Operator Gr 3 - 1

American Electric Power; Tulsa (OK); On-site; USD 58,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

American Electric Power in Tulsa, OK is seeking a dispatcher to safely manage outages and coordinate field personnel. You will analyze outage data and document restoration progress, ensuring accurate communication and proper use of distribution systems.

The role requires relevant education in electrical tech or equivalent experience, with multiple grade levels and a path toward advancement within the Dispatch program. Overtime and shift work are expected.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Electrical or Electronics Technology or equivalent work exp.
• Two+ years in Line, Substation, Generation or DDC Support.
• Two yrs as Operator Grade 3 or four yrs in related dept.
• Must reside within 35 miles and 40 radius of Tulsa Energy Control Center.

Responsibilities

• Prioritize routine and emergency work for customers.
• Operate distribution applications during switching procedures.
• Communicate instructions clearly via radio/phone and written apps.
• Work under pressure during critical system conditions.
• Respond to overtime emergencies promptly.
• Update and maintain mapping systems.
• Support DDC team members.
• Participate in safety meetings and foster positive culture.

Skills

Electrical safety

DDC Dispatching

Outage coordination

Emergency response

Radio/phone comms

Mapping systems

Team collaboration

Education

Grade 3 (42.56)

Grade 2 (44.29)

Grade 1 (47.09)

Electric System Operator (57.14)

Tools

None

Job description

Job Posting End Date

09-13-2026

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

Job Summary

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

Job Description

Job Posting End Date

09-13-2026

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

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• 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.

Where You’ll Work:

Tulsa, OK

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education & Experience

• Grade 3 ($42.56) 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 ($44.29) 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 ($47.09) 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 ($57.14) Previous experience as an Electric System Operator or Operator Grade 1 as defined in AEP’s Distribution Dispatch Development Program.

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

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education and experience requirements are listed below: 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.

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 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.

In addition: 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.

Compensation Data

Compensation Grade:

U070-886

Compensation Range:

$42.56 - $47.09

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.