Electric System Operator

aep; Gahanna (OH); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

AEP is seeking an Electric System Operator (Distribution Dispatcher) to coordinate, regulate, and control real-time operation of the electric distribution system for reliable service. You will monitor SCADA, issue switching orders, respond to outages, and communicate with field crews to restore service and reconfigure feeders.

This role sits in our Distribution Control Center, offering hands-on grid control experience, weathering storms and emergencies, and a clear path for career growth in

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in any field, or associate degree in electrical or electronic technology, or high school diploma with 2 years of tech support experience.
• Minimum 2 years of experience as a Distribution Dispatcher Associate/Distribution Dispatcher.
• Successful completion of required training and examinations for Distribution Dispatcher/ Sr. role.

Responsibilities

• Promote and enforce the Company's Safety and Health programs.
• Be knowledgeable and adhere to written company policies and procedures.
• Demonstrate the highest standards of ethical behavior and support the Company's Corporate Compliance Policy.
• Effectively operate company communication equipment.
• Track crew locations and ongoing work on the distribution system.
• Dispatch service personnel to respond to outage and emergency situations.
• Authorize energizing and restoration of distribution facilities.
• Maintain accurate outage records.
• Maintain accurate records of abnormal and defective equipment for distribution facilities.

Education

Bachelor's degree in any field

Associate degree in electrical or electronic technology

High School Diploma with 2 years of technical customer support experience

Job description

Job Posting End Date

08-25-2026 Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.

Job Summary

The Electric System Operator (Distribution Dispatcher) is responsible for coordinating, regulating, and controlling the real-time operation of the electric distribution system to ensure reliable, safe, and efficient service to customers. This role monitors system conditions, executes switching orders, responds to outages and emergencies, and communicates with field crews, engineers, and other utility personnel.

Job Description

Electric System Operator (Dist. Dispatcher Assoc. - Dist. Dispatcher Sr.)

As a member of our Distribution Control Center team, you'll be the nerve center of the distribution grid-monitoring SCADA and grid telemetry in real time, making rapid decisions to isolate faults, restore service, and reconfigure feeders to keep power flowing. You'll coordinate crews and contractors, issue safe switching orders, manage outage priorities during storms and emergencies, and communicate clear status updates to operations leadership and stakeholders. This fast-paced role combines technical problem solving, decisive action, and teamwork-where every shift delivers visible impact on reliability, safety, and customer satisfaction-offering hands-on experience with advanced grid controls and a clear path for career growth in utility operations.

What You'll Do:

• Promote and enforce the Company's Safety and Health programs.
• Be knowledgeable and adhere to written company and department policy and procedures.
• Demonstrate the highest standards of ethical behavior and support the Company's Corporate Compliance Policy.
• Effectively operate company communication equipment.
• Track crew locations and ongoing work on the distribution system.
• Dispatch service personnel to respond to outage and emergency situations.
• Authorize the energizing and restoration of distribution facilities.
• Maintain accurate outage records.
• Maintain accurate records of abnormal and defective equipment for distribution facilities.

What We're Looking For:

Dist. Dispatcher Assoc.:

Education requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in any field,
• OR associate degree in electrical or electronic technology,
• OR High School Diploma with 2 years of experience with technical customer support and service, including successful multi-tasking and handling of multiple programs/screens.

Work Experience requirement listed below:

• Minimum 2 years of experience as a Distribution Dispatcher Assoc.
• Successfully complete training and pass the examination for a Distribution Dispatcher

Dist. Dispatcher:

Education requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in any field,
• OR associate's degree in electrical or electronic technology,
• OR High School Diploma with 2 years of experience with technical customer support and service, including successful multi-tasking and handling of multiple programs/screens in addition to experience listed below.

Work Experience requirement listed below:

• Minimum 2 years of experience as a Distribution Dispatcher Assoc.
• Successfully complete training and pass the examination for a Distribution Dispatcher

Dist. Dispatcher Sr.:

Education requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in any field,
• OR associate's degree in electrical or electronic technology,
• OR High School Diploma with 2 years of experience with technical customer support and service, including successful multi-tasking and handling of multiple programs/screens in addition to experience listed below.

Work Experience requirement listed below:

• Minimum 2 years of experience as a Distribution Dispatcher.
• Successfully complete training and pass the examination for a Distribution Dispatcher Sr.

  OTHER REQUIREMENTS (ALL Levels):

  • Entry-level hires in the Distribution Dispatcher role have opportunities to advance into progressive positions at regular intervals through our job progression pathway. With strong performance and successful progression, employees can expect to reach earnings of $100,000+ within five years.
  • Rotating shift work required.
  • This job requires "recommended" test results from HireVue Dispatcher Worker Virtual Job Tryout. This assessment is completed online, is untimed, and typically takes about 45 minutes to complete. Please refer to the Employment Test Prep section of our website https://www.aep.com/careers/testprep/
  • Must maintain a high availability for call-out response.
  • Due to call-out responsibility, applicants must live within or be willing to relocate to within 45 minutes of the reporting location.
  • Must satisfactorily complete required training and testing to progress to the next level within the Distribution Dispatcher Associate classification within 2 years and to the Distribution Dispatcher classification within 4 years or vacate the position.
  • Promotion and/or equity adjustments within the classification will be made in salary upon successful completion of the required training and testing.
  • Must be able to work under pressure during periods of critical system conditions and deal with diverse situations simultaneously.
  • Critical decisions must be made affecting reliability and priority of service