CITY OF LOS ANGELES
A Great Place for a Career
Seal of the City of Los Angeles

NEW! NOTE: You can apply for this job using an Online Application. NEW!

CLASS CODE: 5233
OPEN DATE:   4/20/2007

JOB TITLE LOAD DISPATCHER

ANNUAL SALARY $82,538 - $127,138

For trainee positions $82,538 to $102,541

For permanent Load Dispatcher positions $94,565 to $127,138

NOTES:
  1. There are three phases of training. A one-time bonus of up to $7,500 will be paid to trainees in 3 payments as each phase is completed.
  2. Employees assigned to positions for shifts beginning after 2:00 p.m. and before 4:00 a.m. are paid up to an additional 7 percent.
  3. Employees who are appointed off this eligible list may receive salary bonuses for attainment of dispatcher certification(s) such as the North American Electric Reliability Council (NERC).

DUTIES 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.

NOTE:

See Job Preview for additional information regarding the duties and requirements of a Load Dispatcher. Copies of the Job Preview may be obtained at all locations where City job applications are available and is also available on the City website at http://www.lacity.org/per/exams/5233sup.pdf


REQUIREMENTS
  1. Two years of full-time paid experience as an electric station operator, steam plant operator, electrical distribution mechanic, electrical mechanic, hydroelectric station operator, senior electrical repairer, lineman, senior electrical tester, electric trouble dispatcher or in a position which is at least at that level and provides experience in operating a switchboard controlling the function or maintenance of electric equipment and lines in an electric power generating plant, substation, or in a receiving, switching, or distribution station; or maintaining an electrical distribution system at 4-kV or higher; or
  2. Two years of full-time paid experience as a load dispatcher, systems operator, or in a position which is at least at that level and provides experience in centralized control over electric transmission lines, distribution lines, generating equipment, and/or other electrical equipment of an electric utility system at 4-kV or higher; or
  3. Three years of full-time paid experience in a position at least at the level of electrical engineering associate, which provides experience in power system field operations in maintenance of power system control equipment, or the functioning or maintenance of electric equipment and lines in an electric power generating plant, in a substation, receiving, switching or distribution station, or maintaining an electrical distribution system at 4-kV or higher voltage; or
  4. Three years of full-time paid experience in the operation or maintenance of a nuclear powered generating facility or ship.

WHERE TO APPLY Applications WILL ONLY BE ACCEPTED ON-LINE at https://personline.lacity.org/job_app/

NOTE:

  1. You will need to have Internet Explorer version 5.5 or above.
  2. Applicants are urged to apply early to ensure you have time to resolve any technical issues that you may encounter.

APPLICATION DEADLINE The written test for Load Dispatcher will be held on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month.

Candidates whose City applications are received and approved by the 1st Thursday of the month will be scheduled to take the written test on the 3rd Saturday of the month.

Candidates whose City applications are received and approved by the 3rd Thursday of the month will be scheduled to take the written test on the 1st Saturday of the following month.

NOTES:

  1. The written test will be administered in a single half-day session. Candidates will be notified later by mail of the time and location of the written test, which will be held in Los Angeles.
  2. Candidates whose test date falls on a holiday will be notified by mail of the date, time, and location of the written test. Additional test days may be required if a large number of applications are received.
  3. Filing may be closed without prior notice after a sufficient number of applications are received. For administrative purposes, filing will close periodically and reopen the following workday.

SELECTION PROCESS Examination Weight:
Written Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100%

The examination score will be based entirely on the results of a multiple-choice written test. In the written test, candidates may be examined for knowledges of: common types of trouble with electric transmission and distribution lines and equipment; potential damage to lines and equipment; electrical theory and concepts; arithmetic and algebra; ability to read system diagrams; ability to read and interpret technical material; ability to communicate effectively; ability to deal tactfully and effectively with others; and other necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities.

The written test will be administered in a single half-day session. Candidates will be notified by mail of the date, time, and location which will be held in Los Angeles.


NOTES

  1. This examination is based on a validation study, and as provided by Civil Service Commission Rule 4.20, the written test will not be subject to candidate inspection.
  2. Candidates may take this test only once every 365 days during the administration of this examination.
  3. All entry-level positions are temporary training positions as defined in Civil Service Commission Rule 5.30. All trainees must complete an intensive three week evaluation period, a five week classroom training period, and the first phase of on-the-job training within nine months. All trainees must complete the remaining phase of the on-the-job training and be assigned to a permanent position within eighteen months. A Load Dispatcher may regularly work various shifts including weekends, holidays and overtime.
  4. Applications are accepted subject to review to ensure that minimum qualifications are met. Candidates may be disqualified at any time if it is determined that they do not possess the minimum qualifications stated on this bulletin.
  5. As a covered entity under the Fair Employment and Housing Act and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Los Angeles does not discriminate on the basis of disability and, upon request, will provide reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access to its programs, services, and activities.
  6. A final average score of 70% is required to be placed on the eligible list.
  7. Your rank on the employment list may change throughout the year as the scores of candidates from other administrations of this examination are merged onto one list.

THIS EXAMINATION IS TO BE GIVEN ONLY
ON AN OPEN COMPETITIVE BASIS

Class Code 5233 CONT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . REVISED 07-24-09


NOTICE

    If you receive and accept an offer of employment to a regular position with the City of Los Angeles, your employee benefit coverage (including health and dental coverage as well as life insurance) will commence approximately six weeks after your original regular appointment.

    Not all positions in the City receive benefit coverage; you should inquire regarding the availability of employee benefits prior to accepting a position.

    The City of Los Angeles does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, creed, color, ancestry, medical condition (cancer), or Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. Applicants or employees who believe that they have been discriminated against are encouraged to contact the Office of Discrimination Complaint Resolution at (213) 473-9123.