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POWER PLANT TRAINEE I

Department of the Army
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Southwestern Division (SWD)

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.

About the Position: You will serve as Power Plant Trainee 1 for the U.S Army Corps of Engineers Operations Division, McClellan-Kerr Project Office, located in Ozark, Arkansas.

Overview

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Accepting applications
Posted this week · Apply by 06/24/26
Due by 11:59 p.m. ET on June 24, 2026
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Work site options
Telework eligible
No
Remote job
No
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Salary
$40.90 - $40.90 per hour
Pay scale & grade
WB 00
Promotion potential
None
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule
Full-time
Travel Required
Not required
Appointment type
Permanent
Occupations and job series
Supervisory status
No
Federal service type
This job is in the Competitive Service
Represented by a union
Yes
Drug test
Yes
Security clearance
Not Required
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.
Background check type
Financial disclosure required
No
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number
CEDD-26-12985183-DHA
Control number
873131700

Duties

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  • Receives specific orientation, guidance and instructions on various aspects of hydroelectric power station operation and maintenance through rotational training in those craft specialties during the formal training program.
  • Aptitude and interest for learning trade theory and practice, and ability to apply skills and knowledges learned. Ability to learn related aspects of computer technology.
  • Elementary knowledge of math, algebra and geometry, and ability to make simple shop calculations. Knowledge to perform on-the-job learning tasks and pass associated tests.
  • You will be participating in four (4) year formal training program for craft specialties in hydroelectric power field.
  • You will receive specific orientation, guidance, and instructions on various aspects of hydroelectric power station operation and maintenance through rotational training.
  • You must wear appropriate safety Equipment and protective clothing.

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 incumbent must participate in a medical surveillance program. Mandatory replacement, periodic and predetermination of employment examination of the type and extent set forth in 29 CFR 1910.120, paragraph (f).
  • THIS POSITION IS COVERED BY THE CIVILIAN DRUG ABUSE TESTING PROGRAM. INCUMBENT IS REQUIRED TO SIGN A DA FORM 5019-R, "CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT FOR CERTAIN CIVILIAN POSITIONS IDENTIFIED AS CRITICAL UNDER THE DRUG ABUSE TESTING PROGRAM
  • A signed Mobility Agreement. The incumbent will be placed at the Power Plant/House that best suits the need of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, District.
  • A pre-employment physical is required.
  • A valid state driver's license is required.

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.



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): You must have aptitude and interest for learning trade theory and practice. Typical examples include limited experience/training in the following: I have the ability to perform common tasks utilizing hand tools to perform routine maintenance. I can utilize office automation equipment to prepare correspondence, documents and networked, and stand-alone computer systems equipped with electronic mail, calendar, graphics, and word processing programs. I work under normal supervision of a work leader or journey-level employee who observes tasks and 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: Work requires extensive walking, standing, and climbing vertical and inclined ladders and stairs; and some stooping, bending, kneeling, and crawling. Work may be done in awkward and cramped positions which may require the physical endurance to work under poor conditions for prolonged periods of time. Requires lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, and twisting objects frequently weighing up to and occasionally over 45 pounds. Required to operate large valves, apply servolocks, lift deck hatches, and perform other tasks requiring up to 75 pounds of pulling or turning force. Must have good distant vision in each eye and be able to read fine calibrations; glasses permitted. Ability to distinguish basic colors is required. Ability to hear the conversational voice, with or without a hearing aid, is required. An amputation of arm, hand, leg or foot will normally disqualify an applicant for appointment. Any physical condition which would cause the applicant to be a hazard to his/herself or to others is disqualifying.

WORKING CONDITIONS: The principal assignment is to the powerhouse; however the work area may include intake structures, and spillway areas. Work is principally indoors in a well heated, lighted and ventilated environment, but occasional outdoor work exposes employee to usual climate extremes. Exposed to equipment and machinery noises, heights, oils, greases, confined areas, dust, dirt, water, heat and cold, odors, fumes, and moving and/or energized equipment. Occasionally works in proximity to high voltages and currents. Is subject to the discomfort of safety equipment required such as hard-hats and ear plugs. Must wear appropriate safety equipment and protective clothing, and successfully complete and maintain all occupational health requirements, including pulmonary capacity and other routine occupational and pre-employment medical examinations.

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.
  • One year trial/probationary period may be required.
  • Direct deposit of pay is required.
  • This is a(n) Power Plant Trainee 1 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.
  • Continuous satisfactory progress (on prescribed program schedule) toward completion of the 4-year training program as determined by timely completion of course work, passing scores on exams (written and oral board reviews), and satisfactory skills demonstration. Non-completion of the Hydropower training program within the 4 year period may lead to termination.

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.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Civilian employees serve a vital role in supporting the Army mission. They provide the skills that are not readily available in the military, but crucial to support military operations. The Army integrates the talents and skills of its military and civilian members to form a Total Army.

Agency contact information

Army Applicant Help Desk
Website
https://portal.chra.army.mil/hr_public?id=app_inq
Address
RK-W2SU04 US ARMY ENGINEER DISTRICT LITTLE ROCK
DO NOT MAIL
Little Rock, AR 72203
US

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