Western Area Power Administration Logo
Position Title
Power System Dispatcher
Agency
Western Area Power Administration
Announcement Number
25-WJ-00570-12585799-MP Opens in new window
Open Period
Tuesday, October 22, 2024 to Friday, November 1, 2024
For preview purposes only. To apply, please return to the USAJOBS announcement and click the Apply button.
Eligibilities
1. Do you claim Veterans’ Preference? (limit characters)
2. Are you a veteran who separated from active duty under honorable conditions AND:

--you have a rating by the Department of Veterans Affairs showing a compensable service-connected disability of 30% or more; OR
--you are retired from active military service with a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more?

For more information on eligibility visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/veterans/  

Check the REQUIRED DOCUMENTS section in the job announcement for instructions to support your eligibility to apply for this vacancy. (limit characters)
3. Were you employed overseas as an appropriated funded employee, AND:

--you complete 52 weeks of creditable overseas service as a family member during the time you accompanied a sponsor officially assigned to an overseas area;
--you received a fully successful or better (or equivalent) performance rating;
--you returned to the United States to resume residence less than 3 years ago?

For more information on eligibility visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/family-of-overseas-employees/

Check the REQUIRED DOCUMENTS section in the job announcement for instructions to support your eligibility to apply for this vacancy. (limit characters)
4. Are you a current/former federal employee who meets one of the following Merit Promotion eligibilities:

1. Current career/career-conditional federal employee applying for a PROMOTION or TRANSFER to a position with a higher grade/pay band or higher promotion potential than you previously held on a permanent basis?
2. Former career/career-conditional federal employee with "Status" applying for REINSTATEMENT to a position with a higher grade/pay band or higher promotion potential than you previously held on a permanent basis?

Note: also select "Yes" if applying for a change-to-lower grade (CTLG) to a position with higher promotion potential than you previously held on a permanent basis.

Check the REQUIRED DOCUMENTS section in the job announcement for instructions to support your eligibility to apply for this vacancy. (limit characters)
5. Are you a SURPLUS or DISPLACED federal employee (e.g., Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP))?

If yes, confirm:

--you are located in the same local commuting area as the vacancy;
--you are applying to a position that is at or below the grade level of the position from which you were or will be separated;
--you are applying to a position that does not have greater promotion potential than the position from which you were or will be separated; AND
--your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or equivalent.

For more information on eligibility visit:  https://www.usajobs.gov/help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/federal-employees/career-transition/

Check the REQUIRED DOCUMENTS section in the job announcement for instructions to support your eligibility to apply for this vacancy. (limit characters)
6. Are you a current or former employee of a land management agency (Forest Service; Bureau of Land Management; National Park Service; Fish and Wildlife Service; Bureau of Indian Affairs; or Bureau of Reclamation)  AND:

--you worked in a term or temporary job (time-limited) under a competitive appointment;
--you served under 1 or more appointments for a period totaling more than 24 months, without a break in service of 2 or more years;
--you performed at an acceptable level during each period of service; AND
--if you are a former employee, you have been separated no more than 2 years since the most recent date of separation; and
--you did not leave your job due to misconduct or performance?

For more information on eligibility visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/federal-employees/land-management/

Check the REQUIRED DOCUMENTS section in the job announcement for instructions to support your eligibility to apply for this vacancy. (limit characters)
7. Are you the spouse of:

--a member of the armed forces serving on active duty;
--a 100 percent disabled service member injured while on active duty; OR
--a service member who was killed while performing active duty (un-remarried widow or widower)?

For more information on eligibility visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/military-spouses/

Check the REQUIRED DOCUMENTS section in the job announcement for instructions to support your eligibility to apply for this vacancy. (limit characters)
8. Are you a former Peace Corps volunteer or VISTA member who has completed your service within the past twelve months?

-OR-

Are you a former Peace Corps volunteer or VISTA member who has completed your service within the past 36 months and are requesting an extension of your non-competitive eligibility due to your military service, status as a full-time student or other experience related to this position (you must provide supporting documentation?

-OR-

Are you a current or former Peace Corps employee who has completed at least 36 months of continuous service and has been separated from the Peace Corps for less than three years?

