
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) is the largest municipal utility in the US, serving over four million residents with a workforce of nearly 12,000 employees. One of the civil service jobs available at LADWP is that of an electric station operator. To become an electric station operator, candidates must pass a multiple-choice test and a performance test. The job involves operating electrical switches to manipulate high values of current and voltage in circuits, which can pose a serious hazard if not handled properly.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) |
| Job Title | Electric Station Operator (ESO) |
| Job Description | One of the primary tasks of the Electric Station Operator is the management of high-voltage circuits. Operators use electrical switches to perform routine, automatic, and manual switching operations on the electrical system. |
| Hiring Process | Candidates must pass a multiple-choice test and a performance test. The highest-scoring candidates are then interviewed. |
| Training | Candidates who pass the interview are offered a training position. |
| Work Conditions | The job may require working in elevated positions, carrying heavy loads, and performing tasks that require physical strength and stamina. |
| Work Experience | One year of full-time paid experience in electrical or mechanical work involving the operation, maintenance, or repair of electrical equipment is required. |
| Education | No specific education requirements are mentioned, but candidates must pass the multiple-choice test, which covers reading comprehension, mathematics, and safety protocols. |
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What You'll Learn
- Electric Station Operator (ESO) LADWP is a substation operator, mechanic, and technician
- The LADWP is the largest municipal utility in the US, serving over 4 million residents
- The role requires a multiple-choice and performance test, followed by an interview
- Trainees must climb ladders, carry loads, and handle fire hoses for washing insulators
- Operators are responsible for the safe operation of high-voltage circuits and electrical switches

Electric Station Operator (ESO) LADWP is a substation operator, mechanic, and technician
To become an ESO, candidates must pass a multiple-choice test and a performance test. The multiple-choice test covers areas such as reading comprehension, mathematics, safety practices, and knowledge of electrical equipment. The performance test involves practical tasks such as climbing a ladder to perform work at elevated heights, carrying loads, and handling a fire hose for washing insulators.
One of the primary responsibilities of an ESO is managing high-voltage circuits and electrical switches. They play a crucial role in limiting the duration and impact of power outages by performing switching operations in response to abnormal conditions. ESOs also use electrical switches to provide visual confirmation of de-energization and to ensure the safe and reliable operation of the electrical power system.
In addition to their technical duties, ESOs are expected to have strong safety awareness and knowledge of general safety practices. This includes maintaining safe approach distances, properly using personal protective equipment, and understanding the use and care of safety equipment.
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The LADWP is the largest municipal utility in the US, serving over 4 million residents
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) is the largest municipal utility in the United States, serving over 4 million residents and businesses in Los Angeles and adjacent communities in southwestern Los Angeles County, California. It was founded in 1902 to supply water to the city of Los Angeles and began delivering electricity to portions of the city in 1917.
LADWP has a diverse and vertically integrated power generation, transmission, and distribution system spanning five Western states. It delivers an average of 435 million gallons of water per day and has an electric generating capacity of 8,100 megawatts. The utility has a workforce of nearly 12,000 employees and offers competitive pay, excellent benefits, and opportunities for professional and personal growth.
LADWP is committed to providing clean, reliable water and power, as well as excellent customer service, in a safe, environmentally responsible, and cost-effective manner. It has set goals to increase its use of renewable energy sources and has invested in photovoltaic solar and geothermal energy projects. LADWP also offers programs to help residents and businesses manage their energy usage and costs, such as the Lifeline Rate Program, which offers exemptions on utility bills for senior and disabled citizens.
LADWP provides a range of career opportunities, including positions in engineering, skilled craft, information technology, and fleet services. The organization conducts civil service exams for various roles, and specific job requirements and application instructions are provided on its website.
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The role requires a multiple-choice and performance test, followed by an interview
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) is the nation's largest municipal utility, serving over four million residents with a workforce of almost 12,000 employees. The LADWP offers competitive pay, excellent benefits, and opportunities for professional and personal growth.
One of the roles available at the LADWP is that of an Electric Station Operator (ESO). This role involves the operation of high-voltage circuits and electrical switches. The electrical switches are used to manipulate high values of current and voltage in circuits, and operators use them to perform routine, automatic, and manual switching operations.
