Electric System Operator

AEP; Tulsa (OK); On-site; USD 68,000 - 96,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Job summary

American Electric Power (AEP) in Tulsa, OK, is seeking an Electric System Operator to safely dispatch outages, analyze data, and document restoration. The role includes leadership, coordination with transmission operations, and overtime availability.

The position requires experience as an Electric System Operator or Distribution Dispatcher Sr., SOPD testing, and strong safety and teamwork. Relocation assistance may be available for the right candidate.

Qualifications

• Experience as Electric System Operator or Distribution Dispatcher Sr.
• SOPD test completion; information at aep.com/testprep.
• Good safety record and knowledge of electrical safety procedures and AEP's Accident Prevention Manual.
• Dependability and responsiveness to business needs.
• Excellent attendance; 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 via radio/phone and provide written updates through various applications.
• Update and maintain paper or electronic mapping systems.
• Operate SCADA during switching procedures.
• Write switching orders for routine and emergency work at substations or lines.
• Interface with transmission operations.
• Provide leadership in outage recovery for substations and feeders.
• Work overtime as required; planned, holdover, and call out.
• Plan and participate in team safety meetings and foster a positive work culture.

Skills

Team player

Stress tolerance

Electrical safety

Dependability

Hearing & color vision

Communication

Overtime readiness

Job description

Category : Technical Speciality/Skilled Trades

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.

Job Description

Job Posting End Date

10-29-2026

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

Employment Test Preparation

Access practice tests and tips for this position.

Relocation assistance may be available for right candidate

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

$59.44 - $59.44

Physical Demands

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

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.

“Knowing that I am part of team that is making the power grid safer and more reliable gives me a real sense of responsibility and enthusiasm for coming to work every day.”

Perform all types of work involved in the construction, maintenance, rebuild, removal, operation, testing and inspection of energized or de-energized generation, transmission and distribution facilities. Assist in responding to emergency call-outs on station trouble and coordinating prompt restoration of service to customers as required. The following list sets forth the principal duties required with the degree of supervision normally given. This list is not intended to limit assignment of work or the degree of supervision under all operating conditions. Employee may perform miscellaneous, related, and incidental work in addition to that specifically outlined below. The following reference is provided as a guideline for persons responsible for directing the duties and responsibilities of assigned personnel, to assist in the safety and development of employees, and is not intended to limit assignment of work or the degree of supervision under all operating conditions: DIRECT SUPERVISION - When a qualified person is working with/hands-on with the person performing the designated task. IMMEDIATE SUPERVISION - When a qualified person is near the structure/equipment and is in constant visual and/or verbal contact to the person performing the designated task. GENERAL SUPERVISION - An employee of equal or higher classification, knowledgeable of the task at hand and not necessarily at the job site. QUALIFIED PERSON - Station Electrician or Supervisor who is knowledgeable of the task or work to be performed, and is capable of performing the appropriate emergency rescue.

Perform all types of work involved in the construction, maintenance, rebuild, removal, operation, testing and inspection of energized or de-energized generation, transmission and distribution facilities. Assist in responding to emergency call-outs on station trouble and coordinating prompt restoration of service to customers as required. The following list sets forth the principal duties required with the degree of supervision normally given. This list is not intended to limit assignment of work or the degree of supervision under all operating conditions. Employee may perform miscellaneous, related, and incidental work in addition to that specifically outlined below. The following reference is provided as a guideline for persons responsible for directing the duties and responsibilities of assigned personnel, to assist in the safety and development of employees, and is not intended to limit assignment of work or the degree of supervision under all operating conditions: DIRECT SUPERVISION - When a qualified person is working with/hands-on with the person performing the designated task. IMMEDIATE SUPERVISION - When a qualified person is near the structure/equipment and is in constant visual and/or verbal contact to the person performing the designated task. GENERAL SUPERVISION - An employee of equal or higher classification, knowledgeable of the task at hand and not necessarily at the job site. QUALIFIED PERSON - Station Electrician or Supervisor who is knowledgeable of the task or work to be performed, and is capable of performing the appropriate emergency rescue.

Perform work involved with the installation, rearrangement, maintenance, operation, removal, and inspection of electrical transmission and distribution facilities, drive and operate line trucks and associated auxiliary equipment. All job duties apply to overhead and underground equipment and facilities. The Line Mechanic C builds upon the skills, abilities and knowledge learned as a Line Mechanic D (or equivalent).

AEP offers generous time off, competitive pay, and educational opportunities to help employees advance their careers.

Our culture is purpose-driven and team-oriented: we combine innovation with a customer-first focus to deliver reliable energy and brighter futures.