For more information on eligibility visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/peace-corps/

Check the REQUIRED DOCUMENTS section in the job announcement for instructions to support your eligibility to apply for this vacancy. (limit characters)
9.
Are you a current/former federal employee who meets one of the following non-competitive eligibilities:

1. Current career/career-conditional federal employee applying for REASSIGNMENT, CHANGE-TO-LOWER GRADE, REPROMOTION, or TRANSFER, and you currently or previously held a position with the same grade/pay band or higher and the same or higher promotion potential on a permanent basis?
2. Former career/career-conditional federal employee with "Status", applying for REINSTATEMENT, and you previously held a position with the same grade/pay band or higher and the same or higher promotion potential on a permanent basis?
3. Current Excepted Service employee at an agency that has a valid INTERCHANGE agreement with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM)?
4. Current or former federal employee with the Foreign Service, Postal Career Service, Postal Rate Commission Employee, Government Accountability Office (GAO), Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts or other federal agency for which you gained eligibility to apply for career/career-conditional positions?

For more information on eligibility visit: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiring-information/competitive-hiring/#url=Types-of-Appointments

Check the REQUIRED DOCUMENTS section in the job announcement for instructions to support your eligibility to apply for this vacancy. (limit characters)
10. Do you have an intellectual disability, severe physical disability, or psychiatric disability that qualifies you for a Schedule A Disability appointment?

For more information on eligibility visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/individuals-with-disabilities/

Check the REQUIRED DOCUMENTS section in the job announcement for instructions to support your eligibility to apply for this vacancy. (limit characters)
11. Are you a veteran who separated from active duty under honorable conditions AND:

--you served three or more years of continuous active duty service in the military; OR
--you are entitled to veterans' preference?

Note: if released shortly before completing a 3-year tour or claiming "derived preference" you may also meet the eligibility criteria.

For more information on eligibility visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/veterans/

Check the REQUIRED DOCUMENTS section in the job announcement for instructions to support your eligibility to apply for this vacancy. (limit characters)
12. Are you a veteran who separated from active duty under honorable conditions AND:

--you recently separated (within the past 3 years);
--you are a disabled veteran;
--you served on active duty during a war, campaign, or expedition; OR
--you received an Armed Forces Service Medal?

For more information on eligibility visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/veterans/  

Check the REQUIRED DOCUMENTS section in the job announcement for instructions to support your eligibility to apply for this vacancy. (limit characters)
Preferences
1. Select the lowest grade you are willing to accept for this position. (limit characters)
2. Do any of your relatives work for the agency to which you are applying? If so, please list any applicable names below. Please enter N/A in the text box, if not Applicable. (Include: father, mother, husband, wife, son, daughter, brother, sister, uncle, aunt, first cousin, nephew, niece, father-in-law, mother-in-law, daughter-in-law, son-in-law, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, stepfather, stepmother, stepson, stepdaughter, stepbrother, stepsister, half brother, and half sister). (limit characters)
3. I understand that the responses in this questionnaire must be fully supported in my online resume. I further understand that my resume must provide detailed descriptions and/or examples of my knowledge and competencies as required in the vacancy announcement, and that my failure to do so may result in my being rated "ineligible" or "not qualified" for this position. (limit characters)
4. Are you an employee of one of the following?
 (limit characters)
5. Instructions: To provide the hiring manager an opportunity to consider your accomplishments, you may submit/attach copies of your performance appraisals and/or incentive award justification as part of your application by uploading these documents into USA Staffing.


