Leading the Future of Energy: The Administrator Role at Southwestern Power Administration

The Department of Energy (DOE) is inviting applications for the position of Administrator for the Southwestern Power Administration (SWPA). This is a critical leadership role within the Senior Executive Service (SES), offering a unique chance to shape the energy landscape of the south-central United States. If you are an experienced executive with a passion for public service and infrastructure, this role offers an unparalleled platform to influence national policy.

Job Responsibilities

The Administrator is the chief executive responsible for all SWPA operations. Key duties include:

Policy Leadership: Translating national energy goals into regional strategy.
Operations Oversight: Managing complex engineering and power marketing systems.
Strategic Planning: Directing long-range transmission system development.
Stakeholder Management: Coordinating with Tribes, federal agencies, and public utility customers.

Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate high-level executive competence.

Requirement Type	Description
Citizenship	Must be a U.S. Citizen
Resume Limit	Exactly 2 pages
Clearance	Q-level security clearance
Qualifications	5 Executive Core Qualifications & 2 Technical Qualifications

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive salary range of $199,172 to $228,000 per year, commensurate with Senior Executive Service pay scales.

Benefits

Employees enjoy extensive federal benefits, including robust health plans, retirement contributions through the TSP, and the opportunity to lead critical national infrastructure.

Application Tips

Keep your resume concise; the two-page limit is strictly enforced.
Weave your ECQs and TQs into your work experience narrative rather than attaching them as separate files.
Submit early to ensure no technical issues delay your application.

This role is for a dedicated professional prepared to handle the intersection of national security, energy policy, and operational management. If you possess the experience required, submit your application before the September 1, 2026, deadline.

Why This Administrator For Southwestern Power Administration Job Matters

Shape the future of energy infrastructure as the Administrator for the Southwestern Power Administration—a pinnacle leadership role in the Federal Senior Executive Service.

Administrator For Southwestern Power Administration Job Overview

The Southwestern Power Administration (SWPA), a component of the Department of Energy, is seeking a visionary Administrator to lead the management of critical Federal energy resources. This role offers the unique opportunity to oversee the marketing of approximately 2,200 megawatts of hydroelectric power and the operation of 1,400 miles of high-voltage transmission lines. You will drive operational excellence across a six-state service area, balancing national energy objectives with fiscal stewardship and stakeholder engagement.

Requirements for Administrator For Southwestern Power Administration

U.S. Citizenship or National status.
Completion of a 1-year SES probationary period (if applicable).
Submission of a resume limited to exactly two pages.
Demonstration of five Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and two Technical Qualifications (TQ).
Ability to obtain and maintain a Q-level security clearance.
Compliance with Selective Service registration requirements for males born after 1959.
Submission of OGE-278 Confidential Financial Disclosure Report.
Willingness to undergo pre-employment and random drug screening.

Preferred Qualifications for Administrator For Southwestern Power Administration

Prior certification by an OPM-approved SES Qualifications Review Board.
Active career SES status or reinstatement eligibility.
Extensive experience in managing large-scale electric utility operations.
Proven track record in national energy policy implementation and complex stakeholder management.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive Senior Executive Service compensation package.
✓Comprehensive federal health and life insurance options.
✓Federal retirement benefits including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
✓Flexible telework opportunities.
✓Opportunity to influence national energy infrastructure policy.

💡 How to Apply Administrator For Southwestern Power Administration Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Administrator For Southwestern Power Administration Job

Log in to your USAJOBS account.
Prepare a resume that is strictly limited to two pages.
Incorporate specific evidence of your ECQs and TQs directly into your resume.
Upload required personnel documents like SF-50s if you are a current or former federal employee.
Complete the online application questionnaire within the portal.
Submit your application package by the closing date of September 1, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Do not use the USAJOBS resume builder; it often exceeds length limits.
Focus your two-page resume on clear, quantifiable examples of your executive leadership.
Address all TQs and ECQs clearly; separate narrative documents will not be reviewed.
Verify that your application status is confirmed via the USAJOBS dashboard after submission.
Ensure your file formats are compatible and clear before uploading.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the resume length limit?

Your resume must not exceed two pages. Any content provided beyond the second page will not be reviewed.

Do I need to be a current federal employee to apply?

No, this position is open to the public, though current or former SES members should include their SF-50 documentation for eligibility purposes.

What level of security clearance is required?

This is a Critical-Sensitive position requiring Q Access Authorization.

Can I use the USAJOBS resume builder?

*A: It is strongly recommended to use a custom document that allows you to strictly control the two-page layout.*

What happens if I am not currently in the SES?

*A: If selected, your qualifications will be submitted to the OPM for certification by the Qualifications Review Board (QRB).*

Job from Southwestern Power Administration

Southwestern Power Administration markets approximately 2,200 megawatts of federal hydroelectric power. With 1,400 miles of high-voltage transmission lines spanning Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas, SWPA is essential to the region's energy reliability. The agency balances environmental stewardship, fiscal responsibility, and the complex demands of the modern electric power sector.