The Substation Operator Apprenticeship program is a formal 4-year program consisting of eight steps of 6 months each. Apprentices must pass an end-of-step review following each 6-month step to remain in this program. Apprentices will be promoted to journeyman after successfully passing the eighth step review.
As a Substation Operator Apprentice II (Recent Graduate), you will be expected to gain knowledge of various work processes with progressively difficult assignments.
Summary
The Substation Operator Apprenticeship program is a formal 4-year program consisting of eight steps of 6 months each. Apprentices must pass an end-of-step review following each 6-month step to remain in this program. Apprentices will be promoted to journeyman after successfully passing the eighth step review.
As a Substation Operator Apprentice II (Recent Graduate), you will be expected to gain knowledge of various work processes with progressively difficult assignments.
A successful candidate in the position of Substation Operator Apprentice II will, under direct supervision of a journeyman Substation Operator or another journeyman Electrical Worker, operating 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.
A Substation Operator Apprentice II:
Operates energized high and low voltage electrical power transmission system substations following strict procedures and safety requirements.
Checks and reviews station conditions. Responsible for station security and safety of others in the station.
Performs inspections on all high and low voltage equipment in substations and keeps records. Periodically inspects station, including all components in the switchyard, outlying buildings, and the perimeter of the property.
Monitors and operates various communications systems. All processes require clear oral communication.
Completes associated documentation required of the above listed tasks.
Drives 15-20% of the time in all weather conditions.
Conditions of Employment:
A preliminary background check must be completed before a new employee can begin work. Current Federal employees or other individuals with an existing completed background investigation may not be required to undergo another background check.
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 apprentice program requirements contained in the Standard of Apprenticeship will result in removal from the apprenticeship program.
Become knowledgeable with and follow the safety practices of the BPA Accident Prevention Manual.
Establish a residence in accordance with negotiated requirements that is within one hour or less commuting time under normal weather and road conditions to the duty station headquarters.
Possess at all time a valid state driver's license. Traffic citations indicating poor driving habits may disqualify applicants, and can be cause for removal from the program.
Obtain certification on the equipment associated with substation operations assigned to operate.
Posses or obtain a Restricted Electrical Workers' permit within the one-year of employment and maintain it continuously thereafter.
Take First Aid training to obtain a First Aid and CPR Card within the first month of employment and maintain continuously thereafter.
Subject to call for emergency work at any time.
As part of the job requirements, and at the discretion of the Chief Substation Operator III, the Substation Operator Apprentice shall be required to apply restricted use pesticides and may be required to obtain a pesticide applicator's license.
In addition to a successful evaluation on the final review, the Step 7 Apprentice must pass the current year's Standard Clearance Certification examination. Satisfactory completion of the clearance certification examination is a mandatory requirement for graduation to the journeyman level.
The Apprentices may be selected for and relocated to their first assigned duty station during the last 6 months of their apprenticeship program in accordance with BPA-CPTC memorandum of understanding (MOU) 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.
After employment, this position may be subject to periodic physical examinations, as prescribed by competent medical authority and at BPA expense, if exposed to health hazards.
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.
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.
This employer participates in the e-Verify program.
Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
Suitable for Federal employment, as determined by a background investigation.
A 1-year trial period is required.
A Pathways Recent Graduate Participant Agreement is required.
Qualifications
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.
-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.
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: Ability to successfully perform the work of a Substation Operator Apprentice II is defined as training or experience in the basic operation of power systems (e.g., transmission, distribution, generation) and equipment to include reading different types of electrical diagrams and identifying symbols common to a power system. Failure to meet this Screen out Element will result in an ineligible rating.
The next Substation Operator Apprentice class is scheduled to begin in July 2023.
"Experience" refers to paid and unpaid experience. Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include: volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); as well as work for other community-based philanthropic and social organizations. 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
In order to be rated as eligible, you must provide copies of your transcripts from a qualifying associates, bachelors, masters, professional, doctorate, vocational or technical degree or certificate. Failure to provide copies of your transcripts MAY result in a rating of "Ineligible".
Your transcripts must reflect your degree title and degree conferred/awarded date. But, if you are graduating within the next nine months, transcript must reflect the degree you are seeking and resume to state expected graduation date.
Education must be obtained from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Foreign education must be reviewed by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website.DO NOT email or mail in any of your application documents. Documents will not be accepted outside of the online application system.
Additional information
Under the Employee Referral Bonus program, certain BPA employees may be eligible for a monetary award for referring outside candidates for this difficult-to-fill position. The referring employee must complete the form BPA F 33300.01e and email it to careers@bpa.gov by midnight of the closing date of the job posting.
The U.S. Department of Energy fosters a diverse and inclusive workplace and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional similar vacancies across DOE.
For general information on government-wide Telework polices visit: www.telework.gov
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.
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 Do The Work Of The Position Without More Than Normal Supervision
Ability To Follow Directions in a Shop
Knowledge of shop practices (specify line of work)
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 ( 01/31/2023) of this announcement.
