Clarification from the agency

U.S. Citizens, Nationals, or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

As an Equipment Operator (Intermediate Trainee), at the intermediate level the trainee performs assigned duties and tasks, and receives training to develop skills and knowledge of operating and maintaining:

• Large commercial heavy equipment (Front End Loaders, Motor Graders, Bull Dozers, Backhoes) used in excavation, leveling, road building, hoisting, towing, and hauling work.
• Pneumatic tools for drilling rock and excavating pole and anchor holes for transmission line maintenance projects.
• Equipment and heavy vehicles used in the performance of maintenance of rights-of- way activities.
• One or more gasoline, diesel, and/or electric powered wheeled motor vehicles, that typically have an approximate gross vehicle weight of more than 26,000 pounds including trucks with trailers to transport supplies, materials, equipment, and/or tools, or tow equipment to work sites over Federal, state, and county roads and city streets in all traffic conditions and from job sites.
• Large commercial rubber tire and track type equipment with brush cutting attachments and side-trimming machines, in the clearing and cutting of heavy brush along transmission lines rights-of-way, in substations, communication sites and pole yards.
• Routine maintenance on equipment and vehicles used in accordance with clearly described parameters. Work involves making simple adjustments to equipment used, removing, replacing, adjusting, and or cleaning defective parts of components.
• Portable saws, hand saws or machetes in the felling and trimming of trees and brush along transmission line rights-of-way, in substations, communication sites and pole yards. Uses post hole diggers and post drivers for installing gates and fences.
• Loads, unloads, and or carries materials, supplies, or equipment. Apply herbicide for brush and tree control to transmission line rights-of-way in accordance with clearly described parameters and landowner's permission.
• Complete all required administrative duties. Follows safety procedures for safe operation of equipment.

Conditions of employment

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• This employer participates in the e-Verify program.
• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
• Suitable for Federal employment, as determined by a background investigation.
• May be required to successfully complete a probationary/trial period. Employees serving on a probationary or trial period may be terminated at any time during the probationary or trial period for performance, conduct, or business-related reasons in the interest of Federal service.
• Security clearance and associated requirements - Non-Sensitive/Low Risk.
• The incumbent is required to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• The incumbent is subject to the random drug and alcohol testing program established by the Department of Energy.
• The position requires a pre-appointment and annual physical exam at Federal expense.
• The incumbent of this position is subject to inclement weather conditions such as high
  temperatures, rain, sleet, snow, and extreme cold.
• This position may require regular and recurring overtime. Overtime may be required on short notice to include nights, holidays, and weekends in support of related mission requirements.
• This position requires the ability to operate a government vehicle. The incumbent must be able to obtain and maintain Defensive Drivers certification and have a valid state driver's license. Defensive Driver's Training will be completed upon employment.
• The incumbent must possess upon entry into the position and continue to maintain a Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) to operate vehicles of more than 26,000 pounds GVWR upon entry into the position. The license must NOT have the following restriction codes: L, Z, E, O.

Qualifications

In order to qualify for this position, your resume must provide sufficient experience and/or education, knowledge, skills, and abilities, to perform the duties of the specific position for which you are being considered. Your resume is the key means we have for evaluating your skills, knowledge, and abilities, as they relate to this position. Therefore, we encourage you to submit a thorough resume that directly relates to this position.

Applicants must meet the requirements of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Job Qualification System for Trades and Labor Occupations (X-118C).

Although a specific length of time and experience is not required for most trade and labor occupations, you must show through experience and training that you possess the quality level of knowledge and skill necessary to perform the duties of the position at the level for which you are applying. Qualification requirements emphasis is on the quality of experience, not necessarily the length of time.

Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the job elements and screen out listed below. This job has a screen-out factors which will be used to determine minimum eligibility for this job. Applicants who do not receive a minimum of two points on this screen-out element(s) will be found ineligible.

The screen-out element for this position is: Ability to do the work of an Equipment Operator (Intermediate Trainee), such as clearing and maintaining high voltage transmission rights-of-way (up to 161kV), independently without more than normal supervision.

Failure to meet this Screen out Element will result in an ineligible rating.

If your knowledge and ability in the SCREEN OUT factor above is not sufficient, you will receive no further consideration. In preparing your application, describe in detail the experience and training which you have had that specifically prepared you for this job and to perform the duties described for this job. Experience should be clearly described and documented in your resume. The qualifications reviewer will not assume performance of such duties by Job Titles alone.

"Experience" refers to paid and unpaid experience. Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include: volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); as well as work for other community-based philanthropic and social organizations. Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills; and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Limit your resume to no more than two (2) pages. If more than two pages are submitted, only the first two pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility and qualifications.

Physical Demands:
Work assignments typically require moderately heavy physical effort to reach, bend, turn, and move arms, feet, and legs. Duties require the trainee to maneuver into and out of specific locations while dismantling and assembling utility related equipment to handle different sets of controls; to operate large wheeled and track type equipment and attachments; walking across rugged terrain; and loading and unloading tools and related equipment, often lifting and handling items weighing up to 100 pounds. Considerable strain is caused by the constant, vibration, jerking and jolting of the equipment during operation over rough terrain or surfaces. Due to the location of some of the controls, operators are required to work in awkward or strained positions. There are occasions when the incumbent is required to sit and stand for long periods of time.

Working Conditions:
Work is performed in remote, outdoor field locations with exposure to all types of weather conditions (wind, rain, dust, hot sun, cold weather). Employee is exposed to unpleasant noise levels, vibrations, dust, dirt, and fumes from the motor and exhaust. Work is performed in rights-of-way where the employee is exposed to danger from an atmosphere of high voltage electricity and must apply a wide range of safety precautions. Position may require accredited nationally recognized certification for fixed and swing boom cranes, aerial man-lifts, and/or material handling equipment. If so, training will be provided at government expense. Travel to and lodging at remote locations is frequently required. Travel is by motor vehicle, aircraft, or other means of transportation.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

• Ability To Do The Work Of The Position Without More Than Normal Supervision
• Ability To Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (includes blueprint reading)
• Ability To Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment
• Knowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair, etc.
• Technical Practices (theoretical, precise, artistic)

To apply for this position, you MUST provide a complete application package which includes:

• Your two (2) page RESUME showing all relevant work experience (paid and unpaid) including: duties performed; full name and address of the each employer; start and end dates (month/day/year); work schedule (part-time, full-time, number of hours if intermittent); salary; and any completed education and training (program title, subject area, number of hours completed, and completion date).
• Veterans' Preference documentation,if applicable, DD-214 Member Copy 4 showing type of discharge/character of service; current active duty members- certification of expected discharge or release from active duty under honorable conditions dated within 120 days; SF-15 Form and related documentation; VA letter. For more information visit the USAJOBS Help Center & OPM CHCOC website for VOW information.
• Career Transition Assistance Program/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program documentation, if applicable(e.g., Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal.) For more information see the OPM Guide to Career Transition.

Failure to submit any of the above mentioned required documents may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.

Next steps