Summary As a Public Utilities Specialist (Customer Service Representative) (Recent Graduate) you will be responsible for implementing customer service programs that assist the Upper Great Plains Region customers in maintaining familiarity with Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) and in meeting the requirements of the Energy Policy Act. *This is not a remote position. The selectee will be required to be physically present at the Huron, SD or Watertown, SD duty location. Responsibilities As a Public Utilities Specialist (Customer Service Representative) you will perform the following duties at the full performance level: Provide excellent customer service to WAPA's customers, interacting with customers on site visits and identifying utility customer's needs and resolving issues. Implement customer service programs that assist our customers in maintaining familiarity with Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) and in meeting the requirements of the Energy Policy Act. Represents WAPA with various customers, customer groups and other stakeholders using a variety of computer software or programs, i.e. Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint. Provide assistance in developing, coordinating, and administering contractual arrangements to carry out power marketing policy in the Upper Great Plains Region. Participates in teams organized to address special power marketing initiatives. Assist in the development, review, and negotiation of complex power marketing contracts. Assist in providing internal and external customers with information and direction in the implementation of customer facility changes. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications To be eligible for the Pathways Recent Graduate program you must be a: Recent graduate who has completed, within the previous two years, a qualifying associates, bachelors, masters, professional, doctorate, vocational or technical degree or certificate from a qualifying educational institution. -OR- Student who within nine months of the closing date of this announcement will meet the education requirements and will graduate with a qualifying associates, bachelors, masters, professional, doctorate, vocational or technical degree or certificate from a qualifying educational institution. A student may not be appointed to a position until they have graduated. -OR- Preference eligible veteran who was precluded from applying due to their military service obligation begin their two-year eligibility period upon release or discharge from active duty. Eligibility for these veterans cannot exceed six years after degree or certificate completion." SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: For the GS-07: A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level [GS-05] in the Federal service. Specialized experience is defined as meeting the following: Experience with basic customer service responsibilities; and Respond to customer inquiries orally and in writing; and Experience or education with Microsoft Office (Word). -OR- One year of graduate-level education, or superior academic achievement (S.A.A.) gained in a bachelor degree curriculum that is qualifying for the position to be filled (based on class standing, grade-point average, or honor society membership). See the following link for more information: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-policies/#url=app -OR- A combination of education and experience as described above. Less than one year of specialized experience may be combined with completed graduate education. For the GS-09: A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level [GS-07] in the Federal service. Specialized experience is defined as meeting ALL the following: Knowledge of the Electric Utility Industry or Experience with customer service or contracting in a business or utility environment; and Respond to customer inquiries orally and in writing; and Experience or education with Microsoft Office (Word and Power Point). -OR- Two years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's degree, or master's, or equivalent graduate degree; your education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. -OR- A combination of graduate education and experience as described above. Less than one year of specialized experience may be combined with graduate education in excess of the amount required for the next lower grade level (i.e., credit hours beyond the first year of full-time study may be credited). "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. Education You MUST provide a dated copy of your transcripts or proof of enrollment. The transcript may be an unofficial or photocopy at time of application. Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order to receive credit towards qualifications. Therefore, applicants must report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Applicants can verify accreditation at the following website: http://www.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/index.html All education claimed by applicants will be verified by the appointing agency accordingly. If selected, an official transcript will be required prior to appointment. Conversion: Pathways Recent Graduates are converted to a term or permanent position upon program completion. This is not automatic nor guaranteed; it is at the discretion of the employing office. To be eligible for conversion, a Recent Graduate must: (1) complete at least one year of continuous service; (2) be a U.S. citizen; (3) demonstrate successful job performance (4) meet the qualification standards for the position to which converted; (5) receive a recommendation for conversion from the first-level supervisor; and (6) meet agency-specific requirements, as specified in the Participant Agreement. Additional Information The U.S. Department of Energy fosters a diverse and inclusive workplace and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional similar vacancies across DOE. The selectee for this position may be eligible to receive a recruitment or relocation incentive. You will need to sign an employment agreement to be eligible for this incentive. This position may be eligible for creditable service towards annual leave. Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. DOE may offer newly-appointed Federal employee's credit for their job-related non-federal experience or active duty uniformed military service. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs are not authorized.