Department of Energy

Power System Dispatcher

Phoenix, Arizona, Folsom, California, Loveland, Colorado, Watertown, South Dakota Full time

Power System Dispatcher

Department: Department of Energy

Location(s): Phoenix, Arizona, Folsom, California, Loveland, Colorado, Watertown, South Dakota

Salary Range: $117816 - $197200 Per Year

Job 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.

Major 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.

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.

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: 2026-08-06