Summary

This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DoD Workforce to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.

About the Position: In this position, you will serve as a Power Plant Operator at Bonneville Lock and Dam. Operating facilities consist of two hydroelectric powerhouses and adjunct operating facilities consisting of a navigation lock, fish facilities, and spillway.

Duties

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• You will be responsible for inspecting project areas and equipment as well as observing, checking and reporting operational data to the control room.
• You will operate all power project equipment to prescribed standards which includes assuming local control of stopping, starting, synchronizing, and adjusting load and voltage for units and auxiliary equipment.
• You will operate all power project equipment to prescribed standards which includes assuming local control of stopping, starting, synchronizing, and adjusting load and voltage for units and auxiliary equipment.
• You will operate gates to control flows, pool levels, or to discharge debris.
• You will perform operator-related preventative maintenance checks and will maintain security surveillance of the project.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
• This position is subject to a pre-employment screening, and random testing thereafter, to include testing based on reasonable suspicion and testing due to direct involvement with an on-duty accident.
• This position has a heavy lifting requirement up to 45lbs.
• This position requires the completion of a pre-employment Physical Examination and an annual examination thereafter to ensure the continued, required level of physical health and ability or fitness to perform the duties of the position.
• The position requires shift work.
• The position requires rotating shifts which include nights, weekends, and holidays.
• This is a drug testing designated position.
• Incumbent must be able to obtain and/or maintain a valid state driver's license.
• Incumbents who have not completed a uniform U.S. Army Corps of Engineers training program will complete a series of hydropower operator competencies within 6 months of hire.

Qualifications

Who May Apply: US Citizens

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

There is no specific length of training or experience required. However, you must be able to demonstrate, through experience shown in your written application materials that you possess the sufficient knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the work of this position without more than normal supervision.

Minimum Qualifications (Screen Out Element): Ability to do the work of a(n) POWER PLANT OPERATOR ~~ without more than normal supervision. Ability to perform common Power Plant Operator duties in a power plant of at least 300-megawatt generation capability. The ability to restore a 15 megawatt or larger turbine generator to service after major overhaul in a 300 megawatt or larger power plant. - Failure to meet this Screen out Element will result in an ineligible rating.

Physical Effort

• Eye and hand coordination is required to operate switches and controls. Job requires extensive walking, standing, and climbing vertical and inclined ladders and stairs. Is required to operate large valves, apply servolocks, lift deck hatches and other jobs requiring pulling or turning force. Lifts and carries equipment and supplies frequently up to, and occasionally over, 45 pounds. Work requires prolonged standing, walking, climbing, bending, stooping, twisting, pulling, pushing, and kneeling.

Working Conditions

• Works on a rotating shift, inside, in well-lighted work area. Works outdoors for short periods with exposure to climate extremes. Occasionally works in proximity to high voltages and currents. Incumbent is often exposed to equipment and machinery noises and outside the control room employee will be subject to the discomfort of wearing safety equipment such as hard-hats, earplugs, and respirators. Must wear appropriate safety equipment and protective clothing, and successfully complete and maintain all occupational health requirements.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
• You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
• One year trial/probationary period may be required.
• Direct Deposit of Pay is required.
• Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees.
• If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the Reemployed Annuitant information sheet.
• This is a Construction, Engineering and Infrastructure Career Field position.
• Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement.
• When you perform a Civilian Permanent Change of Station (PCS) with the government, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers the majority of your entitlements to be taxable. Visit https://www.dfas.mil/civilianemployees/civrelo/Civilian-Moving-Expenses-Tax-Deduction/ for more information.
• Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is authorized, subject to the provisions of the Joint Travel Regulations.
• Recruitment/Relocation incentive MAY be authorized if determined to be in the best interest of the government.

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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Benefits

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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.