Operator Gr 3 - 1

American Electric Power; Tulsa, Northern (OK, KY); Hybrid; USD 59,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

American Electric Power in Tulsa, OK is seeking a skilled dispatcher to safely assign distribution outages to field crews and analyze outage data while documenting restoration progress.

The role requires familiarity with distribution switching procedures, strong communication, and the ability to work under pressure during critical system conditions. Overtime and on-call may be required.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Associate Degree with minimum two years' experience OR four or more years' equivalent experience in Line, Substation, Generation, or DDC Support departments, OR two years as an Operator Grade 3.
• Associate Degree with two years' DDC dispatching experience OR minimum of four years' DDC dispatching experience.
• Previous experience as Electric System Operator or Operator Grade 1 as defined in AEP's Distribution Dispatch Development Program.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Electrical safety

Teamwork

Computer literacy

Overtime readiness

Multi-tasking under pressure

Education

Associate Degree in Electrical or Electronics Technology

Associate Degree with two years' experience in Line/Substation/Generation/DDC

Associate Degree with two years DDC dispatching experience

Two years as Operator Grade 3

Tools

DDC Dispatch Systems

Job description

Category : Technical Speciality/Skilled Trades

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

10-03-2026

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

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 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

$42.56 - $47.09

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.

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"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.

Under supervision, perform technical and specialized work of a skilled nature in connection with electrical systems, electronics, and instrument and control systems. #LI-Onsite#AEPPSO

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.

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.