This is an excepted service appointment under the Pathways Recent Graduate (RG) Program. After successful completion of the program requirements, the RG MAY at agency discretion be converted to a career or career-conditional appointment.
This is not a remote position. The selectee will be required to be physically present at either the Huron, SD or Watertown, SD duty location.
Summary
This is an excepted service appointment under the Pathways Recent Graduate (RG) Program. After successful completion of the program requirements, the RG MAY at agency discretion be converted to a career or career-conditional appointment.
This is not a remote position. The selectee will be required to be physically present at either the Huron, SD or Watertown, SD duty location.
50% or less - Travel of up to 50% annually is required; with overnight travel required for part or all of that time, primarily for the purpose of customer visits.
Recent graduates who have completed a qualifying associates, bachelors, masters, professional, doctorate, vocational or technical degree or certificate from a qualifying educational institution within the previous two years; veterans unable to apply within two years of receiving their degree, due to military service obligation, have as much as six years after degree completion to apply.
As a Public Utilities Specialist (Customer Service Representative) you will perform the following duties at the full performance level:
Provide excellent customer service to WAPA's customers, interacting with customers on site visits and identifying utility customer's needs and resolving issues.
Implement customer service programs that assist our customers in maintaining familiarity with Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) and in meeting the requirements of the Energy Policy Act.
Represents WAPA with various customers, customer groups and other stakeholders using a variety of computer software or programs, i.e. Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
Provide assistance in developing, coordinating, and administering contractual arrangements to carry out power marketing policy in the Upper Great Plains Region.
Participates in teams organized to address special power marketing initiatives.
Assist in the development, review, and negotiation of complex power marketing contracts.
Assist in providing internal and external customers with information and direction in the implementation of customer facility changes.
Must be a U.S. Citizen, National, or Foreign National who meets both Immigration and Annual Appropriations Laws.
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.
Must have completed, within the previous 2 years (up to 6 years for certain veterans), a qualifying associates, bachelors, masters, professional, doctorate, vocational or technical degree or certificate from a qualifying educational institution. You must submit transcripts with your application for proof of education with degree conferred or expected date.
A Pathways Recent Graduate Participant Agreement is required.
The Recent Graduate Program lasts for one (1) year. Participants who successfully complete the Recent Graduate Program may be eligible for conversion to a permanent appointment or a term (1-4 years in duration) appointment without further competition.
Students who will graduate by January 31, 2024 may also be considered; however, documentation of degree completion must be provided prior to appointment.
A 1-year trial period is required.
This position requires the ability to operate a Government vehicle. 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 incumbent is required to wear personal protective equipment when visiting W AP A and customer field sites requiring it.
Qualifications
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
For the GS-07 applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-05 level. Specialized experience is defined as meeting ALL the following items:
Experience with basic customer service responsibilities.
Respond to customer inquiries orally and in writing.
Experience or education with Microsoft Office Word.
OR you may qualify for the GS-07 based on education: 1 year of graduate-level education. Graduate education must provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform in the position.
OR you may qualify for the GS-07 based on Superior Academic Achievement: Bachelor's degree with superior academic achievement is defined as:(1) Class standing -- You must be in the upper third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision based on completed courses, (2) Grade-point average (G.P.A.) -- You must have 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 based on 4 years of education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum OR 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum, or(3) Election to membership in a national scholastic honor society -- You are a member of one of the national scholastic honor societies recognized by the Association of College Honor Societies (https://www.achshonor.org/)
OR you may qualify for the GS-07 based on a combination of education/experience: You may qualify on a combination of education and experience, the total percentage of experience at the required grade level compared to the specialized experience requirement, as well as the percentage of completed education compared to the educational requirement must equal at least 100 percent.
For the GS-09 applicants applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 level. Specialized experience is defined as meeting ALL the following items:
Knowledge of the Electric Utility Industry or Experience with customer service or contracting in a business or utility environment.
Respond to customer inquiries orally and in writing.
Experience or education with Microsoft Office Word and PowerPoint.
OR you may qualify for the GS-09 based on education: 2 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's or equivalent graduate degree. Graduate education must provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform in the position.
