System Operator Associate

American Electric Power; New Albany (IN); On-site; USD 75,000 - 93,000; Full time

Job summary

American Electric Power is seeking an entry-level Dispatcher/Operator to monitor and control the transmission system under supervision. You will coordinate with the AEP SCC, perform real-time switching and tagging for maintenance, and help ensure reliable power delivery across transmission levels.

The role emphasizes monitoring voltages, power flows, and metering while maintaining logs and responding to emergencies. A two-year technical degree or equivalent experience is required.

Qualifications

• Entry-level candidates: two-year technical degree in Electrical Engineering Technology or High School diploma with 2 years power-system experience.
• Not required but 1–2 years in substation operation, protective relaying, or distribution dispatching is preferred.
• Valid state driver license.
• HireVue Dispatcher Worker Virtual Job Tryout is recommended, online and untimed, ~45 minutes.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and regulate system voltage levels and real/reactive power flows for the transmission system.
• Assist in real-time operation of the AEP transmission system in coordination with the AEP SCC and neighboring utilities.
• Assist in real-time operation of distribution equipment inside the station fence with regional centers.
• Prepare basic switching orders and safety tagging for removal of equipment for maintenance, repair, or construction.
• Assist in directing switching operations under emergency conditions and restore service quickly and safely.
• Maintain a log of events and transactions for facilities and equipment.
• Observe and assist the SCADA system and related functions.
• Monitor metering and communications facilities and report malfunctions.

Skills

SCADA operations

Real-time monitoring

Electrical system knowledge

Shift work

Education

Two-year technical degree in Electrical Engineering Technology

High School diploma with 2 years experience in power systems

Tools

SCADA

Job description

Job Summary

Under direct supervision and instruction, provide assistance to: ensure the efficient operation of the transmission system; coordinate operation of the transmission system with the appropriate Reliability Coordinator (AEP SCC), Distribution Dispatching Centers/Authorities, and Transmission Control Centers/Authorities (both internal and external to AEP); arrange, approve, and direct routine and emergency switching/tagging operations for equipment removal/restoration during maintenance, repair, replacement, and construction with limited instruction; receive, record, and maintain logs of operating conditions; monitor system voltages, transformer/line/equipment loadings, and in concert with the AEP SCC, apply corrective action when these parameters deviate from equipment ratings and/or operating limits; monitor the operation of metering and communication facilities and initiate corrective action upon malfunction.

Job Description

What you’ll do:

• Assist in monitoring and regulating system voltage levels, real and reactive power flows for the transmission system at all transmission voltage levels in cooperation with directives of the AEP SCC.


• Assist in the real-time operation of the AEP transmission system in coordination with the AEP SCC and appropriate neighboring utilities.


• Assist in the real-time operation of distribution equipment inside the station fence in coordination with regional distribution dispatch centers.


• Prepare basic switching orders listing the switching steps and safety tagging to be carried out for the removing of equipment from service for maintenance, repair, or construction, ensuring the safety of the public, Company equipment, Company personnel and contract personnel.


• Assist in directing switching operations under emergency conditions. Plan and direct actions to quickly, safely and effectively restore equipment and customers to service.


• Maintain a log of events and transactions relative to the operation of the facilities and equipment.


• Observe and assist in operating the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) System and associated functions.


• Monitor the operation of metering and communications facilities and report malfunctions to proper personnel for corrective action.


• Monitor the weather information system for severe weather and notify proper personnel.


• ​Acknowledging and inputting records of station entry/exit activity.

What we’re looking for:

• Education requirements: Entry‑level candidates should have a two‑year technical degree in Electrical Engineering Technology or related field. OR High School and 2 years of experience in a position that demonstrates the ability to operate a power system.


• Work Experience: Not required, but 1-2 years of experience in substation operation, protective relaying, or distribution dispatching is desired.


• Required License(s)/Certification(s): Valid state driver license.


• 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/

Other Must Haves:

• Ability to work under pressure during periods of critical system conditions and to deal with diverse situations simultaneously. Ability to analyze information and communicate instructions clearly and concisely. Work on a twelve-hour uninterrupted rotating shift schedule that consists of nights, weekends and holidays.


• May be required to work outside normal Dispatching Center hours. Must have the ability to report timely to worksite due to emergency events. This position may entail some travel and exposure to hazardous situations, which require a thorough knowledge and use of safety procedures. Must have the ability to effectively and professionally deal with co‑workers and customers. Must complete all required training and testing in established time frames by the Company to advance to the next higher classification within the line of progression or vacate the current classification.

What you’ll get:

Grade 6 Range: $74,551 - $99,401/yr

In addition to a competitive compensation, AEP offers a unique comprehensive benefits package that aims to support and enhance the overall well-being of our employees.

Compensation Data

Compensation Grade:

SP20-006

Compensation Range:

$74,551.00 - $93,188.50

Physical Demand Level

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.

Where Putting the Customer First Powers Everything We Do

At AEP, we’re more than just an energy company — we’re a team of dedicated professionals committed to delivering safe, reliable, and innovative energy solutions. Guided by our mission to put the customer first, we strive to exceed expectations by listening, responding, and continuously improving the way we serve our communities. If you’re passionate about making a meaningful impact and being part of a forward-thinking organization, this is the company for you!

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.