Reclamation is seeking a career professional looking for an opportunity to capitalize on their expertise as a Hydroelectric Power Plant Operator (Senior). You can make a difference in the West by assisting in meeting increasing water demands while protecting the environment.
Duty Location: Folsom, California
Summary
Reclamation is seeking a career professional looking for an opportunity to capitalize on their expertise as a Hydroelectric Power Plant Operator (Senior). You can make a difference in the West by assisting in meeting increasing water demands while protecting the environment.
As a Senior Hydroelectric Power Plant Operator with Reclamation, primary duties include:
Monitoring primary and secondary communications circuits to all system plant facilities.
Overseeing and directing hydroelectric power plant operations to effect changes in water releases.
Performing switching and tagging operations, issuing clearances, and conducting emergency switching operations.
Observing and documenting abnormal operating conditions in the plant; determining nature, cause, and corrective actions to address identified issues.
Monitoring equipment indicators and conducting necessary adjustments among generation and water release structures to sustain river flow and meet municipal water requirements.
Preparing technical documentation and maintaining pertinent data logs.
Performing other related duties as assigned within this position classification.
You must be suitable for federal employment, as determined by a background investigation.
You must submit a resume and supporting documentation (see Required Documents).
You must submit proof of eligibility documents for veterans' consideration (see Required Documents).
You must maintain a valid state-issued driver's license, as the position requires operation of motor vehicles on public roads and government installations. Failure to maintain a valid driver's license may result in removal from the position.
This position is designated as a MODERATE RISK Public Trust position. It requires a fully completed and favorably adjudicated Public Trust Suitability Background Investigation (T2S or T2RS or equivalent) that is current (within the last 5 years). This is a condition of employment.
You will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment physical examination conducted by an agency-approved licensed physician, certifying your ability to perform the duties of the position. The cost of the exam will be reimbursed by the agency.
Periodic and recurring safety and occupational health examinations will be required.
Will be required to work rotating shift schedules. This includes first shift, second shift, third shift, federal holidays, some weekends, and during emergency operations.
Overtime may be required.
Continue to the Additional Information section for the Condition of Employment for Probationary Period.
Who May Apply:
30% or More Disabled Veterans
Bureau of Reclamation Employees (Competitive)
Bureau of Reclamation Employees (Non-Competitive)
Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP)
Department of the Interior Employees (Competitive)
Department of the Interior Employees (Non-Competitive)
Federal Employees (Competitive Transfer)
Federal Employees (Non-Competitive Transfer)
Former Federal Employees (Competitive Reinstatement)
Former Federal Employees (Non-Competitive Reinstatement)
Individuals with Disabilities (Schedule A)
Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP)
Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act (LMWFA)
Military Spouses
Miscellaneous Appointing Authorities
Peace Corps & AmeriCorps VISTA Volunteers
Public Lands Corps (PLC) Hiring Authority
Special Hiring Authorities
Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA)
Veterans Recruitment Authority (VRA)
Qualifications
Please limit your resume to no more than 2 pages. If more than 2 pages are submitted, only the first 2 pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications.
Applicants will be rated in accordance with the OPM Qualification Standard for the WG-5400 Industrial Equipment Operation Family. Although a specific length of time and experience is not required for most blue-collar positions, you must meet any screen-out element(s) listed and 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. Emphasis of requirements is on the quality of related experience, not necessarily the length of time.
Your application materials must demonstrate sufficient work experience and training to successfully perform the duties of the position. Qualifications will be determined on the basis of information submitted within your resume and responses to the technical assessment questions. For more information about qualification requirements for Federal Wage System positions, please visit OPM.
Minimum qualifications for trades and labor positions are determined by an evaluation of job elements. You must meet at least 2 points on the screen-out element(s) and obtain an average of at least 2 points on all job elements to be determined as qualified for the position.
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). 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.
This position does not allow substituting education for experience.
