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Power Plant Trainee

Department of the Army
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Operations Division, Chief Joseph Dam Project Office
This job announcement has closed

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: This is an entry level position into the first year of the Power Plant Trainee Program located at Chief Joseph Dam. The program consists of academic, plant equipment study, and on-the job training. Trainees will be hired to meet the projected future needs of the project.

Overview

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Hiring complete
Open & closing dates
03/01/2023 to 03/07/2023
Salary
$31.58 to - $55.10 per hour
Pay scale & grade
WB 00
Location
Few vacancies in the following location:
Bridgeport, WA
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
No
Travel Required
Occasional travel - Temporary Duty (TDY) travel is approximately 10%.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
00
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Not Required
Drug test
Yes
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Trust determination process
Announcement number
WTHF232014634484HW
Control number
709670600

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Duties

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  • Upon successful completion of the program, employee's will be placed in a permanent position as a Power Plant Electrician, Power Plant Mechanic or Power Plant Operator.
  • The program of study for the first year will be standard for all trainees and will address general knowledge required of journeymen working in a hydroelectric power plant.
  • Trainees must complete all parts of a four-year Training and Development Program for Hydroelectric Power Plant Personnel to be promoted to Journey level craftsman.
  • Parts I and II of the training program consist of rotational on-the-job training, instruction, text assignments, and Plant Equipment Studies.
  • Trainees receive specific orientation, guidance and instructions on aspects of hydroelectric power station operation and maintenance through training in the craft specialty during the formal training program.
  • Classroom study and on-the-job work assignments are coordinated to relate basic theories to practical application of operation and maintenance activities of hydroelectric projects and are closely reviewed to assure satisfactory performance.
  • Trainees are responsible for meeting and maintaining standards of Federal employment, learning the study material, and having the ability to do the work required in the trade.

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.
  • You will be required to sign a training agreement.
  • A pre-employment physical is required.
  • A pre-employment drug test is required.
  • Must be able to obtain/maintain a valid state driver's license.
  • You will be required to sign a mobility agreement.

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 full possess the aptitude and interest for learning trade theory and practice to successfully perform the duties of a Power Plant Trainee.

In order to qualify and referred to management you must meet one of the below requirements:

1) I have taken and passed the Office of Personnel Management Wage Grade Performance Potential Assessment, commonly referred to as the Power Plant Trainee Test, within the last five years. (Note: You must attach a copy of your passing test score dated no earlier than March of 2018.)

-or-

2)I have college math courses equivalent to MTH65 (Fundamentals of Algebra II) with a grade of 'B' or better and have taken and passed college-level courses equivalent to WR115 (Intro to College Composition) and RD115 (College Reading). (Note: You must attach a copy of your transcripts.)

-or-

3)I have the ability to take and pass a college placement test, such as the ACCUPLACER or ALEKS (Note: You are not required to take the test prior to applying and no supporting documentation is required).

Failure to meet this Screen Out Element will result in an ineligible rating.

PHYSICAL EFFORT: Work requires extensive walking, standing, and climbing vertical and inclined ladders and stairs; and some stooping, bending, kneeling, and crawling. Work may be done in awkward and cramped positions which may require the physical endurance to work under poor conditions for prolonged periods of time. Requires lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, and twisting objects frequently weighing up to, and occasionally over, 45 pounds. Required to operate large valves, apply servolocks, lift deck hatches, and perform other tasks requiring pulling or turning force. Must have good distant vision in each eye and be able to read fine calibrations; glasses permitted. Ability to distinguish basic colors is required. Ability to hear the conversational voice, with or without a hearing aid, is required. An amputation of arm, hand, leg or foot will normally disqualify an applicant for appointment. Any physical condition which would cause the applicant to be a hazard to his/herself or to others is disqualifying.

WORKING CONDITIONS: The principal assignment is to the powerhouse; however the work area may include navigation lock, fish facilities, intake structures, and spillway areas. Work is principally indoors in a well heated, lighted and ventilated environment, but occasional outdoor work exposes employee to usual climate extremes. Exposed to equipment and machinery noises, heights, oils, greases, confined areas, dust, dirt, water, heat and cold, odors, fumes, and moving and/or energized equipment. Occasionally works in proximity to high voltages and currents. Is subject to the discomfort of safety equipment required such as hard-hats and ear plugs. Must wear appropriate safety equipment and protective clothing, and successfully complete and maintain all occupational health requirements.

Education

FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html

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 Career Program (CP) 18 - Engineers and Scientist position.
  • Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
  • Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement.
  • 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.
  • Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is not authorized, based on a determination that a PCS move is not in the Government interest.
  • Information may be requested regarding the vaccination status of selectees for the purposes of implementing workplace safety protocols. For more information, visit https://www.saferfederalworkforce.gov/faq/vaccinations/.
  • You will be required to sign a reimbursement agreement to repay the government for training expenses if you voluntarily resign.
  • Non-competitive promotion potential to the targeted grade (TC-I).
  • You may be eligible for non-competitive promotion to target position upon meeting the following requirements: (1) Demonstrated ability to perform at target grade level; (2) Higher level work exists at target grade level; (3) Increased responsibilities are assigned; (4) Supervisor recommends promotion; (5) All required training is completed and conditions of employment are met; and (6) Regulatory requirements for career ladder promotions are met. Consequently, promotion is not guaranteed.
  • Not eligible for telework.
  • Tour of duty includes four ten hour shifts, Monday through Thursday, 0630-1700.
  • Interviews are required to be in person. Any expense to attend the interview will be the responsibility of the applicant.

How you will be evaluated

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

Once the announcement has closed, a review of your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine whether you meet the qualification requirements listed on this announcement.

If, after reviewing your résumé and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and/or experience, you may lose consideration for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully when applying, errors or omissions may affect your eligibility.

You should list any relevant performance appraisals and incentive awards in your resume as that information may be taken into consideration during the selection process. If selected, you may be required to provide supporting documentation.

Veterans and Military Spouses will be considered along with all other candidates.

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