All hourly jobs are considered as open for bid on a continuous basis. Any BPA employee on a competitive career or career-conditional appointment may, at any time, submit an application for permanent promotions, reassignments, or change of duty stations. In order to assure all interested employees are considered, candidates are solicited annually through a Continuous Vacancy Announcement - Hourly Jobs (Bid List) identifying those jobs and duty locations, for which they wish to be considered.
Summary
All hourly jobs are considered as open for bid on a continuous basis. Any BPA employee on a competitive career or career-conditional appointment may, at any time, submit an application for permanent promotions, reassignments, or change of duty stations. In order to assure all interested employees are considered, candidates are solicited annually through a Continuous Vacancy Announcement - Hourly Jobs (Bid List) identifying those jobs and duty locations, for which they wish to be considered.
Bonneville Power Administration employees with competitive status, currently on a career or career-conditional appointment. Apprentices in the last year of the program are encouraged to submit an application to indicate duty locations for which they want to be considered for permanent placement.
Certify, in accordance with applicable federal aviation regulations, the airworthiness of an aircraft by applying technical understanding of aircraft in their totality to complete assignments.
Perform inspections, adjustment, overhaul, repair of aircraft engines.
Perform inspections, adjustments, overhaul and repair of hydraulic, pneumatic oxygen and fuel systems.
Perform inspections, modifications, troubleshooting, and repair of electrical systems.
Perform diagnostic procedures, using diagnostic equipment on aircraft systems.
Rebuild and recondition aircraft components using special tools.
Maintain, troubleshoot, repair, overhaul, and test turbine engines. Perform engine adjustments and checks inclusive of operational run-ups.
Operate electronic main, tail rotor, and propeller balancing and vibration analysis equipment.
Overhaul, repair, operationally check, and adjust electrical, hydraulic, and fuel systems of aircraft (rotor and fixed wing).
Perform routine, special, and detailed inspections and complete inspection reports, which are submitted to supervisor on the conditions of all types of aircraft equipment. Responsible for completing log book entries and FAA forms certifying inspections and aircraft airworthiness, in accordance with FAA regulations.
Read and interpret manufacturer's blueprints and instructions. Make modifications, alterations, or additions to aircraft (rotor and fixed wing) in accordance with BPA and Federal regulations, rules, and requirements, which require the use of computer systems.
Responsible to stay current on manufacturer's modifications and maintenance instructions to maintain continued airworthiness on all aircraft, in accordance with instructions for continued airworthiness (ICA)
Responsible for downloading aircraft condition monitoring data; evaluating data; and making entries of completed work into aircraft historical record keeping files (electronic).
Keep aircraft navigation (NAV) data base system current.
Completes on time and accurate ordering, cataloging, and inventorying aircraft parts. Tracks and monitors warranty agreements, and maintaining manual and automated aircraft maintenance record systems (e.g., tracking, monitoring, and reporting)
Troubleshoot, analyze, evaluate and resolve issues to repair and modify aircraft and aircraft system discrepancies.
Complete all aircraft ground servicing for optimal and airworthiness requirements. Work is completed in compliance with and adheres to BPA policies, procedures, and Department of Transportation (DOT) standards. Safely operates equipment and vehicles, including service/fuel trucks.
Complete aircraft sheet metal and composite fabrication, modification and repairs of primary, secondary and tertiary structures.
Supports field operations throughout BPA's service territory by completing tasks inclusive of helicopter external load operations, aerial patrol, and aircraft inspections; completion of unscheduled tasks (e.g., troubleshooting, parts acquisition/ replacement, and return to service) to repair ground aircraft discrepancies; and operates aircraft service trucks and trailers equipped with fuel dispensing tanks.
When you apply you will be asked a series of questions to determine your eligibility for employment and your qualification for this position specifically. You must answer all of these questions completely and truthfully.
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.
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 a valid driver's license as a condition of employment.
Possess and maintain current valid Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification for Airframe and Power Plant (A&P) ratings required by DOE Order 440.2C and FAA regulations (Title 14 CFR 43.3 and Part 65)
Subject to FAA and DOE Drug and Alcohol testing programs, this includes random drug testing. Successful completion of pre-employment drug and alcohol testing is required before entry into the position.
Become familiar with and follow the safety practices of the BPA Accident Prevention Manual (APM) and Aircraft Services Integrated Safety Management System (ISMS).
Once employed, obtain and maintain thereafter a valid commercial driver's license (CDL), from state of residence, with all endorsements that are required to operate aircraft maintenance equipment.
Operate motor vehicles approximately 25% of the time, including 1 1/2-ton pickup, flatbed, sedan, or van type trucks equipped with fuel tank to service aircraft. May be required to tow trailers. Drive in all weather conditions. Operate man/forklifts.
