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POWER PLANT TRAINEE (Direct Hire Authority)

Department of the Army
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Portland District, The Dalles Dam or John Day/Willow Creek Project

Summary

This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DOD Workforce (P.L. 118-31,Sec 1250 B(i0(2), 12/22/2023) to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.

Overview

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Accepting applications
Posted this week · Apply by 07/02/26
Due by 11:59 p.m. ET on July 2, 2026
Location
Many vacancies in the following locations:
Work site options
Telework eligible
No
Remote job
No
Relocation expenses reimbursed
Yes—You may qualify for reimbursement of relocation expenses in accordance with agency policy.
Salary
$38.61 - $69.15 per hour

TC-B $38.61 TC-C $47.27 TC-E $57.03 TC-G $66.79 at the full perfomance TC-I $69.15

Pay scale & grade
WB 00
Promotion potential
00
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
No
Drug test
No
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
CEDE-26-12992929-DHA
Control number
874177300

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DOD Workforce ( Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DOD Workforce (Direct Hire Auth 5 U.S.C. 9905) to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.5 U.S.C. 9905) to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.

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Duties

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  • The program of study for the first year will be standard for all trainees and will address general knowledge required of all journeymen working in a hydroelectric power plant.
  • The training program consists of rotational on-the-job training, instruction, text assignments, and Plant Equipment Studies followed by more intensive craft-related training in years two, three, and four.
  • Related classroom study and on-the-job work assignments are closely coordinated to relate basic theories to practical application of operation and maintenance activities of hydroelectric projects.
  • Studies and on-the-job assignments are closely and critically reviewed to assure satisfactory performance necessary for continuance in the program.

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.
  • You will be required to sign a training agreement.
  • You will be required to sign a mobility agreement.
  • You will be required to wear safety clothing and/or equipment.
  • You must be able to obtain and/or maintain a valid state driver's license.
  • A pre-employment physical may be required and annual thereafter.
  • You may be required to study academic materials outside of normal working hours (unpaid).
  • You will be required to meet the prerequisites for the Electro-Mechanical Technology program.

Qualifications

Who May Apply: US Citizens

In order to qualify, you must meet the education and/or experience requirements described below. 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. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.

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 the aptitude and interest for learning trade theory and practice to successfully perform the duties of a Power Plant Trainee.

To qualify, you must have taken and passed the Office of Personnel Management Wage Grade Performance Potential Assessment, commonly referred to as the Power Plant Trainee Test, within the last five years. (Note: You must attach a copy of your dated passing test score.)
-or-

You must have taken college math courses equivalent to MTH65 with a grade of 'B' or better and have taken and passed college-level courses equivalent to WR115 and RD115. (Note: You must attach a copy of your transcripts.)
-or-

You must have the ability to take and pass a college placement test, such as the ACCUPLACER or ALEKS.

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 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 navigation lock, fish facilities, 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.

Education

FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html

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 Career Field (CF) 18 - Engineers & Scientists (Construction) position.
  • Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
  • Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs will not be authorized, subject to the provisions of the Joint Travel Regulations.
  • Tour of Duty included four ten-hour shifts, Monday through Thursday, 6:30 am to 5 pm.
  • Relocation incentive may be authorized.

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

About the Position: This is an entry level position into the first year of the Power Plant Trainee Program. The first year consists of on-the-job training in the operation and maintenance of hydroelectric power plants plus the first year of instruction, tests, and assignments. The Training Program will consist of a combination of academic, plant equipment study, and on-the job training. Trainees will be hired to meet the projected future needs of the project.

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-W2SJ01 USARMY ENGINEER DISTRICT-PORTLAND
DO NOT MAIL
Portland, OR 97208
US

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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/

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