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Power Plant Operator Trainee III

Department of the Army
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Omaha District, Operations Division, Gavins Point Project Office

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.

About the Position: As a Power Plant Operator Trainee III, under direct guidance, you will assist in controlling water releases and power production of six mainstem Missouri River hydroelectric power plants, consisting of 36 generating units and 37 high-voltage transmission lines.

Overview

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Accepting applications
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
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
$48.91 - $48.91 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
Yes
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-26-13099697-DHA
Control number
891510600

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Duties

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  • Complete technical study and hands-on training to learn how to safely run and maintain a hydroelectric power plant and its equipment.
  • Receive specific assignments designed to build the skills and knowledge needed to eventually work as a journeyman operator.
  • Assist senior operators with opening, closing, and adjusting spillway gates to safely control river water flow and levels.
  • Assist senior operators with using control boards and manual switches to start, stop, and adjust power generator units.
  • Assist with locking out equipment, pulling electrical breakers, and hanging safety tags so maintenance crews can work safely.
  • Inspect the plant and switchyard to check machines, read meters, and watch or listen for any mechanical problems.
  • Assist with minor equipment maintenance, including cleaning machinery, restocking supplies, and keeping recording instruments ready for use.

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 obtain and maintain a valid driver's license.
  • Pre-employment physical required.
  • Participation in the Medical Surveillance Program (annual physical) required.
  • This position meets the criteria for random drug and alcohol testing position under the Department of Army Drug-Free Workplace Program as supplemented by USACE ER 690-1-1218.
  • Pre-Employment drug and alcohol testing required.
  • Rotating shift work is required, to include nights, weekends, and holidays.
  • The employee must complete first aid and CPR training.

Qualifications

Who May Apply: US Citizens

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 Operator Trainee III ~ without more than normal supervision. I have the ability to perform common tasks in an industrial, technical, and/or mechanical environment. I can follow directions in a shop and use trade-related guides such as technical manuals, specifications, blueprints, etc. I 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 at least one of the Screen Out Elements above will result in an ineligible rating.

  • PHYSICAL EFFORT: Work requires extensive walking, standing, and climbing vertical and inclined ladders and stairs; and 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 and carrying tools, equipment and supplies frequently weighing up to and over 45 pounds. Required to operate large valves, apply servolocks, life deck hatches, and perform other tasks requiring up to 75 pounds of pulling or turning force. There is danger of cuts, bruises and burns from equipment used and possible irritation or injury to eyes and spills from acids and solvents used. 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. May work 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) Engineers and Scientists (Resources and Construction) Career Program position aligned under the Construction, Analysis, Science, Infrastructure & Engineers (CASIE) Career Management Directorate.
  • 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.
  • Non-competitive promotion potential to the intervening grade of Trainee IV and the full performance grade of Senior Controller.
  • May require employee to wear protective clothing.
  • May require working outside in all kinds of weather.
  • Not eligible for telework.
  • The following incentives may be authorized: Relocation Incentive or Recruitment Incentive.

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

Build Strong With Us at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), where engineering excellence meets public service. As the Nation's premier engineering, design, and construction management agency, we deliver innovative and efficient solutions that strengthen national security, support economic growth, and reduce disaster risks for communities across the country.

At USACE, you will find meaningful work, collaborative teams, and opportunities to grow your career while making a lasting impact. We seek talented professionals with vision, creativity, leadership, and technical expertise to help solve some of the Nation's toughest engineering challenges.

Build your purpose. Build your profession. Build your future. Discover why USACE is a great place to work and Build Strong With Us.

Agency contact information

Army Applicant Help Desk
Website
https://portal.chra.army.mil/hr_public?id=app_inq
Address
RH-W2SJ07 USARMY ENGINEER DISTRICT-OMAHA
DO NOT MAIL
Omaha, NE 68102
US

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