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Power Plant Trainee

Department of the Army
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Kansas City District, Operations Division

Summary

About the Position: Serves as a Power Plant Trainee completing the generalized portion of the formal Hydroelectric Power Plant Personnel Training Program as prescribed by ER/EP 1130-2-510; which precedes assignment to a specific target occupation (Power Plant Operator, Power Plant Electrician, Power Plant Mechanic, or Power Plant Electronics Mechanic, Industrial Equipment Mechanic) and further training as prescribed by the Hydroelectric Power Plant Training Program Manual.

Overview

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Accepting applications
Posted yesterday · Apply by 08/12/26
Due by 11:59 p.m. ET on August 12, 2026
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Work site options
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Remote job
No
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Salary
$37.72 - $37.72 per hour
Pay scale & grade
WB 00
Promotion potential
00
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
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
CEDE-26-13020343-DHA
Control number
878537800

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

US Citizen - This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation

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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.
  • This position requires temporary duty (TDY) travel up to 25% of the time.
  • This position requires a valid state Drivers License in one of the 50 U.S. states or possessions to operate vehicles or incumbent must be able to obtain and maintain a valid state Drivers License.
  • Incumbent must be able to lift at least 40 pounds or more.
  • Requires a pre-employment physical 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.
  • Incumbent will be required to operate spillway and flood control gates to control water flows. This position is subject to random drug testing in accordance with EP 600-1-3.
  • A Probationary Period might be required for this position.
  • You will be required to sign a training agreement.
  • You will be required to sign a mobility agreement.
  • You may be required to study academic materials outside of normal working hours (unpaid).

Qualifications

Who May Apply: US Citizens

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.


In order to qualify, you must meet the 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.

Serves as a Power Plant Trainee completing the generalized portion of the formal Hydroelectric Power Plant Personnel Training Program as prescribed by ER/EP 1130-2-510; which precedes assignment to a specific target occupation (Power Plant Operator, Power Plant Electrician, Power Plant Mechanic, or Power Plant Electronics Mechanic, Industrial Equipment Mechanic) and further training as prescribed by the Hydroelectric Power Plant Training Program Manual.

Minimum Qualifications (Screen Out Element): ability to do the work of a Power Plant Trainee I - without more than normal supervision. Candidates must have the ability to perform common tasks of a Power Plant Trainee, such as assist in basic welds, soldering, and reading precision tools like micrometers, blueprint drawings and calipers, assisting of journeymen mixing and pouring concrete. must have the 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: 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.
  • 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(n) Construction, Engineering, 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.htm for more information.
  • Permanent Change of Station (PCS) allowances may be authorized, subject to the provisions of the Joint Travel Regulations and an agency determination that a PCS move is in the Government Interest.
  • Recruitment and Relocation Incentives might 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.

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-W2SJ06 US ARMY ENGINEER DISTRICT-KANSAS CITY
DO NOT MAIL
Kansas City, MO 64106
US

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

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