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

This job is open to

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

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

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 Driver's certification and have a valid state driver's license. Defensive Driver's 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 candidate's 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 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 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 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.
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

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.

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.

Required Documents

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

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.

Overview

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

US Western Area Power Administration

About Company

Power System Dispatcher