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 apply for this position, you MUSTprovide a complete application package which includes:
Your RESUMEshowing all relevant work experience (paid and unpaid) including: duties performed; full name and address of the each employer; start and end dates (month/day/year); work schedule (part-time, full-time, number of hours if intermittent); salary; and any completed education and training (program title, subject area, number of hours completed, and completion date).
Cover Letter, optional, expressing additional information not covered in your resume.
Transcripts, this position haseducational requirements, you must submit a copy of your transcripts. Unofficial transcripts or any report listing institution, course title, credits earned (semester or quarter hour) and final grade is acceptable. It is your responsibility to provide adequate proof that you meet the educational requirements.
Veterans' Preference documentation,ifapplicable, DD-214 Member Copy 4 showing type of discharge/character of service; current active duty members- certification of expected discharge or release from active duty under honorable conditions dated within 120 days; SF-15 Form and related documentation; VA letter. For more information visit the USAJOBS Help Center & OPM CHCOC website for VOW information.
Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) & Reemployment, if you are a DOE Excepted Service displaced federal employee, from a Pathways appointment, or believe you have reemployment rights at DOE based on a compensable injury, you must reach out to the agency contact listed in this announcement prior to the close date for guidance on how to receive consideration.
Failure to submit any of the above mentioned required documents may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.
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.
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application, to include submission of the required documentation specified in the Required Documents section. A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the announcement closing date to receive consideration.
To begin the application process in USAJOBS, click the Apply Online button.
Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all required and supporting documentation.
You must click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 pm (ET) on the announcement closing date.
You may update your application, including supporting documentation, at any time during the announcement open period by returning to your USAJOBS account, select Update Application: https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
To verify the status of your application, during and after the announcement open period, log into your USAJOBS account; applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each application status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
If you need help with login.gov or USAJOBS (e.g., account access, Resume Builder) visit the USAJOBS Help Center: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/
If you experience difficulty applying on USAJOBS, after clicking the Apply Online button, or you are experiencing a significant hardship hindering your ability to apply online, the Agency Contact listed in the announcement can assist you during normal business hours. If you receive any system error messages, take screenshots if possible, to aid technical support.
Bonneville Power Administration
P.O. Box 3621
Portland, OR 97208
US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. The status of your application will be updated in USAJOBS as it is evaluated.
You can check the status by logging into USAJOBS. You may also sign up to receive automatic emails anytime the status of your application changes by logging into your USAJobs Account and editing the Notification Settings.
You will be contacted directly if an interview is required.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
To apply for this position, you MUSTprovide a complete application package which includes:
Your RESUMEshowing all relevant work experience (paid and unpaid) including: duties performed; full name and address of the each employer; start and end dates (month/day/year); work schedule (part-time, full-time, number of hours if intermittent); salary; and any completed education and training (program title, subject area, number of hours completed, and completion date).
Cover Letter, optional, expressing additional information not covered in your resume.
Transcripts, this position haseducational requirements, you must submit a copy of your transcripts. Unofficial transcripts or any report listing institution, course title, credits earned (semester or quarter hour) and final grade is acceptable. It is your responsibility to provide adequate proof that you meet the educational requirements.
Veterans' Preference documentation,ifapplicable, DD-214 Member Copy 4 showing type of discharge/character of service; current active duty members- certification of expected discharge or release from active duty under honorable conditions dated within 120 days; SF-15 Form and related documentation; VA letter. For more information visit the USAJOBS Help Center & OPM CHCOC website for VOW information.
Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) & Reemployment, if you are a DOE Excepted Service displaced federal employee, from a Pathways appointment, or believe you have reemployment rights at DOE based on a compensable injury, you must reach out to the agency contact listed in this announcement prior to the close date for guidance on how to receive consideration.
Failure to submit any of the above mentioned required documents may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.
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.
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application, to include submission of the required documentation specified in the Required Documents section. A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the announcement closing date to receive consideration.
To begin the application process in USAJOBS, click the Apply Online button.
Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all required and supporting documentation.
You must click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 pm (ET) on the announcement closing date.
You may update your application, including supporting documentation, at any time during the announcement open period by returning to your USAJOBS account, select Update Application: https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
To verify the status of your application, during and after the announcement open period, log into your USAJOBS account; applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each application status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.
If you need help with login.gov or USAJOBS (e.g., account access, Resume Builder) visit the USAJOBS Help Center: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/
If you experience difficulty applying on USAJOBS, after clicking the Apply Online button, or you are experiencing a significant hardship hindering your ability to apply online, the Agency Contact listed in the announcement can assist you during normal business hours. If you receive any system error messages, take screenshots if possible, to aid technical support.
Bonneville Power Administration
P.O. Box 3621
Portland, OR 97208
US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. The status of your application will be updated in USAJOBS as it is evaluated.
You can check the status by logging into USAJOBS. You may also sign up to receive automatic emails anytime the status of your application changes by logging into your USAJobs Account and editing the Notification Settings.
You will be contacted directly if an interview is required.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
