Join the staff of the Bureau of Reclamation as an Irrigation System Operator.
This position is located with the South-Central California Area Office, Bradbury Dam, located in Santa Barbara County, CA. For more information on the Santa Barbara area visit: http://www.santabarbaraca.gov/
Additional vacancies may be filled from this vacancy announcement.
Summary
Join the staff of the Bureau of Reclamation as an Irrigation System Operator.
This position is located with the South-Central California Area Office, Bradbury Dam, located in Santa Barbara County, CA. For more information on the Santa Barbara area visit: http://www.santabarbaraca.gov/
Additional vacancies may be filled from this vacancy announcement.
Current Federal Employees serving under career or career-conditional appointments; Former Federal Employees with reinstatement eligibility; Current and Former Overseas Employees; VRA, VEOA and 30% Disabled Veterans; Individuals with Disabilities (Schedule A); Military Spouse; Peace Corps; AmeriCorps; Vista; Current or Former time-limited employees eligible under the Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act (LMWFA); and CTAP and ICTAP eligibles.
This position maybe filled at the GS-07, GS-08, or GS-09 level. At the full performance GS-09 level, the incumbent serves as a senior Irrigation System Operator.
The duties of this position are developmental in nature and lead to the full performance level of GS-09. The incumbent may be non-competitively promoted to the next level of the position upon meeting all regulatory requirements; certification by the supervisor of successful performance; completion of all training requirements; and the availability of work at the next higher grade level. Note: Promotion is not automatic.
At the GS-09 level, the incumbent is responsible for the daily operation and maintenance of Bradbury Dam. Incumbent will respond to emergencies including flood releases and will inform other government agencies and the public of impending danger. -Performs routine maintenance of project features and facilities, including the headquarters building and surrounding area. -Under the general policies and guidelines of the Regional Safety Office, the employee conducts a comprehensive safety program for the office. -Conducts daily collection of reservoir operations data and climatological data from a small weather station. -Maintains land use inventories of Bureau withdrawn or acquired lands in Santa Barbara County. -Monitors activities of the Santa Barbara County Parks Department to assure compliance with existing contracts and policy.
Required to work more than 8 hours per day, shift work, on-call, weekends
and holidays. Forty hour work week on an alternating shift that includes
weekends and holidays. Extended shift or uncommon tour of duty during
flood season (Oct to Apr).
Applicants must meet all qualification requirements, including time-in-grade restrictions and any selective factors, by the closing date of this announcement.
Time-in-Grade: Current career or career-conditional employees of the Federal government, or former career or career-conditional employees, who have a break in service of less than one year, are required to meet the time-in-grade restriction of one year of Federal experience at the next lower grade, with few exceptions outlined in 5 CFR 300.603(b).
Qualifications
Applicants must have specialized experience or additional education as defined below:
GS-07: One year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and complexity to at least the GS-06 level in federal service OR 1 year of graduate level education that is directly related to the work of the position (e.g., hydrology, geology, water resources, natural resources, agriculture, engineering or other closely related concentrations). Equivalent combinations of education and experience are also qualifying.
GS-08: One year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and complexity to at least the GS-07 level in federal service OR 2 years of graduate level education that is directly related to the work of the position (e.g. hydrology, geology, water resources, natural resources, agriculture, engineering or other closely related concentrations). Equivalent combinations of education and experience are also qualifying.
GS‑09: One year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and complexity to at least the GS‑08 level in federal service OR 2 years of graduate level education that is directly related to the work of the position (e.g. hydrology, geology, water resources, natural resources, agriculture, engineering or other closely related concentrations). Equivalent combinations of education and experience are also qualifying.
Foreign Education: To receive credit for education completed outside the United States, applicants must show proof that the education has been submitted to a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education has been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs.
Definition of Specialized Experience: To meet specialized experience, your resume must describe experience that demonstrates the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities as follows:
GS-07: Experience operating an irrigation system with a network of canals and/or distribution systems for a large agricultural area or rural community; reading and recording reservoir level gages; performing basic preventative maintenance on irrigation systems equipment; maintaining pumps, piping, valves and other hydraulic control systems. These examples are not all inclusive.