Additional information
As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest will be evaluated. This probationary period is an extension of the appointment process and therefore requires the agency to determine if continued employment would advance the public interest, meet the organization goals and mission of the agency, and/or otherwise promote the efficiency of the service. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, the agency will consider:
Your performance and conduct;
the needs and interests of the agency;
whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the government; and
whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal civil service.
Under applicable law, the employment of an individual serving a probationary or trial period may automatically terminate when that period ends, unless the agency affirmatively certifies, in writing, that the individual's employment should continue and that their appointment should be finalized. In the absence of agency action to affirmatively certify continued employment beyond the probationary or trial period, such appointments are terminated. Upon completion of your probationary your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
Reclamation has determined that the duties of this position are suitable for telework only during an emergency or natural disaster.
DOI uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including applicant rights and responsibilities, please visit https://www.e-verify.gov/
If otherwise eligible and qualified, you may be offered a recruitment incentive. The decision to offer an incentive is determined on an individual basis and is neither promised nor guaranteed. For more information, visit: Recruitment Incentive.
Male applicants born after December 31, 1959: You must certify registration with the Selective Service System or indicate that you are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. Go to: https://www.sss.gov
Direct deposit enrollment required.
This is a bargaining unit position represented by a labor union (IBEW).
Additional vacancies may be filled using this job announcement.
Physical Efforts: The position requires the ability to safely and efficiently perform duties involving physical exertion. Must be able to lift and carry objects weighing up to 50 pounds. Duties involve periodic standing, walking, reaching, bending, stooping, and sitting for extended periods; climbing stairs, ladders or scaffolding; and working in confined spaces.
Work Environment: The position requires the ability to safely and efficiently work alone and with others. Work is performed both indoors and outdoors. May periodically be subject to inclement weather conditions. Job duties require work to be performed around energized sources and on or around active machinery and equipment. May be exposed to irritation or discomfort typically caused by possible exposure to dust particles, heat, noise, fumes, and working on damp flooring or ground. Protective personal equipment and protective clothing is required in accordance with OSHA industry standards.
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.
Category rating and selection procedures will be used to evaluate applications from this job announcement. If an applicant meets the basic qualification requirements, their on-line responses to the assessment questionnaire will be used to determine the quality and extent of his/her experience, education, training, etc., for placement in one of the following categories: 1) Best Qualified, 2) Well Qualified, and 3) Qualified. Qualified candidates will be assigned a numerical score on a scale of 70-100. The Category Rating Process does not add veterans' preference points or apply the "rule of three" but protects the rights of Veterans by placing them ahead of non-preference eligible candidates within each quality category. Veteran preference eligible candidates that meet the minimum qualification requirements and who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent will be listed in the highest applicable quality category (except in the case of scientific or professional positions at the GS-09 level or higher). Applicants determined as best qualified will be referred to the selecting official for further consideration.
You will be required to complete a technical assessment questionnaire, which should take about 30 minutes to complete. Through your resume content and responses to the technical assessment questionnaire, you will be evaluated on the following Job Elements:
Ability To Lead or Supervise
Knowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair, etc.
Ability To Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (other than blueprints)
The screen-out element for this position is indicated below. Failure to meet the following screen-out element will result in an ineligible rating:
Ability to Lead or Supervise
Your answers will be verified against information provided in your resume. Your resume must clearly support the responses to all the questions by addressing experience, education, and/or training relevant to this position. You must make a fair and accurate assessment of your qualifications. If a determination is made that you have rated yourself higher than what is apparent in the description of your experience, competencies, skills, and/or education/training (or that your resume/application is incomplete), you could be rated as ineligible, or your score could be reduced.
If your knowledge, skills, and abilities pertaining to the SCREEN-OUT element are determined to be insufficient, you will receive no further consideration. In preparing your application, describe in detail the experience and training in which you have had that specifically prepared you to successfully perform the duties described for this job. Experience should be clearly described and documented in your resume. The reviewer will not assume performance of such duties by job titles alone.
Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.
All qualification requirements must be met before being considered for any vacancies.
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 submit the supporting documents outlined below that are applicable to your claimed eligibility status and the position and grade to which you are applying. Failing to submit required documents will result in non-consideration due to an incomplete application package.
