Power System Dispatcher Job in Loveland, CO

Vacancy No. 25-WJ-RMR-00570-12585798-DE Department Western Area Power Administration
Salary $111,793.00 to $163,532.00 Grade 3 to 4
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 10/23/2024 Close Date 11/1/2024
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Loveland, CO


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.**

Duties

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.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Once the application process is complete, your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the job qualifications. If you are minimally qualified for this job, your responses to the self-assessment questions (True/False, Yes/ No, Multiple Choice questions) will be evaluated and you will be placed into one of three pre-defined quality categories under Category Rating procedures. These categories are "Best Qualified", "Well Qualified", and "Qualified. If you rate yourself higher than is supported by your application materials, your responses may be adjusted and/or you may be excluded from consideration for this job.

Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics):

  • Administration and Management
  • Decision Making
  • Technical Competence
  • Technical Problem Solving


Application of Veterans' Preference: If you are a preference eligible candidate, you will be listed at the top of whichever quality category your rating places you in. CP/CPS veterans are placed at the top of the highest category for all positions except professional and scientific positions at GS-9 and higher.

Career Transition Assistance Programs: To receive selection priority for this position, you must: 1) meet the eligibility criteria; and 2) be rated "well-qualified", which is defined as scoring in the Well Qualified category (or higher).

You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date (11/01/2024) of this announcement.

To preview the Assessment Questionnaire, click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12585798

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you MUST provide a complete application package which includes:

  • Your RESUME showing all relevant work experience (paid and unpaid) including: duties performed; full name and address of the each employer; start and end dates (month/day/year); work schedule (part-time, full-time, number of hours if intermittent); salary; and any completed education and training (program title, subject area, number of hours completed, and completion date).
  • Transcripts, if specific educational requirements are indicated in this job announcement.Unofficial transcripts or any report listing institution, course title, credits earned (semester or quarter hour) and final grade is acceptable. It is your responsibility to provide adequate proof that you meet the educational requirements.
  • Veterans' Preference documentation,if applicable, DD-214 Member Copy 4 showing type of discharge/character of service; current active duty members- certification of expected discharge or release from active duty under honorable conditions dated within 120 days; SF-15 Form and related documentation; VA letter. For more information visit the USAJOBS Help Center & OPM CHCOC website for VOW information.
  • Career Transition Assistance Program/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program documentation, if applicable(e.g., Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal.) For more information see the OPM Guide to Career Transition.

Failure to submit any of the above mentioned required documents may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.

OUR OFFICE WILL NOT ACCEPT DOCUMENTS PROVIDED OUTSIDE OF THE ONLINE APPLICATION SYSTEM. IF YOU ARE HAVING ISSUES UPLOADING DOCUMENTS, CONTACT THE USAJOBS HELP DESK.

How to Apply

Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application, to include submission of the required documentation specified in the Required Documents section. A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the announcement closing date to receive consideration.

The application process is as follows:

  1. You must have a login.gov account to sign into USAJOBS: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/account/.
  2. To begin the application process in USAJOBS, click the Apply Online button.
  3. Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all required and supporting documentation.
  4. You must click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 pm (ET) on the announcement closing date.
You may update your application, including supporting documentation, at any time during the announcement open period by returning to your USAJOBS account, select Update Application: https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.

To verify the status of your application, during and after the announcement open period, log into your USAJOBS account; applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each application status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.

If you need help with login.gov or USAJOBS (e.g., account access, Resume Builder) visit the USAJOBS Help Center: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/

If you experience difficulty applying on USAJOBS, after clicking the Apply Online button, or you are experiencing a significant hardship hindering your ability to apply online, the Agency Contact listed in the announcement can assist you during normal business hours. If you receive any system error messages, take screenshots if possible, to aid technical support.

Agency contact information

Kimberly Hicks
Address
WAPA-RMR-Rocky Mountain Region
5555 E. Crossroads Blvd
Loveland, CO 80538
US
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. The status of your application will be updated in USAJOBS as it is evaluated.

You can check the status by logging into USAJOBS. You may also sign up to receive automatic emails anytime the status of your application changes by logging into your USAJobs Account and editing the Notification Settings.

You will be contacted directly if an interview is required.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


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