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POWER PLANT SHIFT OPERATOR

Department of the Army
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Omaha District, Operations Division, Fort Randall 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: You will serve as a Power Plant Operator in performing the duties necessary for the safe and proper operation of a hydroelectric power-plant, switchyard, and associated water control structure.

Overview

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Reviewing applications
Open & closing dates
10/02/2025 to 10/14/2025
Salary
$57.53 to - $62.42 per hour

Power Plant Operator (DR) - $57.53 per hour; Power Plant Shift Operator - $62.42 per hour

Pay scale & grade
WB 00
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Pickstown, SD
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
No
Travel Required
Occasional travel - Temporary travel for duty is approximately 5%.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
Yes—You may qualify for reimbursement of relocation expenses in accordance with agency policy.
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
Financial disclosure
No
Bargaining unit status
Yes
Announcement number
CERH2612810215DHAR
Control number
847343700

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

US Citizens - This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation

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Duties

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  • Make necessary adjustments to generator and turbine auxiliaries to assure proper operation.
  • Perform switching and clearing of generators, transmission lines, and station service switchgear.
  • Open, close, and regulate outlet works and/or spillway gates.
  • Read and record data from power generation, transmission, meteorological, and hydrological recording, and metering equipment.
  • Log data for and prepare power generation and transmission equipment operating reports.
  • Make periodic inspection of entire power-plant and switchyard.
  • Operate power-plant auxiliary system such as potable and wastewater system, intake and spillway deicing system, station battery, telephone and radio communication systems.
  • Perform minor maintenance.

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.
  • Obtain and maintain a valid state Driver's License.
  • Pre-employment and random drug and alcohol testing position under the Department of Army Drug-Free Workplace Program as supplemented by USACE ER 690-1-1218.
  • Pre-employment physical required, to include distinguishing the colors red and green.
  • Participation in the Medical Surveillance Program required.

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 do the work of a(n) POWER PLANT SHIFT OPERATOR ~ without more than normal supervision.

- Power Plant Operator (Dual Rate) (Screen Out Element): Must have the ability to perform common journey-level Power Plant Operator duties in a power producing plant such as hydropower, fossil fuels (such as coal, oil, and natural gas), nuclear, solar, and/or wind. I can restore a station service generator or main generator to service after routine maintenance, corrective maintenance, or after a major overhaul in a power plant. I can respond to system plant or disturbances with minimal supervision. I work under normal supervision of a work leader or journey-level employee who observes tasks in progress and upon completion to make sure they are properly performed.

- Power Plant Shift Operator (Screen Out Element): Must have the ability to perform common tasks of a Power Plant Shift Operator in a hydroelectric power plant of 40-megawatt generation capability or larger. I can perform all tasks of a control room operator to include potential ability to take sole command of any normal or abnormal power plant operation problem and expeditiously execute the best solution such as could be exhibited in a recovery from a power blackout in the plant. I work under normal 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 at least one of the Screen Out Elements above will result in an ineligible rating.

  • Ability To Do The Work Of The Position Without More Than Normal Supervision

PHYSICAL EFFORT: Work requires being on your feet most of the time with considerable walking and climbing stairs and ladders. Must be able to distinguish the colors red and green and have good vision and hearing. Manual operation of valves, switches and hatches and some lifting of supplies require adequate upper body strength.

WORKING CONDITIONS: Much of the work is performed inside the power-plant. Constant noise and vibration of generating equipment is distracting occasionally exposed to lethal voltage. Exposed to injury from falls when working on slippery floors and walks, and when climbing stairs and ladders. For short periods of time is exposed to severe outdoor temperatures (hot and cold) in switchyards and substations. Employees are required to observe established safe working procedures. Appropriate protective clothing and/or equipment is provided to minimize or eliminate hazardous conditions, and its use is mandatory.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

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 Construction, Engineering, Infrastructure Career Field position.
  • Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
  • Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement.
  • Permanent Change of Station (PCS) allowances may be authorized, subject to the provisions of the Joint Travel Regulations and an agency determination that a PCS move is in the Government Interest.
  • When you perform a Civilian Permanent Change of Station (PCS) with the government, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers the majority of your entitlements to be taxable. Visit https://www.dfas.mil/civilianemployees/civrelo/Civilian-Moving-Expenses-Tax-Deduction.htm for more information.
  • May be selected at either grade level announced with non-competitive promotion potential to the target grade.
  • A Relocation, Recruitment, Student Loan Repayment, Advance in Hire or Advance Leave Accrual incentive may be authorized if it is in the best interest of the government.
  • Not eligible for telework.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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. Please follow all instructions carefully when applying, errors or omissions may affect your eligibility.

If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and/or experience, you may lose consideration for this position.

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

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