OR you may qualify for the GS-09 based on a combination of education/experience: You may qualify on a combination of education and experience, the total percentage of experience at the required grade level compared to the specialized experience requirement, as well as the percentage of completed education compared to the educational requirement must equal at least 100 percent. Only graduate level education in excess of the first 18 semester hours (27 quarter hours) may be combined to be considered for qualifying education.
"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.
Academic Year: At the undergraduate level, 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours is comparable to 1 year of undergraduate education. Four years of progressive study or 120 semester hours meets the degree requirements. At the graduate level, 18 semester hours or 27 quarter hours. Coursework in Energy, Electric, and/or Business fields are preferred.
Students who will graduate by January 31, 2024 may also be considered; however, documentation of degree completion must be provided prior to appointment.
Education
If substituting education for specialized experience you must submit proof of your qualifying education. Failure to provide college transcripts may result in a rating of 'Ineligible'. Education must be obtained from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Foreign education must be reviewed by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website.
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
Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs are not authorized.
CONVERSION REQUIREMENTS: DOE has the option to convert a Recent Graduate position to a permanent or term position upon successful completion of program requirements. This is not automatic, nor guaranteed. Conversion is at the discretion of the hiring manager and employing office. To be eligible to be converted to a permanent or term position you must:
Be a US Citizen
Be recommended for conversion by your manager.
Complete all training and development requirements within the 1-year appointment period.
Successful completion of 1 year of continuous service.
Demonstrate successful job performance of at least a "Fully Successful" or equivalent on performance appraisal.
Met the OPM qualification standard for the position to which you will be converted.
A Recent Graduate may be converted to the highest General Schedule (GS) grade level qualified for at time of conversion.
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, your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the job qualifications. If you are minimally qualified for this job, your responses to the self-assessment questions (True/False, Yes/ No, Multiple Choice questions) will be evaluated and you will be placed into one of three pre-defined quality categories under Category Rating procedures. These categories are "Best Qualified", "Well Qualified", and "Qualified. If you rate yourself higher than is supported by your application materials, your responses may be adjusted and/or you may be excluded from consideration for this job.
Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics):
Administration and Management
Customer Service
Influencing/Negotiating
Oral Communication
Application of Veterans' Preference: If you are a preference eligible candidate, you will be listed at the top of whichever quality category your rating places you in. CP/CPS veterans are placed at the top of the highest category for all positions except professional and scientific positions at GS-9 and higher.
You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date (11/20/2023) of this announcement.
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.
To apply for this position, you MUSTprovide a complete application package which includes:
Your RESUMEshowing 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).
Transcripts, this position haseducational requirements, you must submit a copy of your transcripts. Unofficial transcripts or any report listing institution, course title, credits earned (semester or quarter hour) and final grade is acceptable. It is your responsibility to provide adequate proof that you meet the educational requirements.
Veterans' Preference documentation,ifapplicable, 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 (CTAP) & Reemployment, if you are a DOE Excepted Service displaced federal employee, from a Pathways appointment, or believe you have reemployment rights at DOE based on a compensable injury, you must reach out to the agency contact listed in this announcement prior to the close date for guidance on how to receive consideration.
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:
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.
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.
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.
WAPA-UGP-Upper Great Plains
12155 W. Alameda Pkwy
Lakewood, CO 80228
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.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
To apply for this position, you MUSTprovide a complete application package which includes:
Your RESUMEshowing 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).
Transcripts, this position haseducational requirements, you must submit a copy of your transcripts. Unofficial transcripts or any report listing institution, course title, credits earned (semester or quarter hour) and final grade is acceptable. It is your responsibility to provide adequate proof that you meet the educational requirements.
Veterans' Preference documentation,ifapplicable, 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 (CTAP) & Reemployment, if you are a DOE Excepted Service displaced federal employee, from a Pathways appointment, or believe you have reemployment rights at DOE based on a compensable injury, you must reach out to the agency contact listed in this announcement prior to the close date for guidance on how to receive consideration.
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:
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.
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.
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.
WAPA-UGP-Upper Great Plains
12155 W. Alameda Pkwy
Lakewood, CO 80228
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.
