Clarification from the agency

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.

As a Heavy Mobile Equipment Mechanic, you will:

• Perform preventive and predictive maintenance on heavy to light equipment and engine generators. Assigned tasks are designed to help determine the condition of in-service equipment to predict when maintenance should be performed to extend the life and reliability of the vehicle and/or equipment.
• Use available original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and after-market computer based diagnostic tools and equipment to isolate and identify system malfunctions.
• Correct deficiencies on all major systems and subsystems on heavy trucks, light vehicles, equipment and unique applications to the transmission electrical utility industry.
• Make modifications or additions to equipment as directed from general instructions and/or sketches. Welding is required to make repairs, modifications and minor fabrication to vehicles and equipment and may take place in the maintenance facility or in the field.
• Perform inspections and submits inspection reports to supervisor on the condition of all vehicles, heavy equipment, and generators. Completes and submits inspection reports (e.g., condition, annual crane, wire rope, aerial devices, DOT, etc.) using inspection forms via computer and multiple software programs.
• Operate motorized equipment (e.g., trucks, vans, flatbed trucks, Class 8 trucks with trailer). Drives approximately 35% of the time in all weather conditions. For testing and inspection purposes, must be able to operate all BPA and GSA vehicles and equipment.

Conditions of employment

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.
• This position requires a valid driver's license as a condition of employment.
• 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.
• Selectee will be required to complete the Office of Government Ethics Standard of Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OFGE450e) within 30 days of employment and annually.
• Become familiar with and follow the safety practices of the BPA Accident Prevention Manual and OSHA regulations applicable to this position.
• If exposed to health hazards, the employee is required to have periodic physical examinations as prescribed by competent medical authority at BPA expense. (Employees may work in close proximity to substances, such as: asbestos, acids, PCB's, pesticides, mercury, solvents, etc., which may have effect on health unless prescribed handling procedures are followed.)
• Subject to call for emergency work at any time.
• Possess or obtain within 12 months of employment, and maintain continuously thereafter, an interstate Class A Driver's License, including current Department of Transportation (DOT) medical card, with all applicable endorsements to meet DOT and State requirements. Good Driving Record: traffic citations indicating poor driving habits may disqualify applicants. Failure to obtain within 12 months of employment, or to maintain, a valid Class A driver's license and medical card, or maintain an Operator authorization, may be cause for removal from Federal service.
• Within 1 year after appointment be certified for First Aid and CPR and maintain certification thereafter.

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: Ability to do the work of the position without more than normal supervision a range of technical corrective and preventive maintenance, including inspecting, diagnosing, repairing, rebuilding, testing, and adjusting on major systems and components of specialized heavy-duty mobile vehicles, and 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., Technical Practices (theoretical, precise, artistic), Trouble shooting, and Use of Measuring Instruments

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.

OTHER CONDITIONS:

• Operate motorized equipment (e.g., pickup trucks, vans, flat bed trucks and Class 8 trucks with trailer). Must be able to operate, for test and inspection only, all BPA and GSA motorized vehicles and work equipment.
• Be able to wear protective apparel such as respirators, eye wear, footwear, welding hood, etc. when required for worker safety.
• Overnight travel up to 25% of the time is required. (Note: Nearly continuous travel may be required for position(s) designated for such travel).

WORKING CONDITIONS:
A Heavy Mobile Equipment Mechanic works in tiring and uncomfortable positions for long periods of time. The work is physically challenging and requires standing, lying, or sitting. Frequently lifts and carry items, unassisted, weighing up to 75 pounds, often exerts effort in pushing, pulling and position in parts, assemblies, and equipment. Lift and move heavier items with the assistance of other works or with lifting devices such as jacks, hoists, and cranes. Works from ladders or work platforms up to 12 feet (average 2-6 feet). The work is performed both indoors and outdoors. When indoors, the incumbent is frequently exposed to drafts, changing temperatures, and high noise levels, which are difficult to hear and talk above. When outdoors, the incumbent may work in bad weather, mud or snow, and wet or icy areas and conditions. The mechanic is frequently exposed to irritation or discomfort from dust, heat, fumes, and hard damp floors or ground. Typically works on parts systems which are dirty, oily, or greasy. Is frequently exposed to the possibility of receiving cuts, , bruises, electrical shock, sprains, and injury from falls while repairing, positioning, and moving equipment and is often exposed to the possibility of receiving burns and skin irritations from acid, fluids, and lubricants. To reduce the dangers and irritations when performing tasks the mechanic is required to follow prescribed safety practices and use of assigned personal protective equipment such as protective ear devices, eye wear, hard hats, welding hood, hard-toe shoes, respirators, and protective clothing to prevent injury from self or others as well as to protect equipment and work from damage or destruction. Some of these safety items may be uncomfortable to wear or use and may have to be worn or used for long periods. HMEM job(s) may be designated to support multiple facilities throughout BPA's service territory (organizationally referred to as a mobile mechanic).

PHYSICAL CONDITIONS:

• Corrects deficiencies on all major systems such as engines, power trains, hydraulic suspension, steering and electrical systems, and subsystems on both heavy vehicles and mobile equipment such as bulldozers, road graders, rollers, construction and earth moving equipment; front-end loaders, backhoes, and similar power shovels; mobile cranes; heavy special purpose vehicles such as large transmission line maintenance vehicles, fuel dispensing trucks, and fire trucks; and automobiles and light equipment such as forklifts and snowmobiles. Performs inspections of vehicles and equipment.
• Utilizes scientific diagnostic equipment to diagnose and correct malfunction of internal and external parts of equipment and vehicles; repairs or replaces power train components, brakes, suspension and steering problems.
• Utilizes advanced diagnostic techniques and theory to isolate and correct problems in high pressure and extra-high pressure hydraulic systems.
• Uses technical schematics and drawings as required for trouble-shooting and maintenance of equipment.
• Uses tools and work equipment such as electric arc and gas welding equipment and mechanical tools.
• Drives 35% of the time in all weather conditions.

"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.

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.

You may preview the online assessment questionnaire here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12856257

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'.