What is a Load Dispatcher (Power System Operator)?

1. A Load Dispatcher exercises, or participates in, centralized control over electric transmission and distribution lines and generating and other electrical equipment of an electrical system, directs switching to remove lines and equipment from service for routine or emergency work, coordinates restoration of service, coordinates and executes the purchase, sale and scheduling of electrical energy and associated services in accordance with contracts and prearranged and real-time schedules, and other related duties.

How to apply to be a Load Dispatcher:

1. Job Posting Link: https://www.governmentjobs.com/jobs?keyword=LOAD+DISPATCHER&location=

   1. The posting is periodically updated so click on the latest posting for LADWP Load Dispatcher, in the Los Angeles area.

   2. You can also subscribe via "Job Alerts" to be notified when the posting is updated or active.

Where is the position located?

1. The Energy Control Center is located in an undisclosed area in the San Fernando Valley.

What should I study for the exam and the interview?

1. We recommend reading these items. The WECC manual is a condensed technical manual.

2. https://www.epri.com/research/products/000000000001016042

3. https://www.wecc.org/Administrative/2014%20WECC%20SOTM.pdf

4. https://powersystemops.wixsite.com/home/references

What is the shift schedule like?

1. While in training, your schedule will be typically M-F, 0700-1545. This is subject to change.

2. After being picked up, you’ll work an 8-hr, 6-on, 2-off rotation. There will be two 3-day weekends every 7 weeks. Vacation and relief positions are subject to the needs of the shifts. Otherwise, if you can get a specific shift, you only need to work that specific shift. We do not rotate between AM, Day, and PM shifts

   1. AM shift hours are from 2300 to 0700

   2. Day shift hours are from 0700 to 1500

   3. PM shift hours are from 1500 to 2300

What is the salary?

1. For trainee positions: $139,353 to $173,136+
   For permanent Load Dispatcher positions: $172,865 to $214,771.68+

2. Shift differentials are as follows

   1. AM shift - additional 7%

   2. PM shift - additional 4%

   3. Day shift - none

What are the benefits of working for LADWP?

1. The benefits described generally are available to regular full-time employees. Eligibility for a number of benefits will depend on membership in the Department’s Water and Power Employees’ Retirement Plan, also known as the Plan.

   1. Supplemental Benefits

   2. Vacation

   3. Sick Leave

   4. Holidays

   5. Other Paid Leave

   6. Retirement

   7. Other Government Service (OGS) Buyback

   8. Deferred Compensation

   9. Flexible Work Schedules

   10. Tuition Reimbursement

   11. Rideshare Incentives

2. Additional info can be found here: https://insidedwp.ladwp.com/webcenter/portal/lr/pages_home/LADWP_Benefits

Is your program VA GI Bill certified? Will I qualify for Monthly Housing Allowance from the Gi Bill?

1. Yes! Our training program is a VA certified On-the-Job training program and you may qualify for Monthly Housing Allowance.

2. Please see this website for updated values: https://www.va.gov/education/gi-bill-comparison-tool/institution/104D9105

Since the test can only be taken once per year, can you qualify for multiple interview cycles?

1. Yes you will be invited for a interview until your exam score expires depending on your test score

Is there a place where you can find your ranking list based on the exam score?

1. The personnel office will email you your score and provide a rank and how many people scored above you. Ths lists will be merged for each interview cycle.

2. Calling the personnel office can be reached to find out where you rank when the list get merged again

What is the overtime rate?

1. Typically 2x your hourly rate

Can I take overtime time off, instead of money?

1. Yes, you can take overtime as time off at a 2x rate, regardless of what the money rate would be. There is a cap of 160-hrs hours you can bank and 360-hrs you can annually accrue.

Do you have a union?

1. Yes, we have our own union, the Load Dispatcher’s Association.

What if I don't qualify to be a Load Dispatcher now?

1. Look out for the feeder classes within LADWP that can help you qualify for the Load Dispatcher position. Some examples are electric station operator, steam plant operator, electric distribution mechanic, electrical mechanic hydroelectric station operator, senior electrical repairer, lineman, senior electrical tester, and electric trouble dispatcher.

Do I need a NERC certification?

1. A NERC certification is not required to start as a trainee. But in order to complete the training program you will need to obtain a BT NERC certification. We will provide the training to help you get certified, and maintain the hours.

2. Obtaining an RC NERC certification will also satisfy the BT NERC requirement.

3. More info on a NERC certification can be found here: https://www.nerc.com/pa/Train/SysOpCert/Pages/default.aspx

What are the application dates and test dates?​

1. There are 3 Filing Periods currently available:

   1. Filing Period 1: From 8:00 am Friday, September 8, 2023 to 11:59 pm, Thursday, September 21, 2023 

   2. Filing Period 2: From 8:00 am Friday, Friday, January 5, 2024 to Thursday, January 18, 2024

   3. Filing Period 3: TBD

2. There are 3 test dates currently available:

   1. For applicants who applied during Filing Period 1, it is anticipated that the remote proctored multiple-choice test will be administered between OCTOBER 31, 2023 AND NOVEMBER 6, 2023.

   2. For applicants who applied during Filing Period 2, it is anticipated that the remote proctored multiple-choice test will be administered between FEBRUARY 27, 2024 AND MARCH 4, 2024

   3. For applicants who applied during Filing Period 3, it is anticipated that the remote proctored multiple-choice test will be administered between TBD