GS-08: Experience operating an irrigation system with a network of canals and/or distribution systems for a large agricultural area or rural community; analyzing water resource data from various instruments (e.g., stream, rain, ground) for routine reports; adjusting standard operational procedures to meet seasonal fluctuations in water levels; scheduling and performing basic preventative maintenance on irrigation systems equipment; experience with all phases of irrigation operations; experience with operation and maintenance of pumps, piping, valves and other hydraulic control systems. These examples are not all inclusive.
GS-09:Experience includes the examples listed above, plus progressively more complex experience planning reservoir operations for a small to medium dam and appurtenant structures for flood control and water supply for a local community; analyzing a wide variety of hydrologic data to develop reports and recommend water operations for unusual circumstances; planning and scheduling maintenance activities for a large irrigation system or small to medium dam. These examples are not all inclusive.
Experience that would not normally be part of an applicant's position may be creditable when documented by satisfactory evidence (e.g., a memorandum from the manager or human resources director, SF-52, or similar documentation).
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). 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
This vacancy announcement allows substituting education for experience. You must submit a copy of your college transcript (unofficial copy is acceptable) to support your education if you are substituting education for experience. Transcripts must include the name of the college or university and date the degree was conferred.
Additional information
Relocation: Travel and relocation expenses are not authorized and are the responsibility of the selectee.
Telework: Reclamation has determined that the duties of this position are suitable for telework and the selectee may be allowed to telework with supervisory approval. This is not a virtual position.
Conditions of Employment: -This position requires completion of a one-year probationary period, unless you have previously met this requirement. -Successful adjudication of personnel security investigation required. -Travel is required approximately 10% of the time. -Operation of a government vehicle is required; therefore, you must possess and maintain a valid State’s driver’s license. Driving record will be verified prior to final selection. -Satisfactory completion of a medical examination is required before assignment to the position. -Work is indoors and outside, subject to prevailing weather and terrain. Employee works in the vicinity of energized and high voltage sources and moving equipment. -Frequent lifting, carrying, and handling of items weighing up to 50 pounds is required. -Available to work more than 8 hours per day, shift work, on-call, weekends and holidays. -All Federal employees are required by PL 104-134 to have federal payments made by direct deposit. -Required to obtain and use a government-issued credit card for business travel. -Must pass the Reclamation’s boat operator's course and routinely operate small water craft.
Optional Form 306 (OF-306): Before final appointment and again before you begin work, you will be required to sign and certify the accuracy of the information in your application. If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired; you may be fired after you begin work; or you may be subject to fine, imprisonment, or other disciplinary action.
For a list of Frequently Asked Questions regarding the Federal hiring process visit: Federal Hiring Process FAQ
DOI uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit:http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify
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.
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.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Human Resources (HR) will review resumes and transcript(s) to ensure applicants meet the basic qualification requirements. We will evaluate each applicant who meets the basic qualifications on the information provided in the assessment questionnaire. The assessment questionnaire will take approximately 60 minutes. Applicants determined best-qualified will be referred to the selecting official.
Applicants will be further evaluated on the following Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs) through their resume and responses to the online questions. 1. Knowledge of water control operations, water regulations, and understanding of water rights and water contract agreements pertaining to the control and release of water to water users. 2. Ability to prioritize and schedule activities to determine adequacy of water control delivery operations and perfom work in an efficient sequence. 3. Knowledge of and skill in applying principles and procedures of practical hydrology collection and measurement techniques. 4. Ability to coordinate and deal effectively with others.
Applicants must make a fair and accurate assessment of their qualifications. Applicants rating themselves higher than is apparent in their description of experience, competencies, skills, and/or education/training OR that copy vacancy announcement posting information verbatim into resume OR whose resume/application is incomplete may be rated ineligible or score may be lowered.
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.
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.
To be considered for this position, applicants are required to submit a resume (with dates of employment, i.e. years and months), an on-line assessment questionnaire, and the following supporting documents, as appropriate:
Transcript(s): All applicants must furnish a copy of their college transcript(s), if applicable. If selected, you will be required to provide official college transcripts to verify your educational qualifications prior to reporting for work.
SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action: Status applicants (transfer, reassignment, reinstatement, promotion, etc.) must submit a copy of their SF-50, verifying highest rate of pay and documenting career or career-conditional status in the competitive service (Tenure 1 or 2) for which you are claiming eligibility. Failure to submit an SF-50 verifying status may result in the applicant not being considered for this position.
