Electric System Operator

Electric System Operator (Distribution Dispatcher)

The Electric System Operator (Distribution Dispatcher) is responsible for coordinating, regulating, and controlling the real-time operation of the electric distribution system to ensure reliable, safe, and efficient service to customers. This role monitors system conditions, executes switching orders, responds to outages and emergencies, and communicates with field crews, engineers, and other utility personnel.

As a member of our Distribution Control Center team, you'll be the nerve center of the distribution gridmonitoring SCADA and grid telemetry in real time, making rapid decisions to isolate faults, restore service, and reconfigure feeders to keep power flowing. You'll coordinate crews and contractors, issue safe switching orders, manage outage priorities during storms and emergencies, and communicate clear status updates to operations leadership and stakeholders. This fast-paced role combines technical problem solving, decisive action, and teamworkwhere every shift delivers visible impact on reliability, safety, and customer satisfactionoffering hands-on experience with advanced grid controls and a clear path for career growth in utility operations.

What You'll Do:

• Promote and enforce the Company's Safety and Health programs.
• Be knowledgeable and adhere to written company and department policy and procedures.
• Demonstrate the highest standards of ethical behavior and support the Company's Corporate Compliance Policy.
• Effectively operate company communication equipment.
• Track crew locations and ongoing work on the distribution system.
• Dispatch service personnel to respond to outage and emergency situations.
• Authorize the energizing and restoration of distribution facilities.
• Maintain accurate outage records.
• Maintain accurate records of abnormal and defective equipment for distribution facilities.

What We're Looking For:

Dist. Dispatcher Assoc.:

• Bachelor's degree in any field,
• OR associate degree in electrical or electronic technology,
• OR High School Diploma with 2 years of experience with technical customer support and service, including successful multi-tasking and handling of multiple programs/screens.

Dist. Dispatcher:

• Bachelor's degree in any field,
• OR associate's degree in electrical or electronic technology,
• OR High School Diploma with 2 years of experience with technical customer support and service, including successful multi-tasking and handling of multiple programs/screens in addition to experience listed below.

Work Experience requirement listed below:

• Minimum 2 years of experience as a Distribution Dispatcher Assoc.
• Successfully complete training and pass the examination for a Distribution Dispatcher

Dist. Dispatcher Sr.:

• Bachelor's degree in any field,
• OR associate's degree in electrical or electronic technology,
• OR High School Diploma with 2 years of experience with technical customer support and service, including successful multi-tasking and handling of multiple programs/screens in addition to experience listed below.

Work Experience requirement listed below:

• Minimum 2 years of experience as a Distribution Dispatcher.
• Successfully complete training and pass the examination for a Distribution Dispatcher Sr.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS (ALL Levels):

• Entry-level hires in the Distribution Dispatcher role have opportunities to advance into progressive positions at regular intervals through our job progression pathway. With strong performance and successful progression, employees can expect to reach earnings of $100,000+ within five years.
• Rotating shift work required.
• The required Pre Employment tests are listed below: Successful completion of the System Operator/Power Dispatching Selection System (SOPD) test is required for this position. A review of Employment Testing Information, Test-Taking Tips, and the SOPD Practice Tests may be helpful. A link to these materials may be found at AEP.com Careers by selecting Employment testing.
• Must maintain a high availability for call-out response.
• Due to call-out responsibility, applicants must live within or be willing to relocate to within 45 minutes of the reporting location.
• Must satisfactorily complete required training and testing to progress to the next level within the Distribution Dispatcher Associate classification within 2 years and to the Distribution Dispatcher classification within 4 years or vacate the position.
• Promotion and/or equity adjustments within the classification will be made in salary upon successful completion of the required training and testing.
• Must be able to work under pressure during periods of critical system conditions and deal with diverse situations simultaneously.
• Critical decisions must be made affecting reliability and priority of service to customers.
• Failure to issue correct instructions could affect personnel safety, welfare of the general public, equipment damage, loss of revenue and adverse publicity.

Drive Time Requirement:

• Successful candidate must live or be willing to relocate within 45 mins of the AEPOH Gahanna building (700 Morrison Road Gahanna, Ohio 43230)

What You'll Get:

Dist. Dispatcher Assoc.: $70,000 to start

Dist. Dispatcher: $74,551 - $93,188

Dist. Dispatcher Sr.: $87,633 - $109,544

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.

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!

Compensation Grade: SP20-005

Compensation Range: $63,496.00 - $109,543.00

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.