RESUME: You must submit a resume that demonstrates how skills and experiences through job duties meet the qualifications and requirements listed in the job announcement to be considered for the job. Each job experience must include dates of employment including start and end dates (month and year), work schedule (full-time or part-time), and hours worked per week. Resumes must not exceed two single-sided pages and resumes longer than two pages will not be accepted. The minimum font size is 10-point for all body text. Headers may be slightly larger but must remain legible. All resumes must maintain a minimum 0.5-inch margins on all sides to ensure readability and prevent excessive content compression. Including supplemental pages or attachments disguised as resume extensions are prohibited and will not be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications.For more information, click here.
PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL: Please submit 1) a copy of your most recent performance appraisal/evaluation, and 2) a list of any awards (e.g. superior performance awards, special act/achievement awards, quality step increase, etc.) you received in the last 5 years. Any performance appraisal/evaluation and award documentation you provide will be forwarded to the selecting official. The selecting official will review this documentation and give it due weight consideration during the overall selection process. If you do not have your most recent performance appraisal/evaluation, please submit a statement as to why it is not available. Please indicate if any prior performance appraisals/evaluations were at an acceptable level.
FEDERAL EMPLOYEES: Competitive Service current and/or former federal employees eligible for Promotion, Reassignment, Transfer, Reinstatement, etc. You must submit a copy of your SF-50, verifying highest rate of pay and documenting career or career-conditional status in the competitive service (Tenure 1 or 2) for which the applicant is claiming eligibility. Do not submit award SF-50s. If you are applying for a higher grade and your SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you meet the one year time-in-grade requirement so you will need to provide an SF-50 which clearly demonstrates you meet the time-in-grade requirements (examples of appropriate SF-50s include Promotions, Within-grade Grade/Range Increases, and SF-50s with an effective date more than one year old). For more information, click here.
CAREER TRANSITION PROGRAMS: Permanent Federal employees who are surplus, displaced, or involuntarily separated. You must submit a copy of your most recent performance appraisal, proof of eligibility, and most current SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location. To be considered under CTAP/ICTAP, you must be well-qualified (i.e., meet the minimum qualification requirements, including selective factors, education and experience requirements) and score at least 85.0 on the assessment questionnaire as established, and be able to perform the duties of the position upon entry. For more information, click here.
VETERANS: Veterans preference eligible under VRA (GS-11 and below only), VEOA, 30% or more Disabled, or Disabled Veterans Enrolled in a VA Training Program. If you are claiming eligibility based on veterans' preference entitlement, you must submit a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of your service which includes character of service. If claiming disability preference, you must also submit the disability letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs or Armed Service and the Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, Standard Form 15. For more information, click here.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Applications (resume, assessment questionnaire, and supporting documentation) for this vacancy MUST be received online BEFORE midnight Eastern Time (Washington, DC time) on 01/28/2026. To apply, click the blue APPLY ONLINE button at the top of the page.
Do not submit photographs with the application package. Documents with photographs may not be seen by hiring officials - applicant must remove any images from badges, licenses, etc.
CCAO
Bureau of Reclamation
7794 Folsom Dam Road
Folsom, CA 95630
US
Next steps
Upon successful submission of the application packet, you will receive a confirmation email from USAJOBS. If you do not receive this email confirmation, the application has not yet been accepted by the system.
After all application packages have been received, resumes and supporting document(s) will be reviewed to ensure applicants meet the basic qualification requirements. Each applicant who meets the basic qualifications will be further evaluated on the information provided in the resume, application questionnaire, and other assessment criteria identified in the "How You Will Be Evaluated" section above. Best-qualified applicants will be referred to the selecting official. After making a tentative job offer, a suitability and/or security background investigation will be conducted. A final job offer is typically made within 40 days after the deadline for applications. Applicants should monitor their status for positions with the Bureau of Reclamation by regularly checking their public status notifications in the USAJOBS profile.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Please submit the supporting documents outlined below that are applicable to your claimed eligibility status and the position and grade to which you are applying. Failing to submit required documents will result in non-consideration due to an incomplete application package.