Subject to call for emergency work outside normal duty hours at any time.
Obtain and maintain a current, valid First Aid Card and CPR Card. Required to successfully complete CPR and First Aid refresher training as required.
Qualifications
In order to qualify for this position, your resume must provide sufficient experience and/or education, knowledge, skills, and abilities, to perform the duties of the specific position for which you are being considered. Your resume is the key means we have for evaluating your skills, knowledge, and abilities, as they relate to this position. Therefore, we encourage you to submit a thorough resume that directly relates to this position.
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. 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) will be found ineligible.
The screen-out element for this position is: the ability to perform without more than normal supervision to maintain turbine-powered helicopters and turbine-powered, multi-engine planes involving repairs, installations, adjustments, and modifications; rebuild and recondition aircraft and helicopter components using special tools; repair and test turbine engines; overhaul, repair, test and adjust electrical, hydraulic, and fuel systems of aircraft; and operate electronic main, tail rotor, and propeller balancing equipment. Failure to meet this Screen out Element will result in an ineligible rating.
In addition to the screen-out element you will be evaluated on the following Job Elements through your resume and responses to the on-line assessment questionnaire:
Ability To Do The Work Of The Position Without More Than Normal Supervision
Ability To Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (includes blueprint reading)
Ability To Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment
Knowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair, etc.
If your knowledge and ability in the SCREEN OUT factor above is not sufficient, you will receive no further consideration. In preparing your application, describe in detail the experience and training which you have had that specifically prepared you for this job and to perform the duties described for this job. Experience should be clearly described and documented in your resume. The qualifications reviewer will not assume performance of such duties by Job Titles alone.
This position has a selective placement factor, failure to meet this requirement(s) will result in an ineligible rating.
Must possess a current valid U.S. motor vehicle operator's license from state of residence.
Possess and maintain current valid Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification for Airframe and Power Plant (A&P) ratings required by DOE Order 440.2C and FAA regulations (Title 14 CFR 43.3 and Part 65).
OTHER CONDITIONS:
Travel in aircraft (helicopter and fixed wing) at elevations over 10,000 feet (unpressurized) as required.
Must possess and maintain a current valid U.S. motor vehicle operator's license, from state of residence. Traffic citations indicating poor driving habits may disqualify applicants.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Work is performed both in a hangar and outdoors in all types of weather. In the event of mechanical breakdowns, the work may be performed on transmission line right-of-ways or at small airstrips in isolated locations. Aircraft Maintenance Technician's work in confined places in cramped and/or awkward positions. Occasionally, the incumbent may be required to walk or travel on snowshoes to reach locations of work. The incumbent is being exposed to dirt, dust, grease, oil, and the possibility of cuts, burns, etc. The work environment occasionally includes high noise levels or exposure to hazardous substances (i.e., oils, acids, solvents, etc.) that could, if personal protective equipment (PPE) such as respirators, gloves, safety glasses, ear protection, safety toe footwear, etc. are not used and precautions are not followed, pose a health risk.
PHYSICAL CONDITIONS:
Incumbents must be physically and mentally able to efficiently perform the essential duties of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation, without hazard to themselves or others.
"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.
You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
Limit your resume to no more than two (2) pages. If more than two pages are submitted, only the first two pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility and qualifications. Your full resume will be made available to the hiring manager if you are referred.
Education
There is no substitution of education for experience for Federal Wage Grade (WG) positions.
Additional information
More than one selection may be made from this vacancy announcement.
Many positions require successful completion of a background investigation.
BPA strives to ensure a safe and positive work environment.
Hiring incentives may be authorized for a highly qualified candidate based on budget availability and in accordance with federal regulations.
We also understand the importance of work/life balance and offer a variety of programs and policies designed to create more flexible, responsive work environments supportive of commitments to community, home and family members. BPA also supports employees' overall wellness through its Be Well program, which helps employees adopt healthier lifestyles and feel better about their work/life balance. The program supports five key areas of life: career, community, financial, physical and social.
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.
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.
The Department of Energy uses an application tracking system to evaluate the responses you provide in the applicant assessment questionnaire to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications necessary for this position. Then, the HR Office and/or Subject Matter Expert (SME) will conduct a quality review of your resume and self-assessment to determine if your qualifications meet the criteria for referral to the selecting official.
Selection will be based on skills and competencies, not educational credentials or self-reported experience.
