Clarification from the agency

The Public, Military Spouses, and Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) eligibles.

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The Systems Protection Control Craftsman Training program is a formal 3-year program consisting of six steps of 6 months each starting at step 5 and ending at step 10. After successful completion of each step, promotion to the next step includes a pay increase. Current (2025) hourly rates:
$73.86 Step 6
$75.31 Step 7
$76.75 Step 8
$78.20 Step 9
$79.65 Step 10

After successful completion of the 3 year training program the trainee will be promoted to a performance level of Craftsman I, with a full performance level of craftsman II. Can be accelerated through the program.
$81.97 Craftsman I
$85.25 Craftsman II

As a Systems Protection Control Craftsman Trainee 5 you will:

• Uses test equipment to determine response of energy meters, line protection relays, telemetering, switchboard indication, power system recording systems, instrument transformers, substation data networks and other power system devices used for information and control.
• Prepares data reports and keeps incidental records pertinent to the tests performed.
• Uses technical documentation for maintenance and troubleshooting of equipment.
• Collects, scales, and annotates power system event and fault records.
• Keeps test equipment in good safe working order.
• Under direct supervision, performs miscellaneous duties related to the maintenance of the power system.

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.

Key Requirements:

• You must be a United States Citizen.
• This employer participates in the e-Verify program.
• Males must abide by Selective Service registration requirements.
• You will be required to report in person to the official duty location.

Persons filling System Protection Control Craftsman Trainee positions may be required to meet some or all of the following conditions:

• Establish a residence in accordance with negotiated requirements, that is within one hour (90 minutes for the Grand Coulee, Washington duty station) or less commuting time under normal weather and road conditions, to the duty station headquarters.
• Satisfactory completion of each trainee step and associated related training is mandatory for advancement to the next step. Failure of any two of the step examinations will result in removal from the trainee program.
• Become familiar with and follow the safety practices of the BPA Accident Prevention Manual.
• This position requires a preemployment medical exam, at BPA expense, prior to appointment due to the physical requirements of the position.
• If exposed to health hazards, have periodic physical examinations as prescribed by competent medical authority at BPA expense. (Employees may work in close proximity to substances, such as acids, PCB's or pesticides, asbestos, mercury, etc., which may have effects on health unless prescribed handling procedures are followed.)
• Possess a restricted electrical worker's permit or obtain one within 120 days after the requirement is established.
• Possess a valid state driver's license. Possess a U.S. Government Motor Vehicle Authorization or obtain within 30 days after requirement is established and maintain continuously thereafter. Traffic citations indicating poor driving habits may disqualify applicants.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain appropriate certifications and permits, including appropriate worker and access permits and standard clearance certifications.
• Obtain within 1 year after appointment, and maintain continuously thereafter, a valid First Aid card, CPR card, or appropriate training.
• Operate motor vehicles, including 1-1/2 ton pickups, sedans, van type trucks, forklifts, and 4x4's. Be certified to operate specialized equipment if assigned to use.

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. If you misrepresent your experience or education, or provide false or fraudulent information in or with your application, it may be grounds for not hiring you or for firing you after you begin work. Making false or fraudulent statements also may be punishable by fine or imprisonment.

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 do the work of a SPC Craftsman Trainee 5, BB-2606-00, is the ability, under direct supervision, to learn to perform preventive and corrective maintenance on protective relays, revenue meters, telemetering schemes, substation control systems, and various kinds of substation monitoring equipment. Select the one statement that best describes your level of experience. Experience reflected in this self rating must be supported in your resume. Failure to meet this element results in an ineligible rating. (SCREEN-OUT)

In addition to the screen-out element your qualifications will be evaluated on the following Job Elements through your resume and responses to the on-line assessment questionnaire:

• Ability To Do The Work Of The Position Without More Than Normal Supervision
• Ability To Use Hand and Power Tools -Electronics
• Knowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair, etc.
• Theory of Electronics
• Use of Test Equipment: Electronics

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.

NOTE: DRIVING. Applicants must possess at appointment, and maintain thereafter, a valid U.S. State issued Motor Vehicle Operator License (Driver's License) in order to drive and operate U.S. government owned and leased vehicles and equipment. Traffic citations indicating poor driving habits may disqualify applicants.

"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.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Subject to call for emergency work at any time.
• Required to wear protective apparel such as apparel, respirators, etc. when required for worker safety.
• Frequent and overnight travel is required.
• The position at Ashe (Richland) requires unescorted access to a nuclear facility under the jurisdiction of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Final employee selection is subject to successfully completing a background investigation, medical and/or psychological evaluation and pre-employment drug and alcohol testing administered by the nuclear facility management. This position is also subject to random drug and alcohol testing by the nuclear facility management.
• The position at Ashe (Richland) will be required to take annual radiation training and pass a written exam.

PHYSICAL EFFORT:
Incumbents must be physically and mentally able to efficiently perform the essential duties of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation, without hazard to themselves or others.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
Work is performed primarily indoors. Some work will involve travel to remote sites or substations, and may be performed in adverse weather conditions which includes extremes of temperature. The employee may be exposed to electrical hazards of all voltages existing in the BPA system, and will be expected to work occasionally on substation equipment at heights 40 feet above the ground. The work environment will occasionally include high noise levels or exposure to toxic or hazardous substances (i.e., acids, solvents, PCB's, mercury, pesticides, 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.

PHYSICAL CONDITIONS:

• Able to climb ladders and work at heights averaging 5-7 feet, and on rare occasions up to 40 feet.
• To operate vehicles and to climb ladders and stepstools.
• Average of 1-2 hours uninterrupted, with a maximum of 4 hours while testing and looking at prints.
• Walks on smooth or uneven surfaces. Average of 1 hour.
• Lifts and carries test equipment. Average is 30-50 pounds with a maximum of 60-70 pounds rarely.
• Lifts, moves, carries, repositions, and operates test equipment and vehicles.
• Able to communicate with co-workers and to provide clear, accurate communication.
• To receive directions from co-workers, listen for telephone. Ability to hear abnormal noises while troubleshooting.
• Requires good spatial ability/depth perception, night vision and sufficient color distinguish color-coding or shade variations.

You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

How you will be evaluated

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

Application of Veterans' Preference: If you are a preference eligible candidate, you will be listed ahead of non-preference eligibles with the same score. Preference eligibles with a compensable service-connected disability of 10 percent or more are listed at the top of the certificate in the order of their ratings unless the job is scientific or professional at the GS-9 grade level or above (or equivalent).


Category Rating Procedure: You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above. Once the application process is complete, your resume, supporting documentation, and questionnaire/assessment responses will be used to determine whether you meet the job qualifications. If you are minimally qualified for this job, your responses to the self- assessment rating assessment(s) will be evaluated and you will be placed into one of three predefined quality categories. These categories are Best Qualified, Well Qualified, and Qualified.

Application of Veterans' Preference: If you are a preference eligible candidate, you will be listed at the top of whichever quality category your rating places you in. Preference eligibles with a compensable service-connected disability of 10 percent or more are placed at the top of the highest category for all positions except scientific or professional at the GS-9 grade level or above (or equivalent).

Career Transition Assistance Programs: To receive selection priority for this position, you must: 1) meet the eligibility criteria; and 2) be rated "well-qualified", which is defined as scoring 85.0 or higher.

You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date (06/26/2026) of this announcement.

To preview the Assessment Questionnaire, click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12988022