About this role
Job SummaryThis position is part of the WAPA-RMR-Rocky Mountain Region, Sierra Nevada Region, Desert Southwest Region, or Upper Great Plains. As a Power System Dispatcher, you will be responsible for the real-time operations of Bulk Power Systems (BPS) performing actions during normal and emergency conditions. This open and continuous announcement establishes a standing register of eligible applicants. See Additional Information section.
QualificationsSPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: For the AD-03 level - A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level [AD-02/GS-09] in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as meeting at least one of the following: Power system operator experience equivalent to the AD-02 level (advanced trainee), with centralized SCADA/EMS control of power system equipment with 34.5 kV or higher voltage power lines and substations, OR Power plant or control center operator experience, where normal duties include direct SCADA control over multiple, remotely operated power plants, OR Operations or maintenance experience executing switching programs for clearances or other general switching actions on power system equipment at 34.5kV or above voltage level. For the AD-04 level - A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level [AD-03/GS-11] in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as meeting at least one of the following: Power system operator experience equivalent to the AD-03 level with interconnected system monitoring of voltages, power flows, maintaining limits, responding to changing system conditions, meeting safety, reliability, and coordination requirements, and adhering to applicable policies and procedures, and guidelines. AND Experience using power system switching procedures to prepare, check and direct routine and emergency switching activities. AND Experience using a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA)/Energy Management System (EMS) in order to monitor system conditions and respond to contingencies. "Experience" refers to paid and unpaid experience. Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include: volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); as well as work for other community-based philanthropic and social organizations. Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills; and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Physical Demands: The work is primarily sedentary and requires sitting in one position for long periods of time with intense concentrations. Required to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Arc Rated protected clothing when in proximity to exposed energized circuits. Work Environment: Work is performed in an office setting. The position is in a continuous operation control center, requiring the incumbent work 12-hour rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Occasional field training will be required to various BPS and lower voltage system and facilities. The incumbent may be subject to inclement weather conditions such as high temperatures, rain, sleet, snow, and extreme cold. This position is designated as Emergency Essential. Limit your resume to no more than two (2) pages. If more than two pages are submitted, only the first two pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility and qualifications.
Major DutiesAs a Power System Dispatcher, you will: Creates and maintains accurate logs to document operations. Records pertinent dispatcher actions, decisions and observations. Reviews logs, reports, and receives pertinent verbal information from departing dispatchers to ascertain present conditions of the power system. Coordinates actions with other personnel and management to implement operations plans. Complies with the Operating Instructions from the Reliability Coordinator and/or other power system operating entities for both real-time and next-day operating events. Operates AC-DC-AC converter stations and places associated converter equipment in service and removes equipment from services via the Energy Management System (EMS). Utilizes EMS and other advanced applications to control, record, modify parameters, verify, and analyze BPS and lower voltage systems operational data.RequirementsMust be a U.S. Citizen or National. This employer participates in the e-Verify program. Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service. Suitable for Federal employment, as determined by a background investigation. May be required to successfully complete a probationary/trial period. Employees serving on a probationary or trial period may be terminated at any time during the probationary or trial period for performance, conduct, or business-related reasons in the interest of Federal service. In accordance with Executive Order 14170, applicants are encouraged to respond to the four short, free-response, essay questions in the questionnaire. Answers to these questions are not scored or rated. Your answers will be reviewed by the hiring manager and agency leadership if you are referred for selection consideration. Limit your resume to no more than two (2) pages. If more than two pages are submitted, only the first two pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility and qualifications. Security clearance and associated requirements- High Risk. The incumbent is subject to the random drug and alcohol testing program established by the Department of Energy. The position requires a pre-appointment and annual physical exam at Federal expense. Occasional travel up to 5-10% annually is required, with overnight travel possible during all or part of that time. Total salary varies depending on location of position (See Additional Information Section). The incumbent must be at least 18 years of age, able to obtain and maintain Defensive Driver's certification and have a valid state driver's license. Defensive Driver's training will be completed upon employment. For consideration at the AD-03 Level if the incumbent does not hold a valid NERC certification at the time of appointment, it must be obtained within 180 days from the date of hire. Failure to be able to obtain the required NERC certification may result in disciplinary action up to removal from appointment. For consideration at the AD-04 Level the incumbent my have (one) of the following NERC Certifications: Transmission Operator (TO), Balancing/Interchange/Transmission Operation (BIT), or Reliability Coordinator (RC). The incumbent must be able to fully qualify and pass transmission operator desk training to independently operate the transmission desk within 11 months. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action up to and including removal.