Semi-Annual Rating/Ranking:
Semi-annual rating/ranking will be conducted in February and July for the following craft positions:
Electrician Foreman I, II, and III (Maintenance and Construction)
Lineman Foreman I and III
Chief Substation Operator III
NOTE: Applications for the above positions must be received by no later than 11:59 p.m. (EST) February 8, 2026 to be included in the February 2026 semi-annual rating/ranking process. Bid applications received between February 9, 2026 and June 30, 2026 will be rated/ranked by subject matter expert (SME) panel during the July 2026 semi-annual rating/ranking period. Bid applications received between July 1, 2026 and December 31, 2026 will be rated/ranked by subject matter expert (SME) panel during the January 2027 semi-annual rating/ranking period.
Bid Applications submitted for positions not included in the semi-annual rating/ranking schedule will be rated/ ranked by SME panel only after a manager's request to fill the position is received in BPA's HR Service Center, Recruitment and Placement workgroup, HA-1.
Applications that are rated/ranked must receive a rating of "best qualified" (transmuted score of 80, or higher) to be referred for hiring consideration. Those who received a "best qualified" rating will retain this ranking for up to five (5) years from the date of rating. Applicants must submit a new annual bid list application each year during the 5-year rating period to receive consideration for each year.
If your resume is incomplete or does not support the responses you provided in your online questionnaire, or if you fail to submit all required documentation before the vacancy closes, you may be rated 'ineligible', 'not qualified'.
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.
Please carefully review the following list to determine what documentation you need to submit. Some documents may not apply to all applicants.
If applying for a promotion, change in craft, or your 5 year Bid rating has expired, then you must submita complete application package for 2026 to receive hiring consideration.
Your application must include:
Completed online assessment questionnaire, and
A detailed two (2) page Resume that clearly supports your experience, education and/or training completed and provided you with the knowledge, skills and ability to perform the duties of the position as indicated by your answers and/or responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire.
To be considered for this position, you must submit your complete application no later than 11:59 pm on 12/31/2026 . If you do not submit a complete application prior to the closing time (regardless of when you started) the online application system will not allow you to finish! Requests for extensions will not be granted, so please begin the application process allowing yourself enough time to finish before the deadline. Our online application system displays a countdown timer at the top of the screen for your reference. For your security, your session in our online application system will "time-out" if you are inactive for a certain period of time. We recommend that you preview the assessment questions before you apply and prepare all of your information prior to beginning the application. If you do get "timed-out" you will have to log back in to USAJOBS and re-visit the vacancy announcement, you can then click "Update Application" to finish where you left off.
Steps to submit a complete application:
Click the "Apply Online" button. If you are not already logged in, you will need to do so.
You must have a complete resume associated with your USAJOBS account. Please note that some DOE offices do not accept uploaded resumes and instead require that you submit a USAJOBS-formatted resume using the Resume Builder.
You will be prompted to select a resume and any documentation you have attached to your USAJOBS account before you are transferred to the Department of Energy's online application system. Please be aware that any document you select before being transferred to our system will not automatically be received. You must take steps to download your documents from USAJOBS during the "Documents" step within our online application system (see Step 6).
If you are a first-time applicant to the Department of Energy, you'll be asked to register an account first. If you are a returning applicant, you will skip this step and go straight to the application portion.
You must respond to all applicant assessment questions, carefully following all instructions provided.
You will then be asked to upload additional supporting documentation. If you selected documents from USAJOBS prior to being transferred to our application system (Step 3), you will need to click the "USAJOBS" link to complete the transfer process. These documents ARE NOT automatically transferred! It is ultimately your responsibility to make sure all required documents are either faxed, uploaded, or transferred from USAJOBS successfully. If you are unsure that your documents went through, please contact the HR Specialist listed on the announcement BEFORE the vacancy closes.
After reviewing your submission in the final step, you must click "Submit Application" at the bottom of the page. If you leave the application before clicking Submit, your application will not be received.
If your resume does not support the responses in your application questionnaire, or if you fail to submit required documentation before the vacancy closes, you may be rated 'ineligible', 'not qualified', or your score may be adjusted accordingly.
NEED HELP?
If you experience any difficulties with the online application process (anything after you have clicked the 'Apply Online' button): Contact USAJOBS below or contact the HR Office listed on this announcement between normal business hours. If you are receiving any kind of error message, please be ready to provide a screenshot or at a minimum, the error message text and number.
If you need help with USAJOBS (searching for jobs, account password/profile issues, or Resume Builder): please visit the USAJOBS Resource Center. Ask USAJOBS directly for support, by using the "Contact Us" Button at the bottom of this page. We regret that we are unable to support any issues with USAJOBS, as this service is not maintained by the Department of Energy.
If you are experiencing a significant hardship which hinders your ability to apply online please contact the HR Office listed on this announcement during normal business hours to discuss your situation.
