Power System Dispatcher

Summary This position is part of the Southwestern Power Administration. As a Power System Dispatcher, you will be responsible for the real-time operation of the Bulk Power System (BPS) performing real-time actions during normal and emergency conditions to ensure the safe, reliable, stable and round-the-clock operation of the Bulk Electric transmission system. ***This position is not a remote position. You will have to physically report to Nixa, MO.*** Duties As a Power System Dispatcher, you will: Prepare, check, and direct routine and emergency switching in accordance with applicable Power Operations Bulletins. For both real-time and next day operating events, complies with the directives of the Reliability Coordinator and/or other power system operating entities. Issues directives to other power system operating entities to maintain Bulk Power System (BPS) reliability. Take immediate remedial action to safeguard the public or to prevent overload or damage to power equipment during unusual or abnormal conditions and equipment troubles. Reports system problems to appropriate authorities, and orders line patrols, and inspection and testing of faulted equipment. Reviews, assesses, takes mitigating actions, and documents all steady state and real time contingency analyses of the BPS. Operate substations via SCADA and/or directs manual operation by field staff. Monitors power system equipment, ensuring public safety and proper operation within equipment capabilities. Initiates or directs timely and appropriate real-time actions during normal and emergency conditions to ensure the stable and reliable operation of the BPS and lower voltage systems while taking corrective action, as required to achieve or maintain these limitations, including redispatch of generation, cancellation of planned generation and transmission outages without prior supervisory approval. Develop a general plan for the shift based on system conditions and scheduled or anticipated facility outages. Performs Real-time and Day ahead Operational Planning analysis and documents all assessments, reviews, and actions taken in accordance with both NERC and industry standards and coordinates all actions with both Regional Transmission Organizations and interconnected parties affected. Assumes responsibilities for higher graded Power System Dispatchers duties, when required. 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. You must pass pre-employment drug testing. You must pass pre-employment medical examination. The incumbent is subject to the random drug and alcohol testing program established by the Department of Energy. The position requires a physical and eye examination at Federal expense prior to appointment and every other year. Security clearance and associated requirements - Moderate Risk. Must possess and maintain the following North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) System Operator Certification or higher: Balancing, Interchange and Transmission (BIT). Incumbent must be able to obtain and maintain Defensive Drivers certification and have a valid state driver's license. Position is designated as Emergency Essential. 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: Performing both routine and emergency switching in an interconnected system(s) with 100 kV and above voltage classes. "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: Work is mostly sedentary, with approximately 10-15 percent of the time spent walking to nearby equipment, controls, and files. The position also requires the incumbent to have the ability to work 8- and 12-hour shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays. The job requires adjusting to varying work schedules as the shifts rotate. The position requires the ability to sit or remain at a workstation for long periods of time. Work Environment: Work is performed within a temperature-regulated indoor environment of an electric utility control center. Travel up to 10 days per month may be necessary to attend training. This position requires the ability to operate a government vehicle. The incumbent must be able to obtain and maintain Defensive Drivers certification and have a valid state driver's license. Overtime may be required on short notice to include nights, holidays and weekends in support of related mission requirements. 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.