Operator Grade 3-1

American Electric Power Co.; Tulsa, Northern (OK, KY); Hybrid; USD 58,000 - 79,000; Full time

Job summary

American Electric Power in Tulsa, OK seeks an Electric System Operator to safely dispatch outages and coordinate field crews, analyzing outage data and documenting the restoration process.

The role requires operating switching procedures, clear verbal and written communication, and the ability to work under pressure with overtime when needed. Candidates should have an Associate Degree in Electrical or Electronics Technology or equivalent experience.

Qualifications

• Requires HireVue Dispatcher Worker assessment (approx. 45 minutes).
• Good safety record and knowledge of electrical safety procedures and AEP's Accident Prevention Manual.
• Dependability and responsiveness to business needs.
• Excellent attendance record.
• Satisfactory hearing and ability to identify line colors.
• Team player and able to work with others.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks in a high stress environment.
• Computer literacy and ability to learn new programs.
• Customer-focused attitude.

Responsibilities

• Prioritize routine and emergency work to meet internal and external customer needs.
• Operate distribution applications during routine and emergency switching procedures.
• Communicate verbal instructions clearly via radio/phone and provide written communications.
• Work under pressure during critical system conditions.
• Respond to overtime as needed.
• Update and maintain mapping systems.
• Support all DDC team members.
• Participate in safety meetings and help foster a positive work culture.
• Progress through the Dispatcher Development Program toward Operator Grade 2.

Skills

Customer service focus

Communication under pressure

Computer literacy

Team collaboration

Education

Associate Degree in Electrical or Electronics Technology

Associate Degree in Electrical or Electronics Technology with 2+ years experience

Associate Degree in Electrical or Electronics Technology with 2+ years DDC dispatching experience

Electric System Operator experience

Tools

Mapping systems

Job description

Job Posting End Date 09-11-2026 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.

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

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.

Additional Minimum Requirements

• 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/.
• 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.

Shifts & Overtime

• 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.

Background Check

The successful candidate may be subject to a criminal history background check.

Compensation Data

Compensation Grade: U070-886

Compensation Range: $42.56 - $57.14

Physical Demand Level for this job

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.

At American Electric Power, we provide more than electricity to our millions of customers - we energize possibilities. We're redefining the future of energy by reducing our carbon footprint, empowering the communities we serve and building an engaged, talented workforce. All while delivering the reliable service our customers expect. It’s an exciting time in the energy industry. Are you ready to be part of it? We’re looking for team members to help create the grid of the future. Learn more about our commitment to creating a supportive, inclusive work culture that values different experiences.