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Power Distributors and Dispatchers - 51-8012.00

O*NET-SOC Description

Coordinate, regulate, or distribute electricity or steam.

Sample of Reported Job Titles

  • Control Operator
  • Distribution Dispatcher
  • Distribution System Operator
  • Electric System Operator
  • Power System Dispatcher
  • Power System Operator
  • System Operator
  • Transmission System Operator

SOC Occupation Groups

51-0000 Production Occupations
51-8000 Plant and System Operators
51-8010 Power Plant Operators, Distributors, and Dispatchers
51-8012.00 Power Distributors and Dispatchers

Related Occupations

Tasks

  • Calculate load estimates or equipment requirements to determine required control settings.
  • Control, monitor, or operate equipment that regulates or distributes electricity or steam, using data obtained from instruments or computers.
  • Coordinate with engineers, planners, field personnel, or other utility workers to provide information such as clearances, switching orders, or distribution process changes.
  • Direct personnel engaged in controlling or operating distribution equipment or machinery, such as instructing control room operators to start boilers or generators.
  • Distribute or regulate the flow of power between entities, such as generating stations, substations, distribution lines, or users, keeping track of the status of circuits or connections.
  • Implement energy schedules, including real-time transmission reservations or schedules.
  • Inspect equipment to ensure that specifications are met or to detect any defects.
  • Manipulate controls to adjust or activate power distribution equipment or machines.
  • Monitor and record switchboard or control board readings to ensure that electrical or steam distribution equipment is operating properly.
  • Prepare switching orders that will isolate work areas without causing power outages, referring to drawings of power systems.
  • Record and compile operational data, such as chart or meter readings, power demands, or usage and operating times, using transmission system maps.
  • Repair, maintain, or clean equipment or machinery, using hand tools.
  • Respond to emergencies, such as transformer or transmission line failures, and route current around affected areas.
  • Tend auxiliary equipment used in the power distribution process.
  • Track conditions that could affect power needs, such as changes in the weather, and adjust equipment to meet any anticipated changes.

Detailed Work Activities

  • Adjust equipment to ensure optimal performance.
  • Calculate specific material, equipment, or labor requirements for production.
  • Clean production equipment.
  • Direct operational or production activities.
  • Exchange information with colleagues.
  • Inspect production equipment.
  • Maintain production or processing equipment.
  • Monitor equipment operation to ensure proper functioning.
  • Monitor external factors impacting operations.
  • Operate energy distribution equipment.
  • Plan production or operational procedures or sequences.
  • Record operational or production data.
  • Repair production equipment or tools.

Military Crosswalk Titles

  • AEGIS Mark C. Pope (MCP) 400Hz Power Conversion Maintenance Technician (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Construction Engineering Technician (Army - Warrant Officer only)
  • DDG 51-M Gas Turbine Electrical Maintenance Technician (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Electrical Power Production (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Electrical Power Production Apprentice (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Electrical Power Production Craftsman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Electrical Power Production Helper (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Electrical Power Production Journeyman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Electrician (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Electrician's Mate (Coast Guard - Enlisted)
  • Electrician's Mate (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Electricians Mate, Nuclear Power (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Electronics Technician, Nuclear Power (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Engineer Equipment Electrical Systems Technician (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Gas Turbine Electrical Systems Maintainer (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Gas Turbine Electrical Systems Manager (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Gas Turbine Electrical Systems Technician (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Gas Turbine System Technician (Electrical) (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Machinist's Mate, Nuclear Power (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Marine Safety Specialist Engineer (Coast Guard - Warrant Officer only)
  • Naval Engineering Specialty (Coast Guard - Warrant Officer only)
  • Powerline Distribution Specialist (RC) (Army - Enlisted)
  • Prime Power Production Specialist (Army - Enlisted)
  • Public Works Officer (Navy - Commissioned or Warrant Officer)
  • Submarine Propulsion Plant Electrical Manager (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Submarine Reactor Controls Operator (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Surface Propulsion Plant Electrical Manager (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Utilities Chief (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Utilities Officer (Marine Corps - Warrant Officer only)

Apprenticeship Crosswalk Titles

  • Load Dispatcher
  • Substation Operator
  • Switchboard Operator (Utility)

DOT Crosswalk Titles

  • Feeder-Switchboard Operator
  • Load Dispatcher
  • Motor-Room Controller
  • Substation Operator
  • Substation Operator Apprentice
  • Switchboard Operator
  • Switchboard Operator Assistant