Power System Dispatcher

Summary This position is part of the WAPA-SNR-Sierra Nevada Region. As a Power System Dispatcher, you will be responsible for the real-time operations of Bulk Power Systems (BPS) performing real-time actions during normal and emergency conditions to ensure the stable and reliable operation of the Bulk Electric System (BES). *This is not a remote position. The selectee must be physically present at the Folsom, CA duty location.* Duties As a Power System Dispatcher, you will: Review logs, reports, and receive pertinent verbal information from departing dispatchers to ascertain present conditions of the power system. Develop a general operating plan for the shift based on system conditions and scheduled or anticipated facility outages. Take prompt and appropriate actions to maintain strict compliance with FERC Standards of Conduct and NERC Standards. Perform real-time system studies to determine system impacts of possible contingencies and determine mitigation of possible operating conditions. Monitor and operate power system equipment considering public safety and proper operation within equipment capabilities. Initiate or direct timely and appropriate real-time actions during normal and emergency conditions to ensure the stable and reliable operation of the BES and lower voltage systems while taking corrective action, as required to achieve or maintain these limitations; including re-dispatch of generation, cancellation of planned generation and transmission outages without prior supervisory approval. Utilize EMS and other advanced applications to control, record, modify parameters, verify, and analyze BES and lower voltage systems operational data. Assume responsibilities of Power System Dispatcher Outage Coordinator or other higher graded power system dispatcher duties, when required. Comply 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. Issue Operating Instructions to other power system operating entities, as appropriate, to maintain BPS and lower voltage systems reliability. 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/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. Position is subject to random drug testing. You must pass pre-employment drug testing. You must pass pre-employment medical examination. The position requires a pre-appointment and annual physical exam at Federal expense. Security clearance and associated requirements- non-sensitive/high risk. 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. The incumbent must be at least 18 years of age, able to obtain and maintain Defensive Drivers certification and have a valid state driver's license. Defensive Driver's training will be completed upon employment. This position may be in a Bargaining Unit. Qualifications SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: 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 experience in all the following: 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- Using 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) 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. 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. Education For this position, education cannot be substituted for experience. Additional information 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. Applicants may request Reasonable Accommodation (RA) when applying or competing for a job due to a medical condition or to exercise religious beliefs. If you need reasonable accommodation in the application or selection process, please contact the Agency Contact listed on this vacancy announcement. Promotion Potential: This position is at the full performance level. 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. Salary negotiation may be available for those candidates who are new to Federal service. Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. 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.