OKcollegestart - Career Profile

Power Distributor/Dispatcher

AVG. SALARY

$97,230

EDUCATION

Post-secondary training +

Coordinates, regulates, or distributes electricity or steam.

This career is part of the Energy cluster Production pathway.

Responds to emergencies, such as transformer or transmission line failures, and routes current around affected areas.
Prepares switching orders that will isolate work areas without causing power outages, referring to drawings of power systems.
Controls, monitors, or operates equipment that regulates or distributes electricity or steam, using data obtained from instruments or computers.
Coordinates with engineers, planners, field personnel, or other utility workers to provide information such as clearances, switching orders, or distribution process changes.
Distributes or regulates the flow of power between entities, such as generating stations, substations, distribution lines, or users, keeping track of the status of circuits or connections.
Records and compiles operational data, such as chart or meter readings, power demands, or usage and operating times, using transmission system maps.
Manipulates controls to adjust or activate power distribution equipment or machines.
Calculates load estimates or equipment requirements to determine required control settings.
Tracks conditions that could affect power needs, such as changes in the weather, and adjusts equipment to meet any anticipated changes.
Directs personnel engaged in controlling or operating distribution equipment or machinery, such as instructing control room operators to start boilers or generators.

You would often handle loads up to 10 lbs., sometimes up to 20 lbs. You might do a lot of walking or standing, or you might sit but use your arms and legs to control machines, equipment or tools.
Work in this occupation involves sitting more than one-third of the time