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 an ELECT MECH TEST & DEVELOPMENT TRAINEE 5, you will:

• Prepare test setup, operate test equipment, read measuring instruments, record test data, and make data evaluations for the purpose of:
• Perform special tests or unusual techniques in the evaluation of miscellaneous devices such as power fuses, capacitors, reactors, and other components or apparatus associated with power system equipment and systems.
• Perform various electrical and mechanical tests, both in the field and in the laboratory, on such equipment as bushings, transformers, breakers, capacitors and transmission system components.
• Operate all job-related laboratory facilities; maintains, assembles and calibrates measurement systems; and collects and evaluates data. Such work will include adjustments of voltage magnitude or waveform, applying appropriate correction factors, recording data, preparing graphs, performing calculations, etc.
• Prepare, fabricate, assemble and wire check instrumentation setups for either routine or investigative tasks. The specimen may be any device or system in use or proposed for use on the power system and the instrumentation may be required to measure and/or record transient phenomena, voltage, current, phase angle, power factor, temperature, atmospheric variables, etc. Instrumentation may range from the simplest form of measuring device to the most sophisticated devices and systems.
• Perform ground resistance and resistivity measurements, solar current, current density, voltage gradient, voltage rise, or other electrical earth studies as may be required for design purposes and/or for the safety of personnel and equipment.
• Measure and/or adjust electrical measurements systems or devices through the use of ratio tests, comparison with standards, null-balance techniques, etc. Scales oscillograms, tabulates and processes data, prepares graphs and characteristics curves, makes engineering sketches and notes, and evaluates data.
• Maintain the test equipment and laboratory facilities. Prepare documentation of test procedures, test set ups, test results, and observations of phenomena occurring during the test.

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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Satisfactory completion of each trainee step and associated related training is mandatory for advancement to the next step. Failure of any two of the step examinations will result in removal from the trainee program.
• Become familiar with and follow the safety practices of the BPA Accident Prevention Manual.
• If exposed to health hazards, have periodic physical examinations as prescribed by competent medical authority at BPA expense. (Employees will work in close proximity to substances, such as acids, solvents, PCB's, etc., that may have effects on health unless prescribed handling procedures are followed.)
• Possess a valid state driver's license. Possess a U.S. Government Motor Vehicle Authorization or obtain within 30 days after the requirement is established and maintain continuously thereafter. Traffic citations indicating poor driving habits may disqualify applicants.
• Possess or obtain an Electrical Workers Permit within 30 days after appointment.
• Possess or obtain a standard clearance certification within 1 year after appointment.
• This position requires a pre-employment medical exam, at BPA expense, prior to appointment due to the physical requirements of the position.
• Subject to call for emergency work at any time.

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 do the work of the position with out more than normal supervision including assisting with performing technical laboratory test duties to include carrying out a test plan, observing and recording the accurate result, evaluations, and investigating deterioration or failure of parts during service. 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 Use and Maintain Hand Tools (Electrical Work)
• Ability To Use Electrical Drawings
• Knowledge of Electrical Equipment
• Technical Practices (theoretical, precise, artistic)
• Theory and Instruments (Electrical, Electronic) Used in Shop and Trade Practices
• Trouble shooting (electrical)

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:

• Be certified on aerial lifts, forklifts, overhead cranes, or other equipment related to the trade if assigned to use or operate.
• Operate motor vehicles, including 1-1/2 ton pickups, sedans, van type trucks, forklifts, aerial man-lifts, tow test trailers similar in size and weight to medium size travel trailers, etc.
• Be able to wear protective apparel such as respirators when required for worker safety.
• Possess a valid First Aid Card and CPR card or obtain within 1 year after appointment and maintain continuously thereafter through employer scheduled training.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
Work is performed primarily in the Laboratory at the J.D. Ross Complex, although approximately twenty five percent (25%) of the work may involve travel to remote sites or substations. Work may be performed in adverse weather conditions. Test voltages up to five million volts may be present in some types of equipment and work may be performed in EHV energized substations and UHV prototype facilities. Certain positions may require that the employee work above ground at heights up to 90 feet such as on transmission line structures or occasionally on aerial man-lifts in excess of 100 feet, or below ground in apparatus or test pits, vaults, etc. Some test sites require walking or driving over uneven terrain but most locations are accessible by mobile equipment. At times, work may be physically demanding. The work environment will occasionally include high noise levels or exposure to toxic or hazardous substances (i.e., acids, solvents, PCB's, etc.) that could, if precautions are not followed, pose a health risk. Proper respiratory and safety equipment shall be worn when hazardous substances are being handled.

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. The duties involve working in a sitting position for extended periods of time; frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching and stooping, and arduous effort such as climbing transmission towers at heights approximately 90 feet. Incumbents must be able to handle small, delicate components in the wiring, assembly, installation and repair of miscellaneous equipment. They must be able to grip hand holds in order to climb transmission towers of heights approximately 90 feet. Must be able to distinguish clearances around machinery with moving parts. Incumbents must be able to lift loads weighing up to 50 pounds such as instruments and test equipment. Must be able to move and position equipment and materials weighing over 100 pounds such as test fixtures, hardware, etc. Incumbents must be able to work with both arms overhead. Must be able to periodically wear protective apparel which includes respirators. Work may be performed on smooth or uneven surfaces and will be performed under varying climatic conditions. Incumbents must have good distance vision in at least one eye and have the ability to read printed material the size of typewritten characters. They must be able to distinguish different electrical components based on color coding or shade variations. They must have the ability to hear the conversational voice. Speech must be suitable for clear communication by telephone. Incumbents must be in good physical condition sufficient to safely perform the duties of the position.

"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/12855076

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'.