Utilities Dispatcher

Utilities Dispatcher

Employment opportunity with the City of Vernon. Monthly salary: $11,678 - $14,194 plus an excellent benefits package. Final filing deadline Sunday, July 19, 2026, 11:59 PM or once 100 qualified applications are received, whichever occurs first. This recruitment is to fill two full-time vacancies in the Public Utilities Department and to establish an eligibility list to be used for future vacancies.

Under basic supervision, monitors real-time operations and maintenance activities of the City's electric generation and distribution systems; assigns operations and maintenance tasks to electric operators; oversees Critical Control Center activities including electric distribution, gas distribution monitoring and water distribution and pressure; tracks electric market fluctuations.

Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Monitors real-time operations and maintenance activities of the electric generation, sub-transmission, distribution systems and water distribution system; Monitors gas system on SCADA; performs duties within scope of authority and training, and in compliance with City policies, safety and quality standards; duties may vary according to job assignment.
• Oversees activities of and assigns emergency, operational and maintenance tasks to Electric Operators
• Oversees Control Center activities such as distribution of electricity, maintaining positive water pressure through the use of ground water wells and booster pumps, and tracks electric market fluctuations.
• Schedules route changes to ensure flow of electricity; notifies appropriate agencies of changes; reenergizes circuits or lines for public safety and creates schedules for weekend coverage.
• Monitors production and generation conditions by way of alarms, telemetry, status, modes of operation, or similar notifications.
• Compiles, calculates and prepares routine gas, electric, water and bulk power reports, notifications or ad hoc reports on system disturbances, emergencies, or any unusual operating condition or action.
• Coordinates and documents routine maintenance and unscheduled restoration activities with outside contractors.
• Performs all of the functions and work tasks of the Electric Operator position including providing shift coverage when necessary.
• Acts as primary point of contact for after-hours non-public safety calls for service.
• Performs after hour/weekend/holiday monitoring of water distribution system in the absence of water crews.
• Supports the relationship between the City of Vernon and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with visitors and City staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and City information; performs other duties as required or assigned.

Education, Training and Experience Guidelines: High School diploma or GED; AND three years of electric utility operations experience.

Knowledge of: City organization, operations, policies, and procedures. Electric, water, gas and bulk power utility operating concepts. Basic electric principles, procedures and components, power system operations including power plant operations; fundamentals of alternating current circuits, and electric safety policies and procedures. Occupational hazards and safety precautions applicable to the work. Personal computer operations.

Skill in: Monitoring and applying control system principles rationally to solve practical problems and to deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Keeping records as required by regulatory agencies. Operating personal computers and specialized software applications including SCADA systems. Remaining calm under stress or emergency conditions. Maintaining a strong sense of propriety concerning confidential matters. Building relationships and fostering teamwork and communicating effectively, both verbally and in writing. Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with managers, fellow employees, contractors, representatives from other utilities, outside consultants and the general public.

License and certification requirements: A valid California State Driver's License is required. A valid State of California Grade II Water Distribution License is desired and must be obtained within two years after the probationary period ends.

Physical demands and working environment: Work is performed in an electric generation plant; may to be exposed to energized equipment. Works rotating shifts, nights and weekends or a mutually agreed upon set schedule as required. Pursuant to California Government Code §3100, all public employees are required to serve as disaster service workers subject to such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their supervisors or by law.

Selection process: Completed application packets will be reviewed and only qualified applicants whose qualifications best meet or exceed the requirements of the position and needs of the City, will be invited to participate further in the selection process, which may include a written exam and a virtual panel interview scheduled. Candidates must be specific and complete in describing their qualifications for the position. Failure to state all pertinent information or include required attachments may lead to elimination from consideration. Applications must be submitted online. If you submit multiple applications, only the most recent application will be considered. Stating "see resume" is not an acceptable substitution for a completed application. To view the complete job description, please visit our website at It is the applicant's responsibility to notify the Human Resources Department of any changes to their contact information. "The City of Vernon is an Equal Opportunity Employer".