through various applications.
• Update and maintain paper or electronic mapping systems.
• Must be able to work under pressure during periods of critical system conditions.
• Provide training and leadership to dispatchers in lower grade levels.
• Responsible for producing and issuing switching orders for routine and emergency work involving distribution substations or lines.
• Operate Scada during routine and emergency switching procedures.
• Responsible to write operational procedures for switching substation and distribution feeders.
• Interface with transmission operations.
• Provide a leadership role in substation and distribution feeder outage recovery.
• Assume other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
• Be able to quickly respond for emergency overtime.
• Planned, holdover and call out overtime is expected frequently.
• A high acceptance rate for overtime is required.
• Participate and assist in planning team safety meetings.
• Foster and maintain a positive work culture.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Previous experience as an Electric System Operator or Distribution Dispatcher Sr. as defined in AEP's Distribution Dispatch Development Program.
• Successful completion of the System Operations/Power Dispatch (SOPD) test.
• Additional information related to the test batteries and a review of Employment Testing Information and Tips may be helpful. A link to this material may be found at aep.com/testprep.
• 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.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• 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 midnights, including on weekends and holidays.
• Occasional overnight travel may be 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.

Compensation Data

Compensation Grade: U070-841

Compensation Range: $59.44 - $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.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

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.

Company Overview

At American Electric Power, we provide more than electricity to our millions of customers - we energize possibilities. We're redefining the future of energy by reducing our carbon footprint, empowering the communities we serve and building an engaged, talented workforce. All while delivering the reliable service our customers expect. Its an exciting time in the energy industry. Are you ready to be part of it? We're looking for team members to help create the grid of the future. Learn more about our commitment to creating a supportive, inclusive work culture that values different experiences.