To become an ESO, candidates must first pass a multiple-choice test and a performance test. The multiple-choice test evaluates competencies such as reading comprehension, mathematics, safety focus, job knowledge, and knowledge of electrical equipment and circuitry. The performance test involves practical work activities, such as climbing a ladder to a height of 40 feet, carrying a 40-pound load for 100 feet, and handling a fire hose at a minimum pressure of 100 psi to wash insulators.
After the performance test, candidates receive a ranking score, and those with the highest scores are invited for an interview. If successful at the interview stage, candidates are offered a training position.
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Trainees must climb ladders, carry loads, and handle fire hoses for washing insulators
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) is the nation's largest municipal utility, serving over four million residents with a workforce of nearly 12,000 employees. To become an electrical station operator at LADWP, candidates must pass a written test and a performance test. The written test is a multiple-choice exam that evaluates competencies in reading comprehension, mathematics, safety focus, job knowledge, and general knowledge of electrical equipment and circuitry.
The physical demands of the role are significant. Trainees must be able to climb ladders to heights of up to 40 feet and work effectively at elevated positions. They must also have the strength to carry loads of 40 pounds for a minimum distance of 100 feet. Additionally, they need to be able to handle a one-and-a-half-inch fire hose at a minimum pressure of 100 psi for washing insulators. These tasks require a good level of physical fitness and comfort with working at height.
The ability to handle fire hoses for washing insulators is a critical skill for electrical station operators. Insulators are essential components in electrical equipment, and regular cleaning with pressurised water helps prevent dust and dirt buildup, ensuring optimal performance and prolonging the lifespan of the equipment. The task demands a steady grip and careful control of the hose to direct a strong jet of water onto the insulators without causing any damage.
Before hiring, candidates may be required to undergo mandatory drug and alcohol testing. LADWP offers competitive pay, excellent benefits, and opportunities for professional and personal growth.
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Operators are responsible for the safe operation of high-voltage circuits and electrical switches
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) is the nation's largest municipal utility, serving over four million residents with a workforce of nearly 12,000 employees. One of the many roles within the LADWP is that of an electrical station operator.
Electrical station operators are responsible for the safe operation of high-voltage circuits and electrical switches. This involves a range of tasks, including operating and maintaining electrical equipment, performing routine and emergency switching operations, and responding to power outages and abnormal conditions. Operators must have a strong understanding of electrical circuitry to perform these tasks safely and effectively.
To ensure safety, operators need to be able to interpret readings from recording instruments such as kilowatt meters, voltage meters, and ammeters. They must also be familiar with general safety practices and procedures, such as maintaining safe approach distances and properly using personal protective equipment when working near hazardous energized equipment.
Becoming an electrical station operator at LADWP typically involves taking a multiple-choice test and a performance test. The multiple-choice test evaluates competencies such as reading comprehension, mathematics, and safety focus. The performance test may involve practical tasks such as climbing a ladder to perform work at elevated heights, carrying loads, and handling fire hoses for washing insulators.
Overall, electrical station operators play a critical role in ensuring the safe and reliable distribution of electricity, requiring a strong understanding of electrical systems and a commitment to safety protocols.
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Frequently asked questions
You must pass a written and performance test. The written test is a multiple-choice exam that covers reading comprehension, mathematics, safety practices, and job knowledge. The performance test involves climbing a 40-foot ladder, carrying a 40-pound load, and handling a fire hose.
One of the primary tasks of an Electrical Station Operator at LADWP is the operation of high-voltage circuits. They use electrical switches to perform routine, automatic, and manual switching operations, including automatic reclosers, Voltage Pickup Units, and Automatic Transfer Switching.
LADWP stands for Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, the nation's largest municipal utility, serving over four million residents with a workforce of nearly 12,000 employees.
LADWP offers competitive pay, excellent benefits, and opportunities for professional and personal growth. They provide almost 150 different civil service jobs with positions in engineering, skilled craft, information technology, and fleet services.
You can find the most current job openings listed every Friday on the LADWP website, JoinLADWP.com. You can also visit LADWPEasternSierra.com/Jobs for information about career opportunities in the Eastern Sierra.





















