Power Distributors & Dispatchers
Also called: System Operator, Dispatcher, Transmission System Operator, Electric System Operator
What they do:
Coordinate, regulate, or distribute electricity or steam.
On the job, you would:
- Respond to emergencies, such as transformer or transmission line failures, and route current around affected areas.
- Prepare switching orders that will isolate work areas without causing power outages, referring to drawings of power systems.
- Control, monitor, or operate equipment that regulates or distributes electricity or steam, using data obtained from instruments or computers.
Knowledge
Safety and Government
- public safety and security
Business
- customer service
- management
Arts and Humanities
- English language
Engineering and Technology
- computers and electronics
Skills
Basic Skills
- listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
- thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem
Problem Solving
- noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Abilities
Verbal
- listen and understand what people say
- communicate by speaking
Ideas and Logic
- notice when problems happen
- use rules to solve problems
Personality
People interested in this work like activities that include
practical, hands-on problems and solutions.
practical, hands-on problems and solutions.
They do well at jobs that need:
- Stress Tolerance
- Dependability
- Self Control
- Analytical Thinking
- Attention to Detail
- Initiative
Technology
You might use software like this on the job:
Industrial control software
- ABB MicroSCADA Pro DMS
- OSI monarch/SGP
Map creation software
- Geographic information system GIS software
Education
![Education: (rated 3 of 5)](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20121002163205im_/http://www.mynextmove.org/image/hi_ed3.png)
associate's degree or
some college
usually needed
some college
usually needed
These apprenticeships may have sponsors in your area:
- Load Dispatcher
- Substation Operator
- Switchboard Operator
Job Outlook
![Below Average Outlook](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20121002163205im_/http://www.mynextmove.org/image/outlook2.png)
New job opportunities are less likely in the future.
![Salary](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20121002163205im_/http://www.mynextmove.org/image/hi_sal.png)
$70,700
per year, on average
This work is part of the green economy.
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