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 will be required to be physically present at the Folsom, CA duty location. Responsibilities As a Power System Dispatcher at the full performance level, you will: Create and maintain accurate logs to document operations, including instructions given, information received, and actions taken. Operate AC-DC-AC converter stations and place associated converter equipment in service and removes equipment from services via the Energy Management System (EMS). Prepare, check, and direct routine and emergency switching in accordance with WAPA's Power System Switching Procedure. Assume responsibilities of Power System Dispatcher Outage Coordinator or other higher graded power system dispatcher duties, when required. Monitor and operate power system equipment considering public safety and proper operation within equipment capabilities. In the event of a BPS or lower voltage system disturbance or unplanned outage, complete outage and incident reports within time parameters. 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. 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. The employee must obtain and maintain at least the following North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) certification: Transmission Operator. 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. This position is subject to the DOE substance abuse program, a negative test result will be required before an offer of employment becomes final, and the applicant selected will be subject to future random testing. The position requires a pre-appointment and annual physical exam at Federal expense. 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 in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as: To qualify for the AD-03/GS-11: Applicants must have one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the AD-02/GS-09 grade level or equivalent pay band. This experience includes: 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 34.5-kV or above voltage level. To qualify for the AD-04/GS-12: Applicants must have one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the AD-03/GS-11 grade level or equivalent pay band. This experience includes: 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, 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. Education For this position, education cannot be substituted for experience. 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. 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.