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.

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As a Senior D.C. Substation Operator (Relief), in addition to the tasks listed below, you will be responsible for directing the activities of other operations personnel assigned to the shift:

• General Operation - Checks and reviews station conditions. Reviews station log book and Substation Operating Manual. Responsible for Control of Entry, Station Security, and safety of others in the station. May be assigned other duties such as Safety Watching and escorting others. Keeps System Dispatchers and others informed of all local information pertinent to the operation of the power system. Notifies specified BPA personnel and others of power system emergencies. Has contact with the public and BPA customers.
• Inspections - Checks indication and tags on control panel against actual station conditions. Checks for adherence to the station power and voltage schedules. Checks for compliance with prescribed operating limits on lines and equipment (load, voltage, temperature, etc.). Periodically inspects station, including all components in switchyard, control house, relay houses, and other buildings. Conducts security check of perimeter fences, gates, doors, and windows. Checks for conditions constituting hazards to personnel, property, or equipment. Takes action to correct abnormal conditions or notifies others concerned with the condition.
• Switching - Ascertains, plans, and performs any switching scheduled during tour of duty. Plans and performs switching as delegated by system dispatcher. Performs operating functions in accordance with the Switching and Clearance Procedures, the Accident Prevention Manual, high voltage D.C. operating orders, and the Substation Operating Manual which includes: Operating bulletins, substation standing operating orders, station instructions, etc. During loss of communication with control centers, operates a substation in accordance with pre-approved written orders and instructions. In case of trouble involving possible injury, loss of life, or damage to property, operates substation in accordance with best personal judgment.
• Communications - Monitors and operates various communications systems. These systems include mobile radios, commercial phone lines, and various BPA communications systems. These communications systems are operated for purposes including voice communications, relaying, power system stability and billing. Notifies specified BPA personnel of power system emergencies.
• Records and Reports - Completes and maintains various files, records and reports in accordance with instructions. Read, record, and report various meters, instruments, gauges, and billing meters. Files, maintains, corrects, and as necessary, orders new substation prints.
• Instructing - Leads and instructs others as assigned.
• Non-electric Plant - Performs non-electric plant duties as assigned, such as building and grounds maintenance.
• Environmental - May perform preventive and/or corrective containment and/or cleanup measures to protect the environment.

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.

• Position is subject to initial pre-employment Drug Testing and random drug testing thereafter.
• This position requires a pre-employment medical exam, at BPA expense, prior to appointment due to the physical requirements of the position.
• 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.
• 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.
• You must be a United States Citizen.
• A preliminary background check must be completed before a new employee can begin work. Current Federal employees or other individuals with an existing completed background investigation may not be required to undergo another background check.
• Establish a residence in accordance with negotiated requirements, that is within one hour or less commuting time under normal weather and road conditions, to the duty station headquarters.
• Provide a means for contact by the Administration.
• Change shifts on short notice or continue on duty in the absence of relief.
• Possess within 30 days after appointment, and maintain continuously thereafter, an Electrical Worker's Permit.
• Possess a valid state driver's license. Traffic citations indicating poor driving habits may disqualify applicants.
• Obtain certification on the equipment associated with substation operations if assigned to use or operate.
• Possess within 90 days after appointment, and maintain continuously thereafter, a Standard Clearance certification.
• Possess within one year after appointment, and maintain continuously thereafter, a First Aid Card.
• Follow and enforce the safety practices of BPA.
• Operate any type of motor vehicles applicable to assigned duties.
• 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, PCBs, pesticides, asbestos, mercury, solvents, etc., which may have effects on health unless prescribed handling procedures are followed).

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 in operating high voltage electrical equipment in an electrical power transmission system substation and on transmission lines to maintain voltage schedules by the operation of transformer taps, capacitors, or reactors, and generators. 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. (other than blueprints)
• Dexterity and Safety
• Knowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair, etc.
• Operation of Equipment Relevant to Trade
• Technical Practices (theoretical, precise, artistic)
• 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.

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.

OTHER CONDITIONS:

• As part of the job requirements, and, at the discretion of the Regional Office , the Substation Operator shall be required to apply restricted use pesticides and may be required to obtain a pesticide applicator's license. The Administration shall provide the necessary training for such a license.
• Subject to call for emergency work at any time.
• May be placed in an available status during off hours subject to negotiated agreement.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
Work is performed both indoors and outdoors under all prevailing weather conditions during the day or night. Work is also performed on uneven, outdoor surfaces, including steep inclines, on rocked or graveled surfaces and unimproved surfaces. Hazards include working around high voltage equipment and machinery with moving parts. The possibility of explosion or fire is ever-present. The Substation Operator may work from ladders, platforms, scaffolding, or stairs. Work may be at heights of up to 60 feet. The work environment will occasionally include high noise levels and/or exposure to hazardous substances (such as acids, PCB`s, pesticides, asbestos, mercury, solvents, 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. Emergencies, critical system conditions, or outage limitations may require that work be done at night and/or under time restraints. System priorities may require extended periods of overtime, including working weekends.

PHYSICAL CONDITIONS:

• Operates energized high and low voltage electrical power transmission system substations following strict procedures and safety requirements.
• Checks and reviews station conditions. Responsible for station security and safety of others in the station.
• Performs inspections on all high and low voltage equipment in substations and keeps records. Periodically inspects station, including all components in the switchyard, outlying buildings, and the perimeter of the property.
• Monitors and operates various communications systems. All processes require clear oral communication.
• Completes associated documentation required of the above listed tasks.
• Drives 15-20% 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/12856967

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 January 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'.