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Power Plant Operator

Department of the Army
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Northwestern Division, Portland District, The Dalles Project
This job announcement has closed

Summary

Looking for a great place to work? The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is one of the best! In 2016, USACE ranked number two of government large-agency subcomponents! As rated by their employees, USACE supervisors strongly support employee development and opportunities to demonstrate leadership skills while also maintaining an optimal work/life balance. The Corps offers a team-inspiring and collaborative work environment, providing challenging and rewarding careers across a variety of disciplines.

Civilian employees serve a vital role in supporting the Army mission. They provide the skills that are not readily available in the military, but crucial to support military operations. The Army integrates the talents and skills of its military and civilian members to form a Total Army.

About the Position:
The Dalles Lock and Dam is 192 miles upriver from the mouth of the Columbia River and two miles east of the city of The Dalles, Oregon and Dallesport, Washington. Construction of The Dalles Lock and Dam started in 1952 and was completed in 1957 at a cost of $299 million. Since its construction, the dam has generated more than 9.2 billion kilowatt hours of electricity and passes up to 10 million tons of river cargo annually. The authorized primary project purposes are navigation and power generation.

The project consists of a concrete structure with a navigation lock, spillway, gated powerhouse and fish passage facilities. Various recreational facilities are provided along Lake Celilo, the 24-mile-long impoundment behind the dam.

Who May Apply: US Citizens

Overview

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Hiring complete
Open & closing dates
10/30/2017 to 11/10/2017
Salary
$42.96 to - $42.96 per hour
Pay scale & grade
WB 00
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
The Dalles, OR
Travel Required
Not required
Relocation expenses reimbursed
Yes—Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is authorized, subject to the provisions of the Joint Travel Regulations. Defense National Relocation Program will not be authorized.
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-Time
Service
Supervisory status
No
Announcement number
WTHE174112180520D
Control number
483161800

This job is open to

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Duties

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You will serve as a Power Plant Operator at The Dalles Project, a large hydroelectric facility on the Columbia River. Operating facilities consist of a large hydroelectric powerhouse and adjunct operating facilities consisting of a navigation lock, fish facilities, and spillway. 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. This also includes the operation of transmission line disconnects or ground switches as required for clearing circuits on high voltage gear. You will operate navigation lock and control machinery for valves and gates in passing vessels through high, single-lift locks. 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

  • Must be able to obtain and/or maintain a valid state driver's license.
  • This position is subject to pre-employment and random drug testing.

Other Requirements:

  • 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.
  • Two year trial/probationary period may be required.
  • Appointment is subject to the completion of a favorable suitability or fitness determination.
  • Direct Deposit of Pay is required.
  • A personnel security background investigation is required.
  • You may be required to wear protective clothing and/or equipment.
  • This is a mandatory drug Testing Designated Position (TDP), in accordance with EP 600-1-300, USACE Drug Testing Procedures for the Army's Drug-Free Federal Workplace (DFW) Program, dated 28 Feb 01. Participation in the Mandatory Drug Testing Program is required.

Qualifications

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 an Power Plant Operator without more than normal supervision. You must be able to perform common journey-level Power Plant Operator duties. You must have the ability to restore a 12-megawatt or larger turbine generator to service after major overhaul in a 20-megawatt or larger power plant with occasional supervision and guidance. You must also have the ability to respond to system or plant disturbances with minimal supervision. This work is performed under the close supervision of a work leader or journey-level employee who observes tasks in progress and upon completion to make sure they are properly performed. Failure to meet this Screen Out Element will result in an ineligible rating.

Your resume will be evaluated on the following:


  • Ability To Do The Work Of The Position Without More Than Normal Supervision (Screen-out Element)
  • Ability to Interpret Instructions, Specification, etc. (other than blueprints)
  • Ability to Perform Work with Dexterity and Safety
  • Knowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair, etc.
  • Operation of Hydroelectric Power Equipment
  • Technical Practices (theoretical, precise, artistic)
  • Use of Measuring Instruments
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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 is subject to the discomfort of wearing safety equipment such as hard-hats, ear plugs, and respirators. Must wear appropriate safety equipment and protective clothing, and successfully complete and maintain all occupational health requirements.

Additional information

  • If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.
  • 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.
  • You may claim military spouse preference.
  • Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
  • Further certification from this announcement may take place up to 90 days beyond the closing date of this announcement.
  • Scheduled tour of duty will require evenings, weekends and holiday work hours. This position requires working rotating shifts usually with 12 hour days or nights, three days a week, followed by a 4th work day with shorter hours. You will be required to work holidays and weekends as scheduled. Specific days of the week worked will change frequently.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine your eligibility, qualifications, and quality ranking for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.

Basis for Rating: Qualified candidates will be assigned to one of three quality categories: Best Qualified, Highly Qualified and Qualified. Veteran preference eligibles are listed ahead of non-preference eligibles within each quality category.

  • Best Qualified. Candidates in this category possess exceptional skills and experience to exceed well above the minimum requirements for the announced position.
  • Highly Qualified. Candidates in this category possess good skills and experience above the minimum requirements for the announced position.
  • Qualified. Candidates in this category meet the minimum experience requirements for the announced position.

Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP). If you are a Federal employee in the competitive service and your agency has notified you in writing that you are a displaced employee eligible for ICTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority. Additional information about the program is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website.

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