Power System Dispatcher

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Power System Dispatcher

Department of Energy

Western Area Power Administration

RMR, SNR, DSW, UGP

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• Summary
• This job is open to
• Duties
• Requirements
• How you will be evaluated
• Required documents
• How to apply

Summary

This position is part of the WAPA-RMR-Rocky Mountain Region, Sierra Nevada Region, Desert Southwest Region, or Upper Great Plains. As a Power System Dispatcher, you will be responsible for the real-time operations of Bulk Power Systems (BPS) performing actions during normal and emergency conditions.

This open and continuous announcement establishes a standing register of eligible applicants. See Additional Information section.

Learn more about this agency

Summary

This position is part of the WAPA-RMR-Rocky Mountain Region, Sierra Nevada Region, Desert Southwest Region, or Upper Great Plains. As a Power System Dispatcher, you will be responsible for the real-time operations of Bulk Power Systems (BPS) performing actions during normal and emergency conditions.

This open and continuous announcement establishes a standing register of eligible applicants. See Additional Information section.

Learn more about this agency

Overview

Help

Accepting applications

Open & closing dates

05/06/2026 to 08/06/2026

Salary $117,816 - $197,200 per year Pay scale & grade AD 3 - 4

Locations

Many vacancies in the following locations:

Phoenix, AZ

Folsom, CA

Loveland, CO

Watertown, SD

Remote job No Telework eligible Yes-Situational, as determined by the agency policy. Travel Required Occasional travel - Same day and/or overnight travel up to 10% Relocation expenses reimbursed No Appointment type Permanent Work schedule Full-time Service Competitive

Promotion potential

4

Job family (Series)

• 0303 Miscellaneous Clerk And Assistant

Supervisory status No Security clearance Not Required Drug test Yes Position sensitivity and risk High Risk (HR)

Trust determination process

• Credentialing
• Suitability/Fitness

Financial disclosure No Bargaining unit status No

Announcement number 26-WJ-00528-12945265-DE Control number 868219800

This job is open to

Help

The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)

Federal employees whose job, agency or department was eliminated and are eligible for priority over other applicants.

Veterans

Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces or a spouse, widow, widower or parent of a veteran, who may be eligible for derived preference

Military spouses

Military spouses of active duty service members or whose spouse is 100 percent disabled or died on active duty.

Clarification from the agency

U.S. Citizens, Nationals, or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Duties

Help

As a Power System Dispatcher, you will:

• Creates and maintains accurate logs to document operations. Records pertinent dispatcher actions, decisions and observations.
• Reviews logs, reports, and receives pertinent verbal information from departing dispatchers to ascertain present conditions of the power system.
• Coordinates actions with other personnel and management to implement operations plans.
• Complies with the Operating Instructions from the Reliability Coordinator and/or other power system operating entities for both real-time and next-day operating events.
• Operates AC-DC-AC converter stations and places associated converter equipment in service and removes equipment from services via the Energy Management System (EMS).
• Utilizes EMS and other advanced applications to control, record, modify parameters, verify, and analyze BPS and lower voltage systems operational data.

Requirements

Help

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.
• Security clearance and associated requirements- High Risk.
• The incumbent is subject to the random drug and alcohol testing program established by the Department of Energy.
• The position requires a pre-appointment and annual physical exam at Federal expense.
• Occasional travel up to 5-10% annually is required, with overnight travel possible during all or part of that time.
• Total salary varies depending on location of position (See Additional Information Section).
• The incumbent must be at least 18 years of age, able to obtain and maintain Defensive Drivers certification and have a valid state drivers license. Defensive Drivers training will be completed upon employment.
• For consideration at the AD-03 Level 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. For consideration at the AD-04 Level the incumbent my have (one) of the following NERC Certifications: Transmission Operator (TO), Balancing/Interchange/Transmission Operation (BIT), or Reliability Coordinator (RC).
• The incumbent must be able to fully qualify and pass transmission operator desk training to independently operate the transmission desk within 11 months. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action up to and including removal.

Qualifications

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

For the AD-03 level - A qualified candidates online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level [AD-02/GS-09] in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as meeting at least one of the following:

• 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 34.5kV or above voltage level.

For the AD-04 level - A qualified candidates 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 meeting at least one of the following:

• 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 and 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.

Physical Demands:

The work is primarily sedentary and requires sitting in one position for long periods of time with intense concentrations. Required to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Arc Rated protected clothing when in proximity to exposed energized circuits.

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 and facilities. The incumbent may be subject to inclement weather conditions such as high temperatures, rain, sleet, snow, and extreme cold. This position is designated as Emergency Essential.

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.

• This open and continuous announcement establishes a standing register of eligible applicants.

• Applications received by June 6, 2026 will be considered for the first referral.

• Applications received after June 6, 2026, but by July 7, 2026, will be considered for the second referral.

• Applications received after July 7, 2026, but by August 6, 2026, will be considered for the final referral.

• You do not need to resubmit your application between referral periods unless your contact information, qualifications, or interest change.

• 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.

• 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.

• Promotion Potential: AD-04

• 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 employees 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.

• Salary: The salary range indicated in this announcement will be adjusted to include locality payment for selected duty location. General Schedule locality pay tables may be found under Salaries & Wages.

• Salary Ranges:

• Folsom, CA: $141,085 - 197,200

• Loveland, CO: $117.816-172,341

• Watertown, SD: $117.816-172,341

• Phoenix, AZ: $117.816-172,341

Expand Hide additional information

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

Help

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, the first two pages of your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the job qualifications.

Minimum Qualifications: Once the application process is complete, the Human Resources Office will review the first two pages of your resume and supporting documentation to determine whether you meet the minimum job qualifications.

