Skip to main content
U.S. flag
Back to results
 

Power Plant Shift Operator

Department of the Army
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Dworshak Project, Walla Walla District Army Corps of Engineers

Summary

About the Position: This position is located at Dworshak Dam and Reservoir, Ahsahka, ID, a multi-purpose hydropower project with missions that include flood control, hydroelectric power generation, and natural resources management.

Overview

Help
Accepting applications
Open & closing dates
03/31/2026 to 04/13/2026
Salary
$68.63 - $68.63 per hour

Incentives May Be Authorized

Pay scale & grade
GS 00
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Ahsahka, ID
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
No
Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
None
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Not Required
Drug test
Yes
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Trust determination process
Financial disclosure
No
Bargaining unit status
Yes
Announcement number
CEDE-26-12925418-MP
Control number
863175700

Videos

Duties

Help
  • Responsible for operation, inspection, and servicing of powerhouse and other project equipment when time permits.
  • Performs or oversees and coordinates the operation activities at the project.
  • Controls the power output of generating units together with their associated transformer banks, switchgear, and auxiliary equipment.
  • Prepares clearances for and operates BPA line breakers and disconnects on specific telephone orders from BPA dispatcher.
  • Computes river flow through the project.
  • Directs the work of lower graded operators and trainees.
  • Authorizes and issues clearances and receives releases of clearances for electrical and mechanical equipment throughout the project in accordance with safe clearance procedures.
  • Maintains contacts with fisheries agencies and operates fish facilities in conformance with standards for current conditions.
  • Performs project equipment inspections in accordance with established frequencies or in the order of priority.

Requirements

Help

Conditions of employment

  • Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
  • Pre-employment physical is required.
  • Must have a valid state issued driver's license.
  • Pre-employment and enrollment in the drug testing program required.
  • May require overtime work.
  • Requires shift work and/or work on rotating shifts to provide coverage on evenings, weekends, holidays and in other situations.
  • This position has a requirement to lift up to 45lbs.
  • The duties of this position may require the incumbent be on call.
  • This position has been designated Mission Essential.

Qualifications

Who May Apply: Only applicants who meet one of the employment authority categories below are eligible to apply for this job. You will be asked to identify which category or categories you meet, and to provide documents which prove you meet the category or categories you selected. See Proof of Eligibility for an extensive list of document requirements for all employment authorities.

  • Current USACE employees with competitive status.
  • Current Civilian Employees of the Command
  • Domestic Defense Industrial Base/Major Range and Test Facilities Base Civilian Personnel Workforce
  • Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan
  • Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act
  • Military Spouses, under Executive Order (E.O.) 13473
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technician Eligible
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD MR and NG Preference Eligible Tech Receiving Disability Retirement
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD Retained Grade Preference Eligible
  • Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) of 1998


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). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

There is no specific length of training or experience required. However, you must be able to demonstrate, through experience shown in your written application materials that you possess the sufficient knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the work of this position without more than normal supervision.

Minimum Qualifications (Screen Out Element): Ability to do the work of a(n) Power Plant Shift Operator without more than normal supervision. I am able to perform common Power Plant Shift Operator tasks in a power producing plant of about 40 megawatt generation capacity. I have experience taking sole command of normal and abnormal power plant operation problems to execute a desirable solution such as a recovery from a power blackout in the plant. My resume reflects current or past experience performing these tasks. - Failure to meet this Screen Out Element will result in an ineligible rating.

  • Ability To Do The Work Of The Position Without More Than Normal Supervision (Screen-out Element)
  • Ability to Interpret Instructions, Specification, etc. (includes blueprint reading)
  • Dexterity and Safety
  • Knowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair, etc.
  • Operation of Hydroelectric Power Equipment
  • Technical Practices (theoretical, precise, artistic)
  • Use of Measuring Instruments
  • Physical Effort: Eye and hand coordination required to operate switches and controls. Job requires extensive walking, standing, and climbing vertical and inclined ladders and stairs. Is required to operate large valves, apply servolocks, lift deck hatches and other jobs requiring pulling or turning force. Lifts and carries equipment and supplies frequently up to, and occasionally over 45 pounds. Work requires prolonged standing, walking, climbing, bending, stooping, twisting, pulling, pushing, and kneeling.
  • Working Conditions: Works on a rotating shift, inside, in well-lighted, work areas. Works outdoors for short periods with exposure to climate extremes. Occasionally works in proximity to high voltages and currents. Incumbent is often exposed to equipment and machinery noises, and is subject to the discomfort of wearing safety equipment such as hard-hats, ear plugs, and respirators. Must wear appropriate safety equipment and protective clothing and successfully complete and maintain all occupational health requirements.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

  • Incentives may be authorized.
  • Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
  • You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
  • One year trial/probationary period may be required.
  • Appointment is subject to the completion of a favorable suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a background investigation.
  • Direct deposit of pay is required.
  • This is a(n) Construction, Engineering, Infrastructure Career Field position.
  • Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees.
  • If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the Reemployed Annuitant information sheet.
  • Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
  • Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement..
  • Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is not authorized, based on a determination that a PCS move is not in the Government interest.
  • This position is covered under the UNITED POWER TRADES ORGANIZATION (UPTO) Bargaining Unit.

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.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Once the announcement has closed, a review of your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine whether you meet the qualification requirements listed on this announcement. Please follow all instructions carefully when applying, errors or omissions may affect your eligibility.

If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and/or experience, you may lose consideration for this position.

You may claim Military Spouse preference.

You may claim Priority Placement Program (PPP) preference.

Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP). If you are a Federal employee in the competitive service and your agency has notified you in writing that you are a displaced employee eligible for ICTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority for this position. To receive selection priority, you must: (1) meet ICTAP eligibility criteria (2) be rated well-qualified for the position and; (3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your ICTAP eligibility. To be considered well-qualified and receive selection priority applicants must satisfy all qualification requirements for the position and receive a score of 90 or above. Additional information about the program is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Looking for a great place to work? The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is one of the best! In 2020, USACE ranked #2 of government large-agency subcomponent! USACE is one of the world's premier public engineering, design, and construction management agencies. We serve the American people, striving to provide the most effective engineering and environmental science solutions to the nation's complex problems affecting national security, the economy and the environment in which we live.

USACE offers a team-inspiring and collaborative work environment; providing challenging and rewarding careers across a variety of disciplines. We rely on leaders with vision, creativity, and programmatic and technical expertise to lead us into the future. Align your talents with your passion and find out why the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers is a great place to work!

Agency contact information

Army Applicant Help Desk
Website
https://portal.chra.army.mil/hr_public?id=app_inq
Address
RH-W2SJ03 US ARMY ENGINEER DISTRICT-WALLA WALLA
DO NOT MAIL
Walla Walla, WA 99362
US

Visit our careers page

Learn more about what it's like to work at U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, what the agency does, and about the types of careers this agency offers.

https://www.usace.army.mil/Careers/

Your session is about to expire!

Your USAJOBS session will expire due to inactivity in 8 minutes. Any unsaved data will be lost if you allow the session to expire. Click the button below to continue your session.