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Power Distribution Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Join The AES Corporation, the largest US-based global power company witha teamof 8,300employees ... Under limited direction, the Distribution Operator controls and operates the company's distribution ...

Join The AES Corporation, the largest US-based global power company with a team of 8,300 employees ... Under limited direction, the Distribution Operator controls and operates the company's distribution ...

Distribution Operator ECC

Vestal, NY · On-site

$51.20 - $57.54/hr

Distribution Operator ECC Number of Positions: 1 Location: NY-Binghamton ECC Hourly Rate: $51.20 ... This does not include those that will work for Avangrid Power. Avangrid employees may also be ...

Distribution Operator ECC Number of Positions: 1 Location: NY-Binghamton ECC Hourly Rate: $51.20 ... This does not include those that will work for Avangrid Power. Avangrid employees may also be ...

Distribution Operator ECC

Vestal, NY · On-site

$51.20 - $57.54/hr

Distribution Operator ECC Number of Positions: 1 Location: NY-Binghamton ECC Hourly Rate: $51.20 ... This does not include those that will work for Avangrid Power. Avangrid employees may also be ...

Warehouse/Distribution Operator Location: Plainfield, IN Type: Contract Compensation: $24.61 - $28 ... This role requires experience operating powered industrial equipment, utilizing warehouse ...

Warehouse/Distribution Operator Location: Plainfield, IN Type: Contract Compensation: $24.61 - $28 ... This role requires experience operating powered industrial equipment, utilizing warehouse ...

Warehouse/Distribution Operator Location: Plainfield, IN Type: Contract Compensation: $24.61 - $28 ... This role requires experience operating powered industrial equipment, utilizing warehouse ...

Warehouse/Distribution Operator Location: Plainfield, IN Type: Contract Compensation: $24.61 - $28 ... This role requires experience operating powered industrial equipment, utilizing warehouse ...

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Power Distribution Operator information

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$13

$29

$51

How much do power distribution operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for power distribution operator in the United States is $29.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.63 and $32.69 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Power Distribution Operator vs Power Line Technician?

AspectPower Distribution OperatorPower Line Technician
CertificationsOSHA safety training, CDL often preferredOSHA safety training, CDL often required
Work EnvironmentUtility substations, control rooms, distribution networksOutdoor, on poles, and underground lines
Employer & IndustryElectric utilities, power companies

Power Distribution Operators primarily work within utility control centers and substations, managing the flow of electricity and ensuring reliable distribution. Power Line Technicians focus on installing, maintaining, and repairing overhead and underground power lines outdoors. Both roles require safety certifications and are essential in the electric utility industry, but they differ mainly in work environment and specific duties.

What does a Power Distribution Operator do?

A Power Distribution Operator is responsible for controlling and monitoring the flow of electricity through transmission and distribution lines. They operate equipment to regulate voltage and ensure a stable and reliable supply of electricity to homes, businesses, and industries. Their duties also include responding to emergencies, coordinating with field crews, and maintaining safety protocols to prevent outages or hazards. This role is vital in keeping the power grid functioning efficiently and safely.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Power Distribution Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Power Distribution Operator, you need a solid understanding of electrical systems, grid operations, and safety protocols, typically supported by a high school diploma and specialized technical training. Familiarity with SCADA systems, relay protection devices, and sometimes NERC certification is essential for monitoring and controlling power distribution networks. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and clear communication are crucial for responding to emergencies and coordinating with team members. These skills and qualifications ensure safe, reliable power delivery and effective management of outages or system anomalies.

What are some common challenges faced by Power Distribution Operators, and how can they prepare for them?

Power Distribution Operators frequently encounter high-pressure situations, such as responding to unexpected outages, equipment failures, or severe weather events. These challenges require quick decision-making, attention to detail, and effective communication with team members and other departments. To prepare, operators benefit from thorough training on emergency procedures, regular simulations of crisis scenarios, and staying current with industry best practices. Building strong teamwork skills and remaining adaptable also help operators thrive in this dynamic environment.
More about Power Distribution Operator jobs
Infographic showing various Power Distribution Operator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,121 per year, or $29.4 per hour.

