Lead the Future of Energy: Deputy Administrator & COO at WAPA
The Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) is looking for a visionary executive to step into the role of Deputy Administrator and Chief Operating Officer. This leadership position is critical to the stability of the nation's energy grid, requiring an individual who can balance high-level strategy with day-to-day operational excellence. If you are prepared to lead in one of the most vital sectors of the federal government, this is an unparalleled opportunity.
Job Responsibilities
As the Deputy Administrator and COO, you will act as the principal assistant to the WAPA Administrator. Your duties will be expansive and high-impact, including:
- Overseeing transmission asset management, electric reliability compliance, and aviation management.
- Setting strategic direction for critical engineering and infrastructure programs.
- Navigating complex utility challenges while fostering high-accountability organizational cultures.
- Representing the agency to a wide array of stakeholders, including federal partners, unions, and public utility officials.
Requirements
Success in this role requires more than just technical skill; it requires an executive mindset aligned with the highest standards of the federal government. Candidates must:
- Be a U.S. citizen.
- Submit a two-page resume documenting their expertise in the required Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and Technical Qualifications (TQs).
- Be eligible for an SCI-level security clearance.
- Be prepared to sign a Reassignment Rights and Obligation Agreement.
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive salary commensurate with the high level of responsibility inherent to the Senior Executive Service (SES).
| Position Level | Annual Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Senior Executive Service (SES) | $199,172 - $228,000 |
Benefits
Employees of the Western Area Power Administration benefit from robust federal employment advantages, including:
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
- The Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- A generous Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching.
- Ample paid vacation and personal leave time.
Application Tips
To stand out, treat your two-page resume as your executive portfolio. Use concrete metrics to demonstrate your leadership accomplishments in the energy sector. Because the agency uses a strict page limit, prioritize your most significant contributions to strategic planning and operational efficiency over general job history.
Serving as the Deputy Administrator and COO at WAPA is a career-defining role. If you possess the leadership capacity to drive one of America's most critical infrastructure agencies, we encourage you to review the requirements and submit your application.
Why This Deputy Administrator And Chief Operating Officer Job Matters
Shape the future of America's energy infrastructure as a key executive leader within the Western Area Power Administration.
Deputy Administrator And Chief Operating Officer Job Overview
The Western Area Power Administration (WAPA), a division of the Department of Energy, is seeking a high-caliber leader for the role of Deputy Administrator and Chief Operating Officer. This executive position carries significant responsibility, overseeing mission-critical functions including electric reliability, transmission asset management, infrastructure engineering, aviation safety, and physical security. As the agency's second-in-command, you will serve as the principal advisor to the Administrator, driving strategic direction and operational efficiency across a diverse and geographically dispersed organization.
Requirements for Deputy Administrator And Chief Operating Officer
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
- Submission of a concise, two-page resume highlighting technical and executive accomplishments.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) security clearance.
- Successful completion of a one-year supervisory probationary period for new SES appointees.
- Must pass a pre-employment and random drug screening.
- Requirement to file a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE-278).
- Registration with the Selective Service System for male applicants born after 1959.
Preferred Qualifications for Deputy Administrator And Chief Operating Officer
- Proven executive leadership within a large-scale electric utility environment.
- Demonstrated success in leading cross-functional teams to solve complex organizational challenges.
- Strategic planning experience coupled with oversight of transmission infrastructure and engineering.
- Expertise in driving operational efficiency and process optimization.
- Demonstrated ability to foster high-performance, high-accountability cultures.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Senior Executive Service (SES) salary structure.
- ✓Comprehensive federal health and life insurance packages.
- ✓Federal retirement benefits including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- ✓Paid annual and sick leave accrual.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and leadership training.
- ✓Eligible for telework depending on operational requirements.
💡 How to Apply Deputy Administrator And Chief Operating Officer Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Deputy Administrator And Chief Operating Officer Job
- Log in to your USAJOBS account to begin the application.
- Draft a targeted, maximum two-page resume that explicitly addresses the required ECQs and TQs.
- Submit your resume and any required supplemental documentation (such as SF-50s for current federal employees).
- Complete the online assessment questionnaire during the submission process.
- Verify that all documents are uploaded and clear the security scan before the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Stick strictly to the two-page limit; submissions exceeding this length will not be reviewed.
- Avoid using the standard USAJOBS resume builder; ensure your custom document is formatted for readability (at least 10-point font).
- Clearly map your accomplishments to the five Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and two Technical Qualifications (TQs).
- Double-check that all personnel action forms (SF-50) are current and clearly reflect your status.
- Submit well before the deadline to account for potential technical delays or virus scanning times.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the resume limit for this position?
Applicants must provide a resume limited to exactly two pages. Submissions exceeding this limit will not be evaluated.
Do I need to be a current federal employee to apply?
No, this position is open to external candidates; however, the selection process for non-SES members requires certification by the OPM Qualifications Review Board (QRB).
What is the travel requirement for this role?
This position requires travel; candidates should be prepared for professional obligations that require mobility across organizational and geographical lines.
What are the Technical Qualifications for this role?
You must demonstrate leadership in strategic initiatives within an energy or utility environment, specifically regarding complex organizational challenges.
Is this a remote-eligible position?
The position involves significant physical and strategic oversight, though some telework eligibility may apply based on internal agency policies.
Job from Western Area Power Administration
As a cornerstone of the Department of Energy, WAPA is responsible for marketing and transmitting reliable, low-cost hydroelectric power across a massive 15-state footprint. The agency plays a pivotal role in the American energy landscape, maintaining thousands of miles of transmission lines and infrastructure that keep power flowing to millions of customers. Working here means joining a team dedicated to stewardship, safety, and innovation.