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Power Plant Trainee I

Department of the Army
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Savannah Operations Division, Hydropower Branch, Russell Powerplant Maintenance

Summary

This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DoD Workforce to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.

Power your future with the Savannah District at Richard B. Russell Powerplant! We will train you to become a highly skilled hydropower electrician, mechanic, or operator. Join the Savannah District to build a rewarding, lifelong profession in an exciting career field.

Overview

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Accepting applications
Open & closing dates
04/30/2026 to 05/14/2026
Salary
$40.90 - $40.90 per hour
Pay scale & grade
WB 00
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Elberton, GA
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
No
Travel Required
25% or less - You may be expected to travel up to 10% for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
Yes—You may qualify for reimbursement of relocation expenses in accordance with agency policy.
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
No
Announcement number
CEDB-26-12948257-DHA
Control number
867343800

Videos

Duties

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  • Participate in training curriculum through online courses, classroom courses, and on the job.
  • Learns basic aspects of hydroelectric power plant operation and maintenance.
  • Performs developmental assignments to learn to understand technical manuals, drawings, blueprints, and diagrams.
  • Receives oral instruction on safety protocols, equipment operation, and training instruction.
  • Undergoes testing and evaluation to track progress in learning.
  • Performs developmental assignments to learn the operation and maintenance of various power plant equipment.
  • Performs developmental assignments to use simple tools to operate and maintain power plant equipment.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
  • The duties of this position require the incumbent to possess or obtain and maintain a valid state Driver's License in one of the 50 U.S. states or possessions to operate vehicles.
  • This is a Testing Designated Position under the U. S. Army Drug-Free Federal Workplace Civilian Drug Testing Program.
  • The duties of this position require the incumbent to pass pre-employment and regular physical screenings to determine fitness for duty.
  • This position has a Temporary Duty (TDY) or business travel requirement of 10% of the time.
  • Incumbent required to sign a mobility agreement.

Qualifications

Who May Apply: US Citizens

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 Power Plant Trainee I ~ without more than normal supervision. Ability to perform common Power Plant Operator duties in a power plant of at least 300-megawatt generation capability. The ability to restore a 15 megawatt or larger turbine generator to service after major overhaul in a 300 megawatt or larger power plant. Ability to work under normal supervision of a work leader or journey-level employee who observes tasks in progress and upon completion to make sure they are properly performed. - Failure to meet this Screen out Element will result in an ineligible rating.

Physical Effort

  • The incumbent frequently handles objects weighing 20 kilograms (45 pounds) and lifting and operating heavy and awkward hand tools. Many tasks require significant brute force. The incumbent is required to push, pull, reach, walk, stand, crawl, kneel, bend, and work in cramped positions over and under machinery of all types for sustained periods of time.
Working Conditions
  • Work is primarily performed inside the power plant, outlet works, intake structures, and spillway structure where constant noise and vibration of generating equipment is present. Hazards include moving machinery, working on preheated metals, danger of injury from burns, cuts, dust, welding fumes, and flying particles of metal when performing chipping,Grinding, and welding. There may be occasional exposure to electrical shock hazards. Often works in cramped quarters for extended periods of time. Subject to falls from scaffolds and ladders, hazards of paring cables or slings and overhead traveling cranes and exposure to working in cold damp areas. Appropriate protective clothing and/or equipment is provided to minimize or eliminate hazardous conditions and its use is mandatory.

Additional information

  • 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.
  • This position requires a 1 year probationary period during which the agency evaluates your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In making this determination, the agency may consider your performance and conduct; agency needs and interests; whether your continued employment supports organizational or Government goals; and whether it promotes the efficiency of the Federal service. Continued employment requires written certification that it advances the public interest.
  • Direct Deposit of Pay is required.
  • 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.
  • This is a Construction, Engineering and Infrastructure Career Field position.
  • Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
  • Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement.
  • When you perform a Civilian Permanent Change of Station (PCS) with the government, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers the majority of your entitlements to be taxable. Visit https://www.dfas.mil/civilianemployees/civrelo/Civilian-Moving-Expenses-Tax-Deduction/ for more information.
  • Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs may be authorized, subject to the provisions of the Joint Travel Regulations.
  • Advanced-in-Hire, Enhanced Leave Accrual, and/or Recruitment/Relocation incentive MAY be authorized if determined to be in the best interest of the government.

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.

Veterans and Military Spouses will be considered along with all other candidates.

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!

The Army values diversity of perspectives, backgrounds, cultures and skills, which connects employees to organizations that are committed to building an inclusive work environment where they can contribute to their fullest potential.

Agency contact information

Army Applicant Help Desk
Website
https://portal.chra.army.mil/hr_public?id=app_inq
Address
RL-W2SR05 US ARMY ENGINEER DISTRICT-SAVANNAH
DO NOT MAIL
Savannah, GA 31402
US

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

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