Clarification from the agency

Recent graduates

Substation Operator Apprentice I, series 5407 :A successful candidate in the position of Substation Operator Apprentice I will, under direct supervision of a journeyman Substation Operator or another journeyman Electrical Worker, operate high voltage electrical equipment in electrical power transmission system substations and on transmission lines. Specific tasks vary with the type of substation to be operated.

Available duty locations: Kent, WA; Longview, WA; Olympia, WA; Pasco, WA; Richland, WA; Snohomish, WA; Spokane, WA; Vancouver, WA; Eugene, OR; Redmond, OR; Salem, OR; The Dalles, OR; Kalispell, MT; and Gold Creek, MT.

Electrician Apprentice I, series 2810 : A successful candidate in the position of an Electrician Apprentice I will, under direct supervision of a Journeyman Electrician or Electrician Foreman, performs tasks which typically involve installation and adjustment (Construction) or maintenance and repair (Maintenance) of electrical equipment in Substations. The construction tasks include erection of new facilities or removal of old facilities. The maintenance tasks include routine inspection, modification, troubleshooting, and repair of facilities. Equipment serviced may be electrical, hydraulic, mechanical, pneumatic, and/or electronic.

Available duty locations: Snohomish, WA; Kent, WA; Pasco, WA; Clarkston, WA; and The Dalles, OR.

Lineman Apprentice I, series 2810 : A successful candidate in the position of Lineman Apprentice I will, under direct supervision of a Journeyman Lineman or Lineman Foreman, be trained to maintain and construct high voltage transmission lines throughout the Northwest. Lineman Apprentices will be trained to perform this work on wood poles and steel tower lines through 500kV alternating current (AC) and l000kV direct current (DC).

Available duty locations: Spokane, WA; Grand Coulee, WA; Vancouver, WA; Pasco, WA; and North Bend, OR.

The job announcement covers multiple series.

Satisfactory completion of all aspects of each step including the correspondence course and classroom instruction is mandatory for advancement to the next step. Failure to meet program requirements contained in the Standard of Apprenticeship will result in removal from the Apprenticeship program.

Apprenticeship positions require that you sign a "Continuation of Service Agreement". If you voluntarily leave BPA/DOE, after completing the training program described and prior to completing your service commitment you may be liable to BPA for the value of any service days not completed within 30 days of separation. The agreement will obligate you to remain with BPA for a period of one-year upon completion of apprenticeship training.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Substation Operator Apprentice- Must be able to climb and work at various heights averaging 10 feet, rarely up to 60 feet, such as on platforms, ladders and stairs adjacent to high-voltage equipment. Requires good balance to climb ladders and stairs, and perform repair duties while switching and changing fuses and walk on uneven surfaces. Operate motor vehicles. Ability to raise, lower and maneuver up to 30 pounds utilizing a pole 20 feet or more in length.
• Electrician Apprentice- Must be able to climb and work at various heights, averaging 40 feet, rarely to 100 feet, such as on steel framework, platforms, ladders and other aerial equipment adjacent to high-voltage equipment. Requires good balance to climb ladders and structures (e.g., transformers) and perform repair duties and hang grounds. Good balance required on narrow and slippery surfaces at heights in varied weather conditions, and on uneven terrain. Operate trucks and equipment. Ability to stand an average of 2 hours, with a maximum of 3-4 hours uninterrupted. Ability to lift up to 20 lbs. Work in cramped, awkward positions while in buckets, manholes or confined spaces. Frequent kneeling to access and test equipment and wire.
• Lineman Apprentice- Must be able to climb poles (average 65 feet, maximum 110 feet) and towers (average 100 feet, maximum 535 feet), in all weather conditions; may average 4-6 climbs per day (more when inspecting lines and during Apprenticeship program). Operate trucks, heavy equipment, and specialized line/utility equipment. Ability to stand for extended uninterrupted periods of time on steep and uneven terrain while using hooks, ladders, buckets, or on poles and towers performing repairs. Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

The Apprentice can expect to be in a travel status approximately 25% of the time to complete some of the work processes and training. The Apprentice will be paid for travel and per diem expenses, in accordance with applicable travel regulations, for expenses incurred in connection with mandatory training, including training on scheduled days off. The cost of tuition, books, and related materials will be paid by BPA.

