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 Chief Substation Operator III, you will perform the following:

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Assigns Duties. Assigns work to Substation Operators and other subordinates who are permanently or temporarily assigned to the operating district. Assigns tasks in accordance with the subordinates' abilities, need for training, and the requirements of the tasks to be performed.
• Maintains Discipline. Leads, influences, and maintains discipline of employees being supervised. Sets an example of diligence, pride of accomplishment, and good conduct and requires the same from subordinates. Ensures compliance with regulations, procedures, and working rules.
• Enforces Safety Rules. Actively participates in the BPA safety program. Instructs employees in proper work practices and safety rules to insure the safety of all workers. Investigates all accidents involving persons under personal jurisdiction. Completes required accident reports accurately and promptly.
• Reviews and Inspects Work. Reviews and evaluates the work performed by subordinates.
• Responsible for Quantity and Quality of Work Performed.

• Short Range. Acts as the intermediary between Outage Dispatchers and customers in making outage arrangements, develops switching procedures and schedules Operators to perform necessary switching and tagging. Makes changes in work schedules on a day-to-day basis as necessary. Works with Chief Substation Operators of other operating districts and the Regional Manager office to obtain maximum utilization of operations personnel. Is responsible for instructional sessions with customer switchmen in the operation of BPA substations. Helps resolve customer voltage and other operating problems.
• Long Range. In cooperation with Outage Dispatchers determines the optimum time for outages to equipment and customers required for BPA maintenance and construction activities. Through personal contact, is knowledgeable about customers' future plans and coordinates them with BPA planning. Determines material and tool requirements for future substations, including fire-fighting equipment, high-voltage fuses, switchyard signs, etc. Plans non-electric plant maintenance, environmental, and other programs as assigned. Determines priorities of work assignments, considering urgency indicated by Regional Manager. Develops long range work schedules for subordinates. Discusses problems and possible methods of work improvement with employees. Takes necessary action to insure accomplishment of the workload by revision of methods, changing work assignments, or revision of use of equipment and material. Plans the preparation and maintenance of the Substation Operating Manual and supplementary material for each substation in the operating district. Plans and schedules work to be performed on a continuing basis, including delegation of jobs to subordinates.
• Coordination of Crews and Activities. In cooperation with Outage Dispatchers, coordinates requested outages to provide the maximum amount of work with minimum outage time to BPA facilities and customers. Arranges for qualified switchmen to perform switching and tagging for prearranged outages.

• Reviews Subordinates' Performance and Recommends Personnel Actions. Evaluates subordinates' performance and conducts performance interviews. Takes necessary action to improve skills, increase job satisfaction, improve conduct, resolve problems, and develop team spirit. Recommends personnel actions, official commendations, or disciplinary action as required.
• Identifies, Plans, and Implements Training. Determines the orientation, instruction, and training needs of subordinates, including assigned apprentices, in proper work and safety practices. Provides the necessary instruction. Plans for development of subordinates' potential abilities.
• Records and Reports. Reports on work performed in the operating district. Reports abnormal or unsatisfactory conditions of plant facilities to those responsible for that maintenance. Recommends non-electrical maintenance to be performed. Reports breaches of security to appropriate law enforcement agencies, BPA Security Office, and to supervisor, as appropriate. Responsible for preparation of COTR related documentation when assigned those duties. Responsible for preparation of substation inspection reports, system equipment records and inventory, equipment use reports, time reports, per diem, leave, etc. Reports on personnel errors and accidents that occur to personnel and facilities in the operating district. Approves leave and overtime.
• EEO Responsibilities. As a supervisor, the incumbent is actively and regularly involved in achieving BPA's EEO program commitments for all applicants and employees.

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.
• First time supervisors will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period.
• 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.
• You must be a United States Citizen.
• Provide a means for contact by the Administration.
• Subject to call for emergency work at any time.
• Operate any type of motor vehicles applicable to assigned duties.
• Follow and enforce the safety practices of BPA.
• 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 that is within one hour or less commuting time under normal weather and road conditions, to the duty station headquarters.
• 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.
• 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.

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 lead or supervise the operation of energized high and low voltage electrical power transmission system substation including all components in the switchyard, outlying buildings, and the perimeter of the property. Duties include operating switchboards, remotely controlling circuit breakers, transformers, and switches to regulate and maintain the proper voltage on the distribution lines. Failure to meet this element results 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 Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (other than blueprints)
• Ability To Lead Or Supervise
• 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.

OTHER CONDITIONS:

• 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.
• 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, PCB's, or pesticides, asbestos, mercury, solvents, etc., which may have effects on health unless prescribed handling procedures are followed.)

WORKING CONDITIONS:
Work is performed both indoors and outdoors under all prevailing weather conditions during the day or night. The Chief Substation Operator normally works a standard workday and a standard workweek. Hazards include working around high voltage equipment and machinery with moving parts. 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. The possibility of explosion or fire is ever-present. 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/12872823

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'.