Bonneville Power Administration
P.O. Box 3621
Portland, OR 97208
US
Next steps
After each step in the recruitment process, your status will be updated in our application tracking system. Once this happens, if you have elected to receive e-mail updates, you will be notified through your USAJOBS registered e-mail address. If you have not elected for e-mail updates, you can review your current application status in USAJOBS at any time. Please check that your USAJOBS profile contact information is current and correct each time you apply to a job--this will ensure we are able to contact you as quickly as possible.
In addition to changing your status online, we will send you e-mail notifications at each major step in the process, to include: application received, eligible or not eligible, referred or not referred, selected or not selected.
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.
Please carefully review the following list to determine what documentation you need to submit. Some documents may not apply to all applicants.
If applying for a promotion, change in craft, or your 5 year Bid rating has expired, then you must submita complete application package for 2026 to receive hiring consideration.
Your application must include:
Completed online assessment questionnaire, and
A detailed two (2) page Resume that clearly supports your experience, education and/or training completed and provided you with the knowledge, skills and ability to perform the duties of the position as indicated by your answers and/or responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire.
To be considered for this position, you must submit your complete application no later than 11:59 pm on 12/31/2026 . If you do not submit a complete application prior to the closing time (regardless of when you started) the online application system will not allow you to finish! Requests for extensions will not be granted, so please begin the application process allowing yourself enough time to finish before the deadline. Our online application system displays a countdown timer at the top of the screen for your reference. For your security, your session in our online application system will "time-out" if you are inactive for a certain period of time. We recommend that you preview the assessment questions before you apply and prepare all of your information prior to beginning the application. If you do get "timed-out" you will have to log back in to USAJOBS and re-visit the vacancy announcement, you can then click "Update Application" to finish where you left off.
Steps to submit a complete application:
Click the "Apply Online" button. If you are not already logged in, you will need to do so.
You must have a complete resume associated with your USAJOBS account. Please note that some DOE offices do not accept uploaded resumes and instead require that you submit a USAJOBS-formatted resume using the Resume Builder.
You will be prompted to select a resume and any documentation you have attached to your USAJOBS account before you are transferred to the Department of Energy's online application system. Please be aware that any document you select before being transferred to our system will not automatically be received. You must take steps to download your documents from USAJOBS during the "Documents" step within our online application system (see Step 6).
If you are a first-time applicant to the Department of Energy, you'll be asked to register an account first. If you are a returning applicant, you will skip this step and go straight to the application portion.
You must respond to all applicant assessment questions, carefully following all instructions provided.
You will then be asked to upload additional supporting documentation. If you selected documents from USAJOBS prior to being transferred to our application system (Step 3), you will need to click the "USAJOBS" link to complete the transfer process. These documents ARE NOT automatically transferred! It is ultimately your responsibility to make sure all required documents are either faxed, uploaded, or transferred from USAJOBS successfully. If you are unsure that your documents went through, please contact the HR Specialist listed on the announcement BEFORE the vacancy closes.
After reviewing your submission in the final step, you must click "Submit Application" at the bottom of the page. If you leave the application before clicking Submit, your application will not be received.
If your resume does not support the responses in your application questionnaire, or if you fail to submit required documentation before the vacancy closes, you may be rated 'ineligible', 'not qualified', or your score may be adjusted accordingly.
NEED HELP?
If you experience any difficulties with the online application process (anything after you have clicked the 'Apply Online' button): Contact USAJOBS below or contact the HR Office listed on this announcement between normal business hours. If you are receiving any kind of error message, please be ready to provide a screenshot or at a minimum, the error message text and number.
If you need help with USAJOBS (searching for jobs, account password/profile issues, or Resume Builder): please visit the USAJOBS Resource Center. Ask USAJOBS directly for support, by using the "Contact Us" Button at the bottom of this page. We regret that we are unable to support any issues with USAJOBS, as this service is not maintained by the Department of Energy.
If you are experiencing a significant hardship which hinders your ability to apply online please contact the HR Office listed on this announcement during normal business hours to discuss your situation.
Bonneville Power Administration
P.O. Box 3621
Portland, OR 97208
US
Next steps
After each step in the recruitment process, your status will be updated in our application tracking system. Once this happens, if you have elected to receive e-mail updates, you will be notified through your USAJOBS registered e-mail address. If you have not elected for e-mail updates, you can review your current application status in USAJOBS at any time. Please check that your USAJOBS profile contact information is current and correct each time you apply to a job--this will ensure we are able to contact you as quickly as possible.
In addition to changing your status online, we will send you e-mail notifications at each major step in the process, to include: application received, eligible or not eligible, referred or not referred, selected or not selected.
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.