Distribution Operator

IPL (Indiana)

Dayton, OH • On-site

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Are you ready to be part of a companythat'snot just talking about the future, but actively shaping it? Join The AES Corporation, the largest US-based global power company witha teamof 8,300employees across 12 countries.
AES has beenranked #1 byBloombergNEFin renewable energy sales to corporations in the US and Americas for five consecutive years, providing electricityformillions of peopleworldwide.
We are proud to foster a strong workplace culture, earning prominent positions in Great Place to Work rankings across the markets where weoperate. AES was also named one of the World's Most Ethical Companies for the 13th consecutive year in 2026, highlighting our dedication to integrity, transparency, and responsible business practices.

Our spirit of innovation continues to earn industry recognition. AES is the only seven-time winner of the Edison Electric Institute's Edison Awards in the twenty-first century, a distinction honoringglobal leadership in advancing the electric power industry.
Ifyou'reready to be part of a companythat'snot just adapting to change, but driving it, AES is the place for you.We'renot just building a more sustainable future,we'repowering it. Apply now and energize your career with a true leader inglobalenergy.

AES Ohio serves approximately 500,000 customers across a 6,000 square-mile service area in Southwest-Central Ohio. This includes 14,800 miles of distribution lines and over 150 substations.

Under limited direction, the Distribution Operator controls and operates the company's distribution resources-including circuit breakers, switches, voltage regulating equipment, and other devices associated with the system. The role ensures compliance with PUCO regulations and AES safety and operating standards, while coordinating and directing all switching operations on the mainline distribution system.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Implements real-time actions, up to and including shedding firm load under direction of the transmission System Operator

  • Directs all actions for safety and reliability of the distribution electric grid, including field crews, electrical equipment, and customers in matters that affect distribution grid reliability

  • Directs all switching and tagging activities to achieve LOTO isolation on mainline distribution equipment for both scheduled and outage situations

  • Responds to distribution disturbances within established regulatory, industry, and company standards to assure a continuous supply of electricity to customers

  • On point to communicate to co-workers and management the status of abnormal system conditions

  • Monitors and utilizes reactive reserves to ensure system reliability

  • Mentor Distribution Operator Trainees thru the Operator training game plan

  • Annually review and update department Standard Operating Procedures

  • Utilize the system model to simulate removing distribution elements from service and review resulting contingency analysis to prevent any real time violations which may occur

  • Responsible for being knowledgeable of the procedures to transfer operations to the Back-up Control Center and implementing if necessary

  • Assist with outage scheduling - writing switch orders, coordinating resources, customer and, running load flow studies to evaluate outages and contingencies, planning projects and looking for conflicting outages, develop mitigation strategies for reliability concerns

  • Assist with developing and maintaining department tools - support model updates, state estimator and contingency analysis troubleshooting, monitor and resolve solution cost or high iteration alarms, solve bad data problems, PI situational awareness displays, work with EMS staff on ADMS updates and model pushes

  • Develops and maintains knowledge of the Company's substation, distribution and transmission systems, relay protection schemes, safety requirements, electrical theory, field equipment capabilities and associated operating procedures and guidelines

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering or other technical discipline is preferred

  • Associate's degree with demonstrated aptitude in math and electrical theory accepted, especially when paired with relevant work experience in electrical utility operations

  • Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered

  • Company-level training completion required

Skills

  • Strong written and verbal communication

  • Ability to comprehend complex instructions and technical documentation

  • Proficiency in algebra, geometry, and electrical theory

  • Skilled in using databases, spreadsheets, and word processing tools

  • Ability to make sound judgments and crucial decisions in short amounts of time

  • Ability to understand and assimilate complex technical information

  • Ability to work with little supervision and only general guidelines at times

  • Ability to operate grid operations systems and other computer platforms

  • Capable of interpreting diverse data sets to ensure grid reliability

  • Able to solve practical problems with limited standardization

  • Authorized to take real-time actions and shed firm load during emergencies

  • Responsible for decisions impacting employee safety and equipment integrity

  • Ability to perform physical tasks such as standing for extended periods and occasionally lifting up to 25 pounds

  • Ability to work rotating shifts and respond effectively to changing system conditions

  • Comfortable working in a control room environment with continuous monitoring responsibilities

This position follows a 12-hour rotating shift schedule, with the department providing 24/7 coverage.

AES is an Equal Opportunity Employer who is committed to building strength and delivering long-term sustainability through diversity and inclusion. Respecting all backgrounds, differences and perspectives enables us to improve the lives of our people, customers, suppliers, contractors, and the communities in which we live and work. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and/or expression, race, national origin, ethnicity, age, religion, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law. E-Verify Notice: AES will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee's I-9 to confirm work authorization.