This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Competitive Personnel 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, Blakely Power Plant.
Summary
This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Competitive Personnel 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, Blakely Power Plant.
Perform basic maintenance activities on plant equipment to include cleaning, greasing, and painting.
Perform and train in the simple repetitive tasks of the trade, such as replacing parts, removing sub-assemblies from complex equipment, and making visual checks for damage.
Operate electrical test equipment used in power production, including multimeters, oscilloscopes, and Digital Test Equipment.
Assist higher-graded employees in installation, maintenance, repair, and operation activities.
Read and interpret instructions, specifications, blueprints, diagrams, drawings, manuals, and other technical information pertinent to hydroelectric power plant operation, maintenance, and repair.
Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
Pre-employment and random drug testing required.
Pre-employment and routine physical examinations required.
Valid, state issued driver's license required.
This position is designated as "Mission Essential."
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
You must wear appropriate safety Equipment and protective clothing.
You will receive specific orientation, guidance, and instructions on various aspects of hydroelectric power station operation and maintenance through rotational training.
You will be participating in four (4) year formal training program for craft specialties in hydroelectric power field.
Qualifications
Who May Apply: US Citizens
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.
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: 1) utilizing hand tools to perform routine maintenance; 2) maintaining care of equipment involving cleaning, greasing, or painting parts; (3) and utilizing office automation equipment to prepare correspondence, documents and networked, and stand-alone computer systems equipped with electronic mail, calendar, graphics, and word processing programs. Exemplifies an interest and aptitude to readily perform routine maintenance duties related to this position, follow instructions provided by higher level employees, and adhere to safety rules. Failure to meet this Screen Out Element will result in an ineligible rating.
Physical Effort: Employee frequently lifts, carries or otherwise handles items weighing up to 50 pounds. Occasionally handles items greater than 50 pounds. Assistance is available with heavy items. Works in sitting, standing, walking, bending, crouching, reaching, and stooping positions, for extended periods if required.
Working Conditions: Work is required to be performed both inside and outside and is subject to all extremes of weather. Incumbent is subjected to the danger of falls from scaffolds and slings, asbestos, carbon dust, fumes, electric shock, noise, moving machinery, close places in cramped positions, slippery conditions both water and grease, frequent travel, and other conditions expected from mechanical and electrical repair of power plant equipment. Incumbent is subject to abrasions, burns, cuts, and bruises common to the use of hand tools. Employee is required to observe established safe working procedures. Wearing of respirators, hard hats, hard toe footwear, gloves, goggles, face shields, rubber aprons, rainwear, and earplugs is mandatory in the performance of duties.
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.
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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/
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)18 Career Program position aligned under the Industrial Equipment Operation Career Management Directorate.
Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
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.
This particular announcement will be utilizing Expedited Referral Process. Your resume will not be reviewed for qualifications until a selection is made.
This announcement may be used to fill like vacancies for three months after the closing date.
Nepotism: Under the provisions of 5 USC 3110, an individual may not be appointed into a position if the position is under the supervisory chain of command of a relative.
This position is Non-Exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act.
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.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
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.
DoD Priority Placement Program (PPP) Applicants will receive preference consideration at the full-performance grade level only.
Only PPP applicants currently occupying a formal training program position are entitled to exercise their priority status.
Veterans and Military Spouses will be considered along with all other candidates.
Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP). If you are a Federal employee in the competitive service and your agency has notified you in writing that you are a displaced employee eligible for ICTAP consideration, you may receive selection priority for this position. To receive selection priority, you must: (1) meet ICTAP eligibility criteria (2) be rated well-qualified for the position and; (3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your ICTAP eligibility. To be considered well-qualified and receive selection priority applicants must satisfy all qualification requirements for the position and receive a score of 90 or above. Additional information about the program is on OPM's Career Transition Resources website.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
The documents you are required to submit vary based on whether or not you are eligible for preference in federal employment. A complete description of preference categories and the associated required documents is in the Applicant Checklist for Public Announcements.
As described above, your complete application includes your resume, your responses to the online questionnaire, and documents which prove your eligibility to apply. If you fail to provide these documents, you will be marked as having an incomplete application package and you will not be considered any further.