DD-214, Certificate of Release from Active Duty: If you are entitled to veterans' preference, you must provide a copy of your DD-214, and you should indicate the type of veterans' preference you are claiming on your resume. Your veterans' preference entitlement will be verified by the employing agency.
-For 5-point veterans' preference, submit a copy of your DD-214 (Member 4 Copy), or an official statement of service from your command if you are currently on active duty, or other official documentation (e.g., documentation of receipt of a campaign badge or expeditionary medal) that proves your military service was performed under honorable conditions.
-For 10-point veterans' preference, please submit a Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, DD-214, and the required documentation requested by this form.
For candidates eligible under the Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) you must submit the appropriate DD-214 (Member 4 Copy) documenting your eligibility.
Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act (LMWFA) Eligibles: If you are a current or former land management agency appointee – you must provide documentation to verify eligibility as follows: a) A copy of your SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, that reflects having initially been hired under competitive examining procedures to a time limited (temporary/term) appointment; b) A copy of SF-50(s), Notification of Personnel Action(s), that reflect having served under one (1) or more time-limited (temporary/term) appointments by a land management agency for a period totaling more than 24 months without a break in service of two (2) or more years; and (c) A copy of your Performance Appraisal Plan and/or Supervisor Memorandum that reflects having performed at an acceptable level during each period of service. For more information on LMWFA, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/federal-employees/land-management/
CTAP/ICTAP provides placement assistance to permanent Federal employees who are surplus, displaced or involuntarily separated. Applicants claiming CTAP/ICTAP eligibility must submit a copy of their most recent performance appraisal, proof of eligibility and most current SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location with their application. To be considered under CTAP/ICTAP, applicants must be well-qualified, i.e. meet the minimum qualification requirements, including selective factors, education and experience requirements and score at least 90 on the assessment questionnaire as established, and be able to perform the duties of the position upon entry. For information on CTAP/ICTAP, visit: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Applications (resume and assessment questionnaire) for this vacancy MUST be received online BEFORE midnight Eastern Time (Washington D.C. time) on the closing date of this announcement. When you're ready to apply, click the blue APPLY ONLINE button at the side of any page. When you have finished with your application, click the SUBMIT APPLICATION button on the bottom of the REVIEW PAGE. Your application will not be received unless you click SUBMIT APPLICATION.
This vacancy is being announced through the Bureau of Reclamation's Hiring System--HireMe. For more information about the HireMe system and the registration process, visit: http://www.usbr.gov/hr/hireme.html
As part of the on-line application process, applicants may be required to submit supporting documents. Failure to submit the requested supporting documents may result in your application not being considered for this position.
Options for submitting supporting documentation include Auto Requested Fax or uploading from a USAJOBS profile (instructions are provided during the online application process.) In addition, applicants may e-mail their supporting documentation to mpjobs@usbr.gov, fax directly to the HR Office at 916-978-5563, or mail or hand-deliver to USBR/ATTN: HR, 2800 Cottage Way, Sacramento, CA 95825. Include your name and the vacancy number on the supporting document(s).
Applicants needing assistance in applying online should contact the HR Office at 916-978-5476 or Federal Relay at http://www.federalrelay.us/. The Federal Relay website contains information for TDD/TTY users to receive free needed service. If applying online poses a hardship, contact the HR Office prior to the closing date of the announcement for an alternative method of applying.
BUREAU OF RECLAMATION
2800 Cottage Way
Attn: MP-500
Sacramento, California 95825-1898
United States
Next steps
After all application packages have been received, resumes and transcripts will be reviewed to ensure applicants meet the basic qualification requirements. Each applicant who meets the basic qualifications will be further evaluated on the information provided in the Assessment Questionnaire. Best-qualified applicants will be referred to the selecting official. After making a tentative job offer, a suitability and/or security background investigation will be conducted. A final job offer is typically made within 40 days after the deadline for applications. Applicants should monitor their status for positions with the Bureau of Reclamation by regularly checking their public status notifications in their USAJOBS profile.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
To be considered for this position, applicants are required to submit a resume (with dates of employment, i.e. years and months), an on-line assessment questionnaire, and the following supporting documents, as appropriate:
Transcript(s): All applicants must furnish a copy of their college transcript(s), if applicable. If selected, you will be required to provide official college transcripts to verify your educational qualifications prior to reporting for work.
SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action: Status applicants (transfer, reassignment, reinstatement, promotion, etc.) must submit a copy of their SF-50, verifying highest rate of pay and documenting career or career-conditional status in the competitive service (Tenure 1 or 2) for which you are claiming eligibility. Failure to submit an SF-50 verifying status may result in the applicant not being considered for this position.
DD-214, Certificate of Release from Active Duty: If you are entitled to veterans' preference, you must provide a copy of your DD-214, and you should indicate the type of veterans' preference you are claiming on your resume. Your veterans' preference entitlement will be verified by the employing agency.
-For 5-point veterans' preference, submit a copy of your DD-214 (Member 4 Copy), or an official statement of service from your command if you are currently on active duty, or other official documentation (e.g., documentation of receipt of a campaign badge or expeditionary medal) that proves your military service was performed under honorable conditions.
-For 10-point veterans' preference, please submit a Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, DD-214, and the required documentation requested by this form.
For candidates eligible under the Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) you must submit the appropriate DD-214 (Member 4 Copy) documenting your eligibility.
Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act (LMWFA) Eligibles: If you are a current or former land management agency appointee – you must provide documentation to verify eligibility as follows: a) A copy of your SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, that reflects having initially been hired under competitive examining procedures to a time limited (temporary/term) appointment; b) A copy of SF-50(s), Notification of Personnel Action(s), that reflect having served under one (1) or more time-limited (temporary/term) appointments by a land management agency for a period totaling more than 24 months without a break in service of two (2) or more years; and (c) A copy of your Performance Appraisal Plan and/or Supervisor Memorandum that reflects having performed at an acceptable level during each period of service. For more information on LMWFA, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/federal-employees/land-management/
CTAP/ICTAP provides placement assistance to permanent Federal employees who are surplus, displaced or involuntarily separated. Applicants claiming CTAP/ICTAP eligibility must submit a copy of their most recent performance appraisal, proof of eligibility and most current SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location with their application. To be considered under CTAP/ICTAP, applicants must be well-qualified, i.e. meet the minimum qualification requirements, including selective factors, education and experience requirements and score at least 90 on the assessment questionnaire as established, and be able to perform the duties of the position upon entry. For information on CTAP/ICTAP, visit: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Applications (resume and assessment questionnaire) for this vacancy MUST be received online BEFORE midnight Eastern Time (Washington D.C. time) on the closing date of this announcement. When you're ready to apply, click the blue APPLY ONLINE button at the side of any page. When you have finished with your application, click the SUBMIT APPLICATION button on the bottom of the REVIEW PAGE. Your application will not be received unless you click SUBMIT APPLICATION.
This vacancy is being announced through the Bureau of Reclamation's Hiring System--HireMe. For more information about the HireMe system and the registration process, visit: http://www.usbr.gov/hr/hireme.html
As part of the on-line application process, applicants may be required to submit supporting documents. Failure to submit the requested supporting documents may result in your application not being considered for this position.
Options for submitting supporting documentation include Auto Requested Fax or uploading from a USAJOBS profile (instructions are provided during the online application process.) In addition, applicants may e-mail their supporting documentation to mpjobs@usbr.gov, fax directly to the HR Office at 916-978-5563, or mail or hand-deliver to USBR/ATTN: HR, 2800 Cottage Way, Sacramento, CA 95825. Include your name and the vacancy number on the supporting document(s).
Applicants needing assistance in applying online should contact the HR Office at 916-978-5476 or Federal Relay at http://www.federalrelay.us/. The Federal Relay website contains information for TDD/TTY users to receive free needed service. If applying online poses a hardship, contact the HR Office prior to the closing date of the announcement for an alternative method of applying.
BUREAU OF RECLAMATION
2800 Cottage Way
Attn: MP-500
Sacramento, California 95825-1898
United States
Next steps
After all application packages have been received, resumes and transcripts will be reviewed to ensure applicants meet the basic qualification requirements. Each applicant who meets the basic qualifications will be further evaluated on the information provided in the Assessment Questionnaire. Best-qualified applicants will be referred to the selecting official. After making a tentative job offer, a suitability and/or security background investigation will be conducted. A final job offer is typically made within 40 days after the deadline for applications. Applicants should monitor their status for positions with the Bureau of Reclamation by regularly checking their public status notifications in their USAJOBS profile.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
