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Power Plant Mechanic (Direct Hire)

Department of the Army
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Portland District, The Dalles Project

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.

Overview

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Accepting applications
Posted today · Apply by 08/05/26
Due by 11:59 p.m. ET on August 5, 2026
Location
Work site options
Telework eligible
No
Remote job
No
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Salary
$69.15 - $69.15 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
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
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-26-13016204-DHA
Control number
877478100

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

The public

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Duties

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  • You will serve as a fully qualified Power Plant Mechanic performing a combination of shop, plant and outside work as a multiple purpose hydroelectric power project.
  • Perform general powerhouse mechanical equipment maintenance.
  • Duties include identification and correction of problems causing mechanical equipment malfunctions, as well as performing periodic and unscheduled maintenance/repair of equipment common to hydroelectric facilities
  • Perform a variety of types of welding (oxygen-acetylene, shielded metal-arc, TIG, MIG), cutting (oxygen-acetylene, carbon arc), brazing, and soldering operations.
  • Perform other support duties such as installing and repairing piping systems where pipefitter and plumbers' skills are required in conformance with applicable standards

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.
  • Must be able to obtain and/or maintain a valid state driver's license.
  • Appointment to this position is subject to a background investigation to determine your suitability for Federal employment.
  • This position requires the completion of a pre-employment Physical Examination and an annual examination thereafter to ensure the continued, required level of physical health and ability or fitness to perform the duties of the position.
  • This position has a Temporary Duty (TDY) or business travel requirement of 5% of the time.
  • Appointment to this position is subject to a one-year probationary period unless the appointee has previously met the requirements as described in 5 CFR Part 315. While probationary the incumbent can be terminated with limited appeal rights.

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): Ability to do the work of a(n) Power Plant Mechanic (Direct Hire) without more than normal supervision. Without more than normal supervision, you must have the ability to perform the common tasks of a journeylevel mechanic in diagnosing, repairing, adjusting, maintaining, and lubricating bearings, gears, engines, compressors, and hydraulic equipment. You must be able to operate the machine tools and equipment necessary to produce products within tolerances and surface roughness. This work is performed 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.

  • Ability To Do The Work Of The position Without More Than Normal Supervision
  • PHYSICAL EFFORT: The incumbent handles heavy parts and equipment and works in cramped quarters in tiring positions. Physical effort requires climbing stairs and ladders, and lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling and twisting objects frequently weighing up to, and occasionally over, 45 pounds. A high degree of concentrated mental and visual attention is necessary to determine cause of trouble and to plan and carry out corrective action; to interpret complex drawings; and to coordinate a high degree of manual dexterity with close visual attention for sustained periods. Ability to distinguish colors is essential.
  • WORKING CONDITIONS: Work is performed in the project powerhouse, other structures, and outdoors. The employee is exposed to noise, extremes of heat or cold, dirt, oils, greases, dust, energized equipment, moving machinery, odors and fumes. Works around and over water, in damp drafty areas, and at various heights. May work with a variety of toxic or caustic materials. Required to work in concrete structures. There is a possibility of cuts, burns, falls, and electrical shock. Must wear all appropriate safety equipment and protective clothing, and successfully complete and maintain all occupational health requirements.

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.
  • 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) Material Maintenance Management 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.
  • 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 is authorized, subject to the provisions of the Joint Travel Regulations.
  • The following incentives may be authorized to a highly qualified candidate: Recruitment, Relocation, Advance in Hire, Student Loan Repayment, and/or Advanced Leave Accrual.

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 Priority Placement Program (PPP) preference.


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

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

At the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), we do not just construct infrastructure; we engineer the future of our Nation. From securing vital water resource infrastructure and restoring fragile ecosystems to designing world-class facilities for our armed forces and responding to natural disasters, our work touches lives every day.

By joining USACE, you will have the opportunity to contribute to high-impact, meaningful projects, collaborate with a diverse network of dedicated professionals, and advance your career. Here, your skills do not just build structures; they build national resilience, protect local communities, and support a safer, stronger tomorrow.

Build Strong With Us - explore our opportunities and engineer your legacy today.

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

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/

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