RESUME: You must submit a resume that demonstrates how skills and experiences through job duties meet the qualifications and requirements listed in the job announcement to be considered for the job. Each job experience must include dates of employment including start and end dates (month and year), work schedule (full-time or part-time), and hours worked per week. Resumes must not exceed two single-sided pages and resumes longer than two pages will not be accepted. The minimum font size is 10-point for all body text. Headers may be slightly larger but must remain legible. All resumes must maintain a minimum 0.5-inch margins on all sides to ensure readability and prevent excessive content compression. Including supplemental pages or attachments disguised as resume extensions are prohibited and will not be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications.For more information, click here.
PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL: Please submit 1) a copy of your most recent performance appraisal/evaluation, and 2) a list of any awards (e.g. superior performance awards, special act/achievement awards, quality step increase, etc.) you received in the last 5 years. Any performance appraisal/evaluation and award documentation you provide will be forwarded to the selecting official. The selecting official will review this documentation and give it due weight consideration during the overall selection process. If you do not have your most recent performance appraisal/evaluation, please submit a statement as to why it is not available. Please indicate if any prior performance appraisals/evaluations were at an acceptable level.
FEDERAL EMPLOYEES: Competitive Service current and/or former federal employees eligible for Promotion, Reassignment, Transfer, Reinstatement, etc. You must submit a copy of your SF-50, verifying highest rate of pay and documenting career or career-conditional status in the competitive service (Tenure 1 or 2) for which the applicant is claiming eligibility. Do not submit award SF-50s. If you are applying for a higher grade and your SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you meet the one year time-in-grade requirement so you will need to provide an SF-50 which clearly demonstrates you meet the time-in-grade requirements (examples of appropriate SF-50s include Promotions, Within-grade Grade/Range Increases, and SF-50s with an effective date more than one year old). For more information, click here.
CAREER TRANSITION PROGRAMS: Permanent Federal employees who are surplus, displaced, or involuntarily separated. You must submit a copy of your most recent performance appraisal, proof of eligibility, and most current SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location. To be considered under CTAP/ICTAP, you must be well-qualified (i.e., meet the minimum qualification requirements, including selective factors, education and experience requirements) and score at least 85.0 on the assessment questionnaire as established, and be able to perform the duties of the position upon entry. For more information, click here.
VETERANS: Veterans preference eligible under VRA (GS-11 and below only), VEOA, 30% or more Disabled, or Disabled Veterans Enrolled in a VA Training Program. If you are claiming eligibility based on veterans' preference entitlement, you must submit a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of your service which includes character of service. If claiming disability preference, you must also submit the disability letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs or Armed Service and the Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, Standard Form 15. For more information, click here.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Applications (resume, assessment questionnaire, and supporting documentation) for this vacancy MUST be received online BEFORE midnight Eastern Time (Washington, DC time) on 01/28/2026. To apply, click the blue APPLY ONLINE button at the top of the page.
Do not submit photographs with the application package. Documents with photographs may not be seen by hiring officials - applicant must remove any images from badges, licenses, etc.
CCAO
Bureau of Reclamation
7794 Folsom Dam Road
Folsom, CA 95630
US
Next steps
Upon successful submission of the application packet, you will receive a confirmation email from USAJOBS. If you do not receive this email confirmation, the application has not yet been accepted by the system.
After all application packages have been received, resumes and supporting document(s) will be reviewed to ensure applicants meet the basic qualification requirements. Each applicant who meets the basic qualifications will be further evaluated on the information provided in the resume, application questionnaire, and other assessment criteria identified in the "How You Will Be Evaluated" section above. Best-qualified applicants will be referred to the selecting official. After making a tentative job offer, a suitability and/or security background investigation will be conducted. A final job offer is typically made within 40 days after the deadline for applications. Applicants should monitor their status for positions with the Bureau of Reclamation by regularly checking their public status notifications in the USAJOBS profile.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
