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 **This is not a remote position. The selectee will be required to be physically present at the Loveland, Colorado duty location.**
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: To qualify for the AD-3: Applicants must have one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the AD-2/GS-9 grade level or equivalent pay band in the Federal service. 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 at high voltage levels preferably at or above 34.5kV. To qualify for the AD-4: Applicants must have one year (52) weeks of specialized experience equivalent to the AD-3/GS-11 in the Federal service. This experience includes 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, 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, AND I am currently NERC certified. You must submit a copy of your NERC certification with your application. Failure to do so will result in your being removed from consideration at this grade. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work is primarily sedentary and requires sitting in one position for long periods of time with intense 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 to 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 subjected to inclement weather conditions such as high temperatures, rain, sleet, snow, and extreme cold. This position may be subjected 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. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs, (e.g. Peace Corps, AmeriCorps and other organizations, e.g., professional; philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social.) 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. Your full resume will be made available to the hiring manager if you are referred.
As a Power System Dispatcher, some of your duties will include: Create and maintain accurate logs to document operations, including instructions given, information received, and actions taken. Record pertinent dispatcher actions, decisions, and observations neatly and accurately. Take prompt and appropriate actions to maintain strict compliance with FERC Standards of Conduct and NERC Standards. Utilize EMS and other advanced applications to control, record, modify parameters, verify, and analyze BPS and lower voltage systems operational data. 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. Coordinate 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 perform duties at the full performance level AD-0303-04. dispatcher. If selection is made at a lower grade, promotion up to the full performance level may be made without further competition. However, promotion(s) are at the discretion of the supervisor and are not guaranteed.