Power System Dispatcher

Full Job Description

This position is part of the Southwestern Power Administration.

As a Power System Dispatcher, you will be responsible for the real-time operation of the Bulk Power System (BPS) performing real-time actions during normal and emergency conditions to ensure the safe, reliable, stable and round-the-clock operation of the Bulk Electric transmission system.

***This position is not a remote position.

You will have to physically report to Nixa, MO.*** 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: Performing both routine and emergency switching in an interconnected system(s) with 100 kV and above voltage classes.

"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: Work is mostly sedentary, with approximately 10-15 percent of the time spent walking to nearby equipment, controls, and files.

The position also requires the incumbent to have the ability to work 8- and 12-hour shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays.

The job requires adjusting to varying work schedules as the shifts rotate. The position requires the ability to sit or remain at a workstation for long periods of time.

Work Environment: Work is performed within a temperature-regulated indoor environment of an electric utility control center. Travel up to 10 days per month may be necessary to attend training.

This position requires the ability to operate a government vehicle. The incumbent must be able to obtain and maintain Defensive Drivers certification and have a valid state driver's license.

Overtime may be required on short notice to include nights, holidays and weekends in support of related mission requirements. 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. Major Duties:

As a Power System Dispatcher, you will: Prepare, check, and direct routine and emergency switching in accordance with applicable Power Operations Bulletins.

For both real-time and next day operating events, complies with the directives of the Reliability Coordinator and/or other power system operating entities.

Issues directives to other power system operating entities to maintain Bulk Power System (BPS) reliability.

Take immediate remedial action to safeguard the public or to prevent overload or damage to power equipment during unusual or abnormal conditions and equipment troubles.

Reports system problems to appropriate authorities, and orders line patrols, and inspection and testing of faulted equipment.

Reviews, assesses, takes mitigating actions, and documents all steady state and real time contingency analyses of the BPS. Operate substations via SCADA and/or directs manual operation by field staff.

Monitors power system equipment, ensuring public safety and proper operation within equipment capabilities.

Initiates or directs timely and appropriate real-time actions during normal and emergency conditions to ensure the stable and reliable operation of the BPS and lower voltage systems while taking corrective action, as required to achieve or maintain these limitations, including redispatch of generation, cancellation of planned generation and transmission outages without prior supervisory approval.

Develop a general plan for the shift based on system conditions and scheduled or anticipated facility outages.

Performs Real-time and Day ahead Operational Planning analysis and documents all assessments, reviews, and actions taken in accordance with both NERC and industry standards and coordinates all actions with both Regional Transmission Organizations and interconnected parties affected.

Assumes responsibilities for higher graded Power System Dispatchers duties, when required.