Apprentice Controller

CenterPoint Energy and its predecessor companies have been in business for more than 150 years. 

Our Vision: Our vision is to become the most admired utility in the United States through the execution of our long-term growth strategy. We have an unwavering commitment to safely and reliably deliver electricity and natural gas to millions of people. 

Our Commitment: CenterPoint Energy is committed to creating an inclusive work environment where business results are achieved through the skills, abilities and talents of our diverse workforce.

At CenterPoint Energy, individuals are respected for their contributions toward our company objectives. We strive for an inclusive work environment across all levels that is reflective of the available workforce in the communities we serve. 

Job Summary

Dispatches, creates, monitors and load-balances service orders and cases of trouble to field personnel through a Service Suite Dispatcher workstation and/or two-way radio.  Service Suite is  interfaced with SAP and Outage Management Systems. Position responds to requests for information from field technicians, contractors’ management, and customer service.  Provides updates to customer accounts with order completion and exception information.  Assist field crews in emergency situations including coordinating police escorts, making customer contact  to coordinate access issues.  Communicates with Operations management on Service Area performance and emergency situations. 

Essential Functions

• Applicant must meet Company requirements for entry into the three (3) year Distribution Controller apprentice training program and successfully advance to each level to promote to a Distribution Controller.
• Able to speak, read and write in English sufficiently to interpret and communicate information regarding prints, maps, technical material, time entry and work management clearly and concise to employees, contractors, customer service and management.
• Able to exercise discretion, tact, and good judgment in dealing with customers, the public, contractors, and employees while remaining calm under stressful or emergency situations.
• Able to comprehend the basic rules and principals of electricity and how field devices affect the flow of electricity.
•  Able to multitask, stay focused and manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously.
• Able to type a minimum of 40 wpm with a high degree of accuracy.
• Able to demonstrate commitment to compliance with applicable laws and regulations, the Company’s Ethics and Compliance Code of Conduct, and other Company policies and procedures and do so consistently, take all required training courses and do so timely.
• Resolves scheduling issues between the company’s Call Center, customers, and supervision to prioritize orders to achieve market compliance and customer expectations.
• Able to answers the telephone or two-way radio and if necessary, perform call-ahead request for field technicians.
• Able to receive, create and dispatch emergency calls and customer complaints while ensuring that company procedures are followed.
• Able to work under close supervision and scrutiny.
• Able to demonstrate respect for all individuals, adhere to the Company’s values and business practices and do both consistently.

Education Description

• High School Diploma or GED required. 
  • Will consider relevant job-related CenterPoint Energy experience for non-degree candidates. 
• Associate or bachelor’s degree computers or business related, trade skills preferred. 

Experience

• Applicant must be able to pass the EEI aptitude and skills test. 
• Preferred: 
  • Basic computer program application experience in Microsoft products, SCADA, etc.
  • Power delivery experience (Distribution, Transmission or Substation) as a Journeyman, Foreman, Engineer or System Operator. 
  • Dispatching experience in routing field personnel and private radio operations.
  • Ability to monitor and control the activities and operation of multiple events simultaneously. 

We want you to know
Being a part of the CenterPoint Energy team is more than a career alone. It's an opportunity to make a positive impact. You will be an integral part of enabling everyday life and the pursuit of possibilities for the customers we serve and the communities we share. The vital services we provide are at the core of making our world work, and by sharing your energy with us, we'll create a better tomorrow together. 

What we bring to you

• Competitive pay
• Paid training
• Benefits eligibility begins on your first day
• Transit subsidies
• Flexible work schedule, paid holidays and paid time off
• Access to discounts at fitness clubs and an on-site wellness center at our headquarters in Houston
• Professional growth and development programs including tuition reimbursement
• 401(k) Savings Plan featuring a company match dollar-for-dollar up to 6% and a company contribution of 3% regardless of your contribution

Job Type: Full Time 
Posting Start Date: 09/21/2026​
Posting End Date: 09/28/2026

This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR §§ 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a), and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status or disability.