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Supervisory Power System Dispatcher

Department of Energy
Western Area Power Administration
Sierra Nevada Region, Power Systems Operation (N4100)

Summary

This position is part of the WAPA-SNR-Sierra Nevada Region. As a Supervisory Power System Dispatcher, you will supervise, plan, organize, direct, and perform a variety of technical tasks relative to the assigned power system dispatch functional area and activities in the assigned region.

**THIS IS NOT A REMOTE POSITION. YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO BE PHYSICALLY PRESENT AT THE FOLSOM, CA DUTY LOCATION.**

Overview

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Accepting applications
Open & closing dates
03/27/2026 to 04/09/2026
Salary
$197,200 - $197,200 per year
Pay scale & grade
AD 6
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Folsom, CA
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
None
Supervisory status
Yes
Security clearance
Not Required
Drug test
Yes
Position sensitivity and risk
High Risk (HR)
Trust determination process
Financial disclosure
No
Bargaining unit status
No
Announcement number
26-WN-00423-12918622-IMP
Control number
862883700

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

This position is only open to current Western Area Power Administration employees on a career or career-conditional competitive service appointment.

Duties

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As Supervisory Power Systems Dispatcher Supervisory Power System Dispatcher, you will:

  • Serve as a second-line supervisor of power system operation positions for a power system dispatch functional area.
  • Plan, organize, direct, supervise and perform a variety of technical tasks.
  • Supervise subordinate AD-5 supervisors and dispatch staff that execute dispatch activities of scheduling generation to meet load; maintaining system frequency; activating contingency reserves; administering and energy tagging programs; monitoring system voltages and power flows; reacting to changing system configurations; maintaining system security and reliability; switching activities related to forced outages, clearances, hot line orders, general switching, special work permits, and authorizations to work; and the safety and coordination requirements thereof.
  • Be responsible for meeting applicable North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) Standards; Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Orders; and DOE/WAPA policies, procedures, and guidelines.

Requirements

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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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Must currently possess and maintain a North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) Certification of at least a "Balancing Interchange and Transmission Operator" at the time of application.
  • The incumbent must become qualified to work a desk in the operations control room within eleven (11) months of appointment to this position, exceptions to this must be approved by the Operations Manager.
  • 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's driver's license.
  • Position is subject to random drug testing.
  • You must pass pre-employment drug testing.
  • You must pass pre-employment medical examination.
  • Security clearance and associated requirements - High Risk.

Qualifications

Qualifications: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 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 (AD-05/GS-13) in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as:

  • Drafting, reviewing and implementing policies and procedures regarding applicable power systems;
  • Managing both routine and emergency switching and troubleshooting in interconnected system(s) with 100 kV and above voltage classes;
  • Maintaining compliance with North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) standards; AND
  • Managing, directing, and counseling subordinates in task implementation, training and administrative work.
"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.

Time-in-Grade: Current career or career-conditional GS employees of the Federal government, or former career or career-conditional GS employees, who have a break in service of less than one year, are required to meet the time-in-grade restriction of one year of Federal experience at the next lower grade, with few exceptions outlined in 5 CFR 300.603(b). Note: Time-In-Grade requirements also apply to current career or career-conditional federal employees applying for a Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) appointment.

Physical Demands: The work is primarily sedentary and requires sitting in one position for long periods of time with intense concentration. Must possess normal color vision, visual acuity and hearing sufficient to detect audible and visual alarms presented and have the ability to mentally analyze material observed and form a logical and appropriate course of action. Shift work and emergency overtime may be required. Employee may be required to work other than normal duty hours, to include evenings, weekends and/or holidays.

Work Environment: The work is performed primarily in an office setting. The position is in a continuous operation control center, requiring incumbent to work up to 12-hour rotating shifts, including nights and weekends and holidays. Mental and emotional stresses are affected by the need for highly accurate decisions that must be made quickly and sometimes with limited or incomplete information.

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.
  • 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 selected, you may be required to complete a one-year supervisory probation period.
  • Promotion Potential: This position is at the full performance level.
  • The selectee for this position may be eligible to receive a 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.
  • More than one selection may be made from this vacancy announcement within 120 days of a certificate being issued.

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.

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.

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).

Minimum Qualifications: Once the application process is complete, the Human Resources Offices or Subject Matter Expert (SME) will review the first two pages of your resume and supporting documentation to determine whether you meet the minimum job qualifications.

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):

  • Developing Others
  • Strategic Thinking
  • Technical Credibility
  • Written Communication

All qualified Non-competitive applicants and the best qualified Merit Promotion applicants will be referred to the hiring manager for consideration.

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 (04/09/2026) of this announcement.


To preview the Assessment Questionnaire, click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12918622.

Western Area Power Administration

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

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

Why WAPA?

We market and transmit wholesale electric power generated from 57 federally owned hydroelectric power plants across a 15-state region with over 17,000 miles of transmission lines. As one of the nation's largest transmission providers, WAPA brings wholesale power to market, at cost-based rates, to preference customers such as public utilities and cooperatives, municipalities, national security facilities, and irrigation districts.

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?

Agency contact information

PMA Careers
Email
PMACareers@wapa.gov
Address
WAPA-SNR-Sierra Nevada Region
12155 W. Alameda Pkwy
Lakewood, CO 80228
US

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