All current Federal employees must have at least a fully successful or equivalent performance rating or higher, to be considered for competitive placement. Competitive Federal employees who have a current unacceptable performance rating will be excluded from consideration. (limit characters)
6. Have you received awards or been recognized as part of your annual performance appraisal for work that was based on one or more of the competencies described in this vacancy announcement? (limit characters)
7. Are you currently serving or have served in the last five (5) years in a Political Appointment in the Federal Government? (limit characters)
8. Please list the title, agency and dates of the appointments (limit characters)
9. I understand I must select one, but may select more than one, eligibility option in order to receive consideration under competitive merit promotion and/or non-competitive consideration. (limit characters)
10. This position is covered by the bargaining unit. I acknowledge that I have been informed that this position is covered by bargaining unit. (limit characters)
11. I declare under penalty of perjury, that all statements contained in this application and any accompanying documents are true and correct, with full knowledge that all statements made in this application are subject to investigation and that any false or dishonest answer to any question may be grounds for disqualification and loss of consideration. (limit characters)
REMINDER! If you are current federal civilian employee you must submit proof, e.g. SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, by the closing date of this announcement. (limit characters)
12. I have read this Vacancy Announcement thoroughly and understand that supplemental documentation may be required. I further understand that I will not be considered if my supplemental documentation is not received in the Servicing Personnel Office by the closing date of the announcement. (limit characters)
13. Are you currently receiving an annuity from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) for FERS or CSRS service as a retired U.S. Federal civilian employee? (limit characters)
14. This position requires a valid driver's license as a condition of employment. I am willing to meet this requirement. (limit characters)
Assessment 1
Thank you for your interest in the Power System Dispatch, AD-0303-03/04 position with the Western Area Power Administration. Please select the response(s) to the questions below that best describes your experience as it relates to this position. (limit characters)
Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s). (limit characters)
1. I possess a valid state driver's license.
 (limit characters)
2. I understand I must successfully complete and pass a physical exam and drug test upon selection, and annually as required to perform the duties of the position.
 (limit characters)
3. I am willing to work rotating shifts which may include nights, weekends, and holidays.
 (limit characters)
Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s). (limit characters)
4. I understand if selected for the AD-03 position, I must successfully complete NERC certification within 180 days from the date of hire. Failure to obtain the required NERC certification may result in disciplinary action up to removal from appointment. I understand applying for the AD-04, I MUST submit a copy of my NERC certification with my application. NOTE: FAILURE TO DO SO WILL RESULT IN YOUR BEING REMOVED FROM FURTHER CONSIDERATION AT THE AD-04 GRADE. (limit characters)
5. I understand this position is designated Emergency Essential and you would be considered mission essential personnel.
 (limit characters)
Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s). (limit characters)
6. I understand I may be required to occasionally fly in helicopter or fixed wing aircraft in the performance of assigned duties. (limit characters)
7. I am 18 years of age, or older. (limit characters)
8. I understand occasional travel of up to 5-10% annually is required, with overnight travel possible during all or part of that time. (limit characters)
9. Select the one statement that best describes the experience you possess that demonstrates your ability to perform the work of a Power Systems Dispatcher, AD-03/GS-11 grade level or equivalent pay band in the Federal service. (limit characters)
10. Select the one statement that best describes the experience you possess that demonstrates your ability to perform the work of a Power Systems Dispatcher, AD-04/GS-12 grade level or equivalent pay band in the Federal service. (limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
11. Direct and/or execute both planned and emergency transmission system switching. (limit characters)
11a. Show where the experience for Question 11 above, is documented in your resume. (limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
12. Draft programs, procedures, guides tools, etc. to enhance the operation of a workgroup.
 (limit characters)
13. Determine when to shed firm customer load to preserve the reliability of the bulk electric system.
 (limit characters)
14. Control loading on equipment (such as transformers, transmission lines, generators and buses) to prevent damage from overloading and overheating. (limit characters)
14a. Show where the experience to question 14 above can be found in your resume. (limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
15. Coordinate with customers and maintenance function to assure continuity of service.
 (limit characters)
16. Monitor and operate power system equipment considering public safety and proper operation within equipment capabilities.
 (limit characters)
17. Take steps to gather information and data to aid in prompt completion of disturbance analysis and distribute to appropriate personnel.
 (limit characters)
18. Gauge the impact of scheduled generation outages and to make decisions to authorize, postpone, or cancel based on system reliability.
 (limit characters)
19. Reconfigure the electric system following a disturbance.
 (limit characters)
Select “Yes” or “No” to the following question(s). (limit characters)
20. Do you have knowledge and experience with safe electrical switching? (limit characters)
20a. Show where your experience to Question 20 above can be found in your resume. (limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
21. Apply power system switching procedures sufficient to prepare, check, and direct routine and emergency switching activities.
 (limit characters)
22. Write and/or review transmission system switching programs.
 (limit characters)
23. Maintain strict compliance with NERC and/or WECC Reliability Council Standards and other safety protocols.
 (limit characters)
24. Provide technical guidance to field personnel, lower graded positions or trainee positions.
 (limit characters)
25. Analyze and resolve operational and maintenance problems of substation control systems (control circuits, relay logic, communication schemes, etc.). (limit characters)
25a. Show where your experience to Question 25 can be found in your resume. (limit characters)
Select the one statement that most accurately describes your training and experience carrying out each task using the scale provided. (limit characters)
26. Report unusual operational and equipment trouble on power plant, distribution, or substation equipment to appropriate personnel.
 (limit characters)
27. Evaluate transmission outages in order to determine effects on scheduling (e.g., ATC, or an open scheduling path).
 (limit characters)
28. Identify potential problems with relaying, communication, metering, interchange, or other power system equipment and coordinate resolutions.
 (limit characters)
29. I have certification in one of more of these listed below. Select all that apply. (limit characters)
  • Privacy & Cookies
© 2025 US Office of Personnel Management
This is a USA Staffing® System