Power System Dispatcher - Western Area Power Administration

Summary This position is part of the WAPA-RMR-Rocky Mountain Region. As a Power System Dispatcher, you will be responsible for the real-time operations of the Bulk Power Systems (BPS) performing real-time actions, during normal and emergency conditions, to ensure the stable and reliable operation of the Bulk Power System. This is not a remote position. The selectee will be required to be physically present at the Loveland, Colorado duty location. Responsibilities As a Power System Dispatcher, some of your duties will include: Creates and maintains accurate logs to document operations, including instructions given, information received, and actions taken. Records pertinent dispatcher actions, decisions, and observations neatly and accurately. Takes prompt and appropriate actions to maintain strict compliance with FERC Standards of Conduct and NERC Standards. Utilizes EMS and other advanced applications to control, record, modify parameters, verify, and analyze BPS and lower voltage systems operational data. Complies with the Operating Instructions from the Reliability Coordinator and/or other power system operating entities, as appropriate, for both real-time and next day operating events. Coordinates actions with other dispatchers, customers, external companies, marketing personnel, generator operators, reliability coordinators, and management, as necessary to implement operations plan. This is a developmental position designed to prepare the incumbent to fully perform the duties at the full performance level of AD-0303-04. Requirements Conditions of Employment Must 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 period. This position is in the Bargaining Unit:1154 If applying for the AD-04 position, you must submit a copy of your NERC certification. You must successfully complete and pass a physical exam and drug test. Qualifications Qualification requirements in the vacancy announcements are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook, which contains federal qualification standards. This handbook is available on the Office of Personnel Management's website located at: https://www.opm.gov/policy. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Applicants must possess one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and responsibility to the next lower grade level in the Federal Service. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular competencies/knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. This experience need not have been in the federal government. To qualify for the AD-03: Applicants must have one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade or pay band in the Federal service. I have specialized experience equivalent to the AD-02/GS-09 grade level or equivalent pay band. This experience includes: Power system operator experience with centralized SCADA/EMS control of power system equipment with high 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 with high voltage level. To qualify for the AD-04: Applicants must have one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade or pay band in the Federal service. I have specialized experience equivalent to the AD-03/GS-11 grade level or equivalent pay band. This experience includes: Power system operator experience 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, procedures, and guidelines; AND Applying power system switching procedures to prepare, check and direct routine and emergency switching activities; AND Using a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA)/Energy Management System (EMS) to monitor system conditions and respond to contingencies. I am currently NERC certified. (You must submit a copy of your NERC certification. Failure to do so will result in your being removed from consideration at this grade). "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 withintense concentration. The incumbent may be required to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Arc Rated protective clothing when in proximity to exposed energized circuits. The incumbent must be able to analyze information and make complex decisions under pressure. 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 facilities and training classes. The incumbent may be subject to inclement weather conditions such as high temperatures, rain, sleet, snow, and extreme cold. This position may be subject to regular and recurring overtime. Overtime may be on short notice to include nights, holidays, and weekends in support of related mission requirements. This position is designated as Emergency Essential. Education There is no education requirement for this position. Additional Information The U.S. Department of Energy fosters a diverse and inclusive workplace and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional similar vacancies across DOE. For general information on government-wide Telework polices visit: www.telework.gov. If selection is made at a lower grade, promotion up to the full performance level may be made without further competition. However, promotion(s) will depend on the performance of the incumbent and are not guaranteed. The selectee for this position may be eligible to receive a recruitment or relocation incentive. You will need to sign an employment agreement to be eligible for this incentive. Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs are not authorized. This position may be eligible for creditable service towards annual leave. Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. DOE may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. If you are tentatively selected for this position, you will be required to have a physical examination at Federal expense that will determine whether you are qualified to perform the duties of the position. An offer of employment will depend upon your successfully passing the physical examination. You must test negative for illegal drugs before placement in the position, and will be subject to random drug testing thereafter. If a determination of the use of illegal drugs is confirmed, non-selection or disciplinary action, up to and including removal from Federal service, may result. This position is also announced under vacancy 25-WJ-00570-1258579-MP, open to Status Candidates. To be considered for each you must apply to each vacancy.