LOAD DISPATCHER 5233 (C) (REV 10/01/26)

City of Los Angeles; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 154,000 - 237,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Training bonus

Dispatcher certification bonuses

Job summary

The City of Los Angeles is seeking Load Dispatcher trainees and permanent staff to oversee electric transmission and distribution operations. The role involves directing switching, coordinating restoration, and managing energy purchases and schedules to maintain reliable service.

Trainees undergo three training phases with a one-time up-to $7,500 bonus payable in three installments; shift differentials up to 7% and 4% may apply; a valid Class C driver’s license is required.

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 at least that level with switchboard experience in a generating plant, substation, or distribution system.
• Two years of full-time paid experience as a load dispatcher, systems operator, or at least that level with centralized control over transmission lines, distribution lines, and electrical equipment at 4-kV+.
• Three years of full-time paid experience at least at electrical engineering associate level with power system field operations and either Engineer-in-Training or PE license; or
• Five years of full-time paid experience in operation/maintenance of a nuclear power plant and related naval ship auxiliaries.

Responsibilities

• Load Dispatcher exercises centralized control over electric transmission and distribution lines and generating equipment.
• Direct switching to remove lines and equipment from service for routine or emergency work.
• Coordinate restoration of service and the scheduling/purchase of electrical energy per contracts and real-time schedules.

Job description

ANNUAL SALARY

For trainee positions: $153,614 to $190,843
For permanent Load Dispatcher positions: $190,550 to $236,737

NOTES

1. For information regarding reciprocity between City of Los Angeles departments and LADWP, go to: http://per.lacity.org/Reciprocity_CityDepts_and_DWP.pdf.
2. 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.
3. Candidates from the eligible list are normally appointed to vacancies in the lower pay grade positions.
4. There are three phases of training. A one-time bonus of up to $7,500 will be paid to trainees in 3 payments as each phase is completed.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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).

A Load Dispatcher exercises, or participates in, centralized control over electric transmission and distribution lines and generating and other electrical equipment of an electrical system, directs switching to remove lines and equipment from service for routine or emergency work, coordinates restoration of service, coordinates and executes the purchase, sale and scheduling of electrical energy and associated services in accordance with contracts and prearranged and real-time schedules, and other related duties.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. 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 in 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; or
2. 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; or
3. 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; or
4. 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

1. Under Requirements #1, #2, or #3, time spent as an assistant, apprentice, or trainee will not be included as qualifying experience.
2. 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 on-line application at the time of filing or will have seven (7) calendar days from the on-line submission date to e-mail their document to [e-mail]. 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.
3. As a condition of employment, a valid Class C driver’s license issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is required at the time of appointment. Applicants will be deemed ineligible for hire if their DMV record reflects three or more moving violations and/or at-fault accidents, or a conviction of a major moving violation within the last 36 months in any state or jurisdiction. The City of Los Angeles reserves the right to issue a notice of ineligibility at any time before a final job offer is extended.

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.

In accordance with Civil Service Rule 4.2, all applicants who apply may not be tested in this examination. To meet anticipated hiring needs, only a limited number of qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the selection process in the following order: 1) Applicants currently employed by the City of Los Angeles who meet the minimum requirements, or are on a reserve list; 2) Remaining applicants who meet the minimum requirements in sufficient numbers to meet hiring needs in the order that applications were received. Applicants not selected to be tested may re-apply in a subsequent filing period in order to be considered for that period\'s selection process.

EXAMINATION WEIGHT:

Multiple-Choice Test - 100%

The examination will consist entirely of a multiple-choice test administered and proctored on-line. In the on-line multiple-choice test, the following competencies may be evaluated; Judgment and Decision Making, Learning Ability, Mathematics, Fact Finding, Attention to Detail, Analytical Ability, Safety Focus, and Job Knowledge including knowledge of: electrical theory and concepts; use of nomograms; and other necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Additional information can be obtained by going to https://per.lacity.org/jobs/job-analyses.cfm and clicking on Competencies under Load Dispatcher.

The multiple-choice test will be proctored and administered on-line during a single session. Candidates invited to participate in the on-line multiple-choice test will be able to take the test from a remote location (i.e., their home) using a computer with a webcam and a reliable internet connection. Candidates will receive an e-mail from the City of Los Angeles outlining the dates and specific steps on how to take the multiple-choice test on-line. Candidates who do not complete and submit the remote proctored multiple-choice test on-line using a computer by the specified date and time will not be considered further in this examination. Additional test dates may be added as needed.

For applicants who apply between OCTOBER 2, 2026 to OCTOBER 15, 2026, it is anticipated that the on-line multiple-choice test will be administered between DECEMBER 1, 2026 to DECEMBER 7, 2026.

FAQs for on-line testing are available at http://per.lacity.org/index.cfm?content=employmenttestingprocess. Only candidates who demonstrate a hardship may be offered the option to take the multiple-choice test onsite at a City facility.

FAQs for on-line testing are available at https://per.lacity.org/faqs/employment-testing-process.html.

NOTES:

1. This examination is based on a validation study, and as provided by Civil Service Commission Rule 4.20, the multiple-choice test will not be subject to candidate inspection.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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. The Disability Accommodation Form can be obtained at http://per.lacity.org/exams/verify_disability.pdf.
6. A final average score of 70% is required to be placed on the eligible list.
7. 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.
8. 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.

Notice:

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.

THIS EXAMINATION IS TO BE GIVEN ONLY ON AN OPEN COMPETITIVE BASIS

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.

AN 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