Conditions of employment

• Establish a residence in accordance with negotiated requirements that is within one (1) hour or less commuting time under normal weather and road conditions, to the duty station headquarters.
• Become familiar with and follow the safety practices of the BPA Accident Prevention Manual.
• Take First Aid training to obtain a First Aid and CPR Card within the first month of employment and continuously thereafter.
• Subject to call outs for emergency work at any time.
• Apprentices may be selected for and relocated to their first assigned duty station during the last 12-months of their apprenticeship program applicable to Apprentice placement.
• This position requires a pre-employment medical exam, at BPA expense, prior to appointment due to the physical requirements of the position. Subject to periodic physical examinations.
• Always possesses a valid state driver's license. Traffic citations indicating poor driving habits may disqualify applicants and can be cause for removal from the program.
• May be required to apply pesticides and obtain a pesticide applicator's license. BPA will provide the necessary training for such a license.
• Wear protective apparel such as respirators when required for worker safety.
• Become certified on aerial lift equipment or other equipment if assigned to use or operate.
• Extended periods of travel may be required.
• Possess or obtain a valid commercial drivers' license (CDL) with all endorsements required for operation of equipment within the first year of employment and maintain continuously thereafter.
• Possess or obtain a Restricted Electrical Workers' permit within the one-year of employment and maintain it continuously thereafter.
• Occasionally, fly in helicopters or fixed wing aircrafts in the performance of duties.
• Participate in all training activities such as training related to hazardous waste handling, oil spill containment and cleanup, and other environmental activities.
• Obtain certification as a flag person.
• This position requires an initial drug test prior to appointment and random drug or drug and alcohol testing thereafter. Failure to test or a positive result on random drug or drug and alcohol tests conducted after appointment may result in removal from Federal employment.
• The positions at Ashe require unescorted access to a nuclear facility under the jurisdiction of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
• Those positions at Ashe will be required to take annual radiation training and pass a written exam.

Qualifications

Other requirements:

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• This employer participates in the e-Verify program.
• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
• May be required to successfully complete a probationary period.
• A preliminary background check must be completed before a new employee can begin work.

Conversion: Pathways Recent Graduates are converted to a term or permanent position upon program completion. This is not automatic nor guaranteed; it is at the discretion of the employing office.

To be eligible for conversion, a Recent Graduate must: (1) complete at least one year of continuous service; (2) be a U.S. citizen; (3) demonstrate successful job performance (4) meet the qualification standards for the position to which converted; (5) receive a recommendation for conversion from the first-level supervisor; and (6) meet agency-specific requirements, as specified in the Participant Agreement.

To be eligible for the Recent Graduate program you must be a:

• Recent graduate who has completed, within the previous two years, a qualifying associates, bachelors, masters, professional, doctorate, vocational or technical degree or certificate from a qualifying educational institution (DAPIP | Homepage). -OR
• Student who within nine months of the closing date of this announcement will meet the education requirements and will graduate with a qualifying associates, bachelors, masters, professional, doctorate, vocational or technical degree or certificate from a qualifying educational institution. A student may not be appointed to a position until they have graduated. -OR
• Preference eligible veteran who was precluded from applying due to their military service obligation begin their two-year eligibility period upon release or discharge from active duty. Eligibility for these veterans cannot exceed six years after degree or certificate completion."

Applicants must meet the requirements of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Job Qualification System for Trades and Labor Occupations (X-118C). Although a specific length of time and experience is not required for most trade and labor occupations, you must show through experience and training that you possess the quality level of knowledge and skill necessary to perform the duties of the position at the level for which you are applying. Qualification requirements emphasis is on the quality of experience, not necessarily the length of time.

Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the job elements and screen out listed below. Your resume should demonstrate that you possess these elements and screen out. Do not provide a separate narrative written statement. Rather, you must describe in your resume how your past work experience demonstrates that you possess the elements and screen out identified below. This job has a screen-out factors which will be used to determine minimum eligibility for this job. Applicants who do not receive a minimum of two points on this screen-out element(s) or who do not score at least half of the total points possible across all elements will be found ineligible.

The screen-out element for this position is: APTITUDE AND INTEREST TO LEARN TRADE THEROY. Failure to meet this Screen out Element will result in an ineligible rating.

