Department of Energy

Power System Dispatcher

Folsom, California Full time

Power System Dispatcher

Department: Department of Energy

Location(s): Folsom, California

Salary Range: $165476 - $195200 Per Year

Job Summary: This position is part of the WAPA-SNR-Sierra Nevada Region. As a Power System Dispatcher, you will be responsible for the real-time operations of Bulk Power Systems (BPS) performing real-time actions during normal and emergency conditions to ensure the stable and reliable operation of the Bulk Electric System (BES). *This is not a remote position. The selectee must be physically present at the Folsom, CA duty location.*

Major Duties:

  • As a Power System Dispatcher, you will: Review logs, reports, and receive pertinent verbal information from departing dispatchers to ascertain present conditions of the power system. Develop a general operating plan for the shift based on system conditions and scheduled or anticipated facility outages. Take prompt and appropriate actions to maintain strict compliance with FERC Standards of Conduct and NERC Standards. Perform real-time system studies to determine system impacts of possible contingencies and determine mitigation of possible operating conditions. Monitor and operate power system equipment considering public safety and proper operation within equipment capabilities. Initiate or direct timely and appropriate real-time actions during normal and emergency conditions to ensure the stable and reliable operation of the BES and lower voltage systems while taking corrective action, as required to achieve or maintain these limitations; including re-dispatch of generation, cancellation of planned generation and transmission outages without prior supervisory approval. Utilize EMS and other advanced applications to control, record, modify parameters, verify, and analyze BES and lower voltage systems operational data. Assume responsibilities of Power System Dispatcher Outage Coordinator or other higher graded power system dispatcher duties, when required. 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. Issue Operating Instructions to other power system operating entities, as appropriate, to maintain BPS and lower voltage systems reliability.

Qualifications: 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-03/GS-11] in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as experience in 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, and coordination requirements, and adhering to applicable policies, procedures, and guidelines, -AND- Using 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) 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. 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.

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.

Application Deadline: 2025-12-30