Structured Resume Review: Subject matter experts (SMEs) will review your resume to determine your technical qualifications for this position based on the required competencies. SMEs will review ONLY the first two (2) pages of your resume. SMEs will not review additional information beyond your resume (e.g., cover letter, links embedded in your resume). If you are minimally qualified for this job, your responses to the SME Review rating assessment(s) will be evaluated and you will be placed into one of three predefined quality categories. These categories are Best Qualified, Well Qualified, and Qualified.

Application of Veterans Preference: If you are a preference eligible candidate, you will be listed ahead of non-preference eligibles with the same score. Preference eligibles with a compensable service-connected disability of 10 percent or more are listed at the top of the certificate in the order of their ratings unless the job is scientific or professional at the GS-9 grade level or above (or equivalent).

Simultaneous Listing: Candidates may be referred simultaneously on multiple certificates for which they are interested, eligible, and within reach.

If your resume is incomplete or does not support the responses you provided in your online questionnaire, or if you fail to submit all required documentation before the vacancy closes, you may be rated ineligible, not qualified, or your score may be adjusted accordingly

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

• Decision Making
• Planning and Evaluating
• Technical Competence

Career Transition Assistance Programs: To receive selection priority for this position, you must: 1) meet the eligibility criteria; and 2) be rated "well-qualified".

You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date (08/06/2026) of this announcement.

To preview the Assessment Questionnaire, click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12945265.

Benefits

Help

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.

Required documents

Required Documents

Help

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

• Your two (2) page 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).

If applicable:

• 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.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

Help

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:

• You must have a login.gov account to sign into USAJOBS: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/account/.
• To begin the application process in USAJOBS, click the Apply Online button.
• Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all required and supporting documentation.
• 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

PMA Careers

Email PMACareers@wapa.gov Address WAPA-RMR-Rocky Mountain Region

5555 E. Crossroads Blvd

Loveland, CO 80538

US

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.

Fair and transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

Criminal history inquiries Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy

Financial suitability New employee probationary period

Privacy Act Reasonable accommodation policy

Selective Service Signature and false statements

Social security number request

Required Documents

Help

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

• Your two (2) page 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).

If applicable:

• 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.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

Help

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:

• You must have a login.gov account to sign into USAJOBS: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/account/.
• To begin the application process in USAJOBS, click the Apply Online button.
• Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all required and supporting documentation.
• 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.

Expand Hide how to apply

Agency contact information

PMA Careers

Email PMACareers@wapa.gov Address WAPA-RMR-Rocky Mountain Region

5555 E. Crossroads Blvd

Loveland, CO 80538

US

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.

Expand Hide next steps

Fair and transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

Criminal history inquiries Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy

Financial suitability New employee probationary period

Privacy Act Reasonable accommodation policy

Selective Service Signature and false statements

Social security number request

Western Area Power Administration

WAPA

Join the Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) Team - Discover Your Next Professional Adventure!

At WAPA, we do more than keep the lights on. As part of the Department of Energy, we are a collective of compassionate innovators and problem-solvers dedicated to delivering clean, renewable, and reliable federal hydroelectric power.

Why WAPA?

We provide reliable and cost-effective hydropower and transmission services, operating across 15 states with over 17,000 miles of transmission lines. Our mission is to ensure that 40 million people have access to power. We lead in renewable resources, energy efficiency, and advanced technology with our strategic plan, Power Forward 2030. Our priority is your career growth and development, with comprehensive training and professional opportunities in a supportive environment. Enjoy competitive salaries, a robust retirement plan, health benefits, flexible schedules, and a work-life balance that values your well-being.

Power Your Career with WAPA

Ready to be part of our dynamic team? Apply to our current openings and take the first step towards a rewarding career that empowers both the West and your future.

Your skills. Our legacy. A shared Future. Are you in?

• Learn more about WAPA
• Learn more about WAPA careers
• Read our Strategic Plan - Power Forward 2030

Agency contact information

PMA Careers

Email PMACareers@wapa.gov Address WAPA-RMR-Rocky Mountain Region

5555 E. Crossroads Blvd

Loveland, CO 80538

US

Visit our careers page

Learn more about what its like to work at Western Area Power Administration, what the agency does, and about the types of careers this agency offers.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/Dc8BuCJpzbI?si=Ag5NQzaFHe7i7ahJ

Summary

This position is part of the WAPA-RMR-Rocky Mountain Region, Sierra Nevada Region, Desert Southwest Region, or Upper Great Plains. As a Power System Dispatcher, you will be responsible for the real-time operations of Bulk Power Systems (BPS) performing actions during normal and emergency conditions.

This open and continuous announcement establishes a standing register of eligible applicants. See Additional Information section.

Learn more about this agency

Overview

Help

Accepting applications

Open & closing dates

05/06/2026 to 08/06/2026

Salary $117,816 - $197,200 per year Pay scale & grade AD 3 - 4

Locations

Many vacancies in the following locations:

Phoenix, AZ

Folsom, CA

Loveland, CO

Watertown, SD

Remote job No Telework eligible Yes-Situational, as determined by the agency policy. Travel Required Occasional travel - Same day and/or overnight travel up to 10% Relocation expenses reimbursed No Appointment type Permanent Work schedule Full-time Service Competitive

Promotion potential

4

Job family (Series)

• 0303 Miscellaneous Clerk And Assistant

Supervisory status No Security clearance Not Required Drug test Yes Position sensitivity and risk High Risk (HR)

Trust determination process

• Credentialing
• Suitability/Fitness

Financial disclosure No Bargaining unit status No

Announcement number 26-WJ-00528-12945265-DE Control number 868219800

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