In addition to meeting the minimum qualifications for this position, you must pass an online aptitude examination demonstrating your potential for learning and advancing in an Apprentice position. Failure to pass the examination will result in an ineligible rating.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Working conditions for Substation Operator Apprentice is performed both indoors and outdoors under all prevailing weather conditions during the day or night. Work is also performed on uneven, outdoor surfaces, including steep inclines, on rocked or graveled surfaces and unimproved surfaces. Hazards include working around high voltage equipment and machinery with moving parts. The possibility of explosion or fire is ever-present. The Substation Operator Apprentice may work from ladders, platforms, scaffolding, or stairs. Work may be at heights up to 60 feet. The work environment will occasionally include high noise levels and/or exposure to hazardous substances (such as acids, PCB's, pesticides, asbestos, mercury, solvents, etc.) that could, if precautions are not followed, pose a health risk. Proper respiratory and safety equipment shall be worn when hazardous substances are being handled. Emergencies, critical system conditions, or outage limitations may require that work be done at night and/or under time restraints. System priorities may require extended periods of overtime, including working weekends.
• Working conditions for Electrician Apprentice vary depending on tasks. Most work is performed outside in all weather conditions, but some work is done inside under normal shop conditions. Work is performed around energized equipment, such as switchboards containing critical control circuits where carelessness could cause a serious system disturbance or outage. Work is done in energized substations at various heights in more than 100 feet, such as on steel framework, platforms, and ladders adjacent to energized high-voltage equipment. The Electrician Apprentice must frequently work on surfaces which are slippery due to insulating oil or ice. Installing conduit, pulling cable, working in oil circuit breaker (OCB) tanks, etc., involves working in restricted and cramped quarters. Approved respiratory and safety equipment shall be worn when hazardous substances are being handled (oil, acid, and solvent fumes, etc.) At times, work may be physically demanding. The work environment will occasionally include high noise levels or exposure to hazardous substances that could, if precautions are not followed, pose a health risk. Potential exposure to radiation could occur if assigned to work at the WNP2 plant. Emergencies, critical system conditions, or outage limitations may require working at night or under pressures of time. The Apprentice will be assigned to a Maintenance district for the term of apprenticeship. The Apprentice can expect to be in a travel status approximately 60% of the time since assignments of up to three (3) months away from the headquarters will be required to complete some work processes.
• The Lineman Apprentice works outdoors in all kinds of weather conditions and may work for long periods in cold, wet, or icy weather, and high winds. Work is often performed on steel or wooden structures at considerable heights and on or near energized conductors or equipment. The employee often works in awkward positions, supported only by a safety belt, or a safety belt and climbers. In other instances, the Lineman Apprentice may work on precipitous slopes and rugged or brushy terrain. When repairing conductors, the employee may ride in an aerial cart on the conductor, high above the ground. Frequently, work must be performed at night or under strict time limitations. The Lineman Apprentice may climb to heights more than 100 feet many times a day. The employee may walk long distances over rugged terrain and work in locations inaccessible to mobile equipment. The Lineman Apprentice frequently uses hand tools, such as axes and hot sticks or power tools such as chain saws, for extended periods of time. The work environment will occasionally include high noise levels and/or exposure to hazardous substances that could, if precautions are not followed, pose a health risk. Approved respiratory and safety equipment shall be worn when hazardous substances are being handled. Emergencies, critical system conditions, or outage limitations may require that work be done at night and/or under time restraints. System priorities may require extended periods of overtime including working weekends.

How you will be evaluated

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

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

Once the application process is complete, your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the job qualifications. If you are minimally qualified for this job, your responses to the self-assessment questions (True/False, Yes/ No, Multiple Choice questions) will be evaluated and you will be placed into one of three pre-defined quality categories under Category Rating procedures. These categories are "Best Qualified", "Well Qualified", and "Qualified. If you rate yourself higher than is supported by your application materials, your responses may be adjusted and/or you may be excluded from consideration for this job.

Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics):

• Ability To Follow Directions in a Shop
• Aptitude and interest for learning trade theory and practice
• Reliability And Dependability

Application of Veterans' Preference: If you are a preference eligible candidate, you will be listed at the top of whichever quality category your rating places you in. CP/CPS veterans are placed at the top of the highest category for all positions except professional and scientific positions at GS-9 and higher.

You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date ( 01/20/2025) of this announcement.

To preview the Assessment Questionnaire, click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12659353