1. Your resume:
Your resume must be two pages or less and must support the specialized experience described in this announcement. Resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration.
For each relevant work experience, make sure you include the employer's name, job title, start and end dates (include month and year), for qualifications purposes, the number of hours worked per week, and a brief description that show you can perform the tasks at the required level listed in the job announcement. If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as incomplete, and you may not receive consideration for this position.
Use plain language. Avoid using acronyms and terms that are not easily understood. The hiring agency will not make assumptions about what's in your resume.
If your resume includes a photograph or other inappropriate material or content, it will not be used to make eligibility and qualification determinations, and you may not be considered for this vacancy.
NOTE: Documents submitted as part of the application package, to include supplemental documents, may be shared beyond the Human Resources Office. Some supplemental documents such as military orders and marriage certificates may contain personal information for someone other than you. You may sanitize these documents to remove another person's personal information before you submit your application. You may be asked to provide an un-sanitized version of the documents if you are selected to confirm your eligibility.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
To apply for this position, you must complete the online questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section above.
The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 10/20/2026 to receive consideration
To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application (https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13084786).
Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. As a reminder, your resume must be two pages or less and must support the specialized experience described in this announcement. Resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration. For additional information, refer to the 'Required Documents' section.
You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application. Your resume selected in USAJOBS will be included, but you must re-select other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application may be incomplete.
It is your responsibility to verify that your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) is complete, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. Uploaded documents may take up to one hour to clear the virus scan.
Additional information on how to complete the online application process and submit your online application may be found on the USA Staffing Applicant Resource Center.
RG-W2R904 US ARMY ENGINEER DISTRICT-VICKSBURG
DO NOT MAIL
Vicksburg, MS 39183
US
Next steps
If you provided an email address, you will receive an email message acknowledging receipt of your application. Your application package will be used to determine your eligibility, qualifications, and quality ranking (as applicable) for this position. If you are determined to be ineligible or not qualified, your application will receive no further consideration.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
The documents you are required to submit vary based on whether or not you are eligible for preference in federal employment. A complete description of preference categories and the associated required documents is in the Applicant Checklist for Public Announcements.
As described above, your complete application includes your resume, your responses to the online questionnaire, and documents which prove your eligibility to apply. If you fail to provide these documents, you will be marked as having an incomplete application package and you will not be considered any further.
1. Your resume:
Your resume must be two pages or less and must support the specialized experience described in this announcement. Resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration.
For each relevant work experience, make sure you include the employer's name, job title, start and end dates (include month and year), for qualifications purposes, the number of hours worked per week, and a brief description that show you can perform the tasks at the required level listed in the job announcement. If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as incomplete, and you may not receive consideration for this position.
Use plain language. Avoid using acronyms and terms that are not easily understood. The hiring agency will not make assumptions about what's in your resume.
If your resume includes a photograph or other inappropriate material or content, it will not be used to make eligibility and qualification determinations, and you may not be considered for this vacancy.
NOTE: Documents submitted as part of the application package, to include supplemental documents, may be shared beyond the Human Resources Office. Some supplemental documents such as military orders and marriage certificates may contain personal information for someone other than you. You may sanitize these documents to remove another person's personal information before you submit your application. You may be asked to provide an un-sanitized version of the documents if you are selected to confirm your eligibility.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
To apply for this position, you must complete the online questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section above.
The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 10/20/2026 to receive consideration
To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application (https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13084786).
Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. As a reminder, your resume must be two pages or less and must support the specialized experience described in this announcement. Resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration. For additional information, refer to the 'Required Documents' section.
You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application. Your resume selected in USAJOBS will be included, but you must re-select other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application may be incomplete.
It is your responsibility to verify that your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) is complete, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. Uploaded documents may take up to one hour to clear the virus scan.
Additional information on how to complete the online application process and submit your online application may be found on the USA Staffing Applicant Resource Center.
RG-W2R904 US ARMY ENGINEER DISTRICT-VICKSBURG
DO NOT MAIL
Vicksburg, MS 39183
US
Next steps
If you provided an email address, you will receive an email message acknowledging receipt of your application. Your application package will be used to determine your eligibility, qualifications, and quality ranking (as applicable) for this position. If you are determined to be ineligible or not qualified, your application will receive no further consideration.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
