Summary
All hourly jobs are considered as open for bid on a continuous basis. Any BPA employee on a competitive career or career-conditional appointment may, at any time, submit an application for permanent promotions, reassignments, or change of duty stations. In order to assure all interested employees are considered, candidates are solicited annually through a Continuous Vacancy Announcement - Hourly Jobs (Bid List) identifying those jobs and duty locations, for which they wish to be considered.
This job is open to
Clarification from the agency
Bonneville Power Administration employees with competitive status, currently on a career or career-conditional appointment. Apprentices in the last year of the program are encouraged to submit an application to indicate duty locations for which they want to be considered for permanent placement.
Duties
As a High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) System Protection & Control Craftsman, you will:
- The HVDC System Protection & Control Craftsman sets up and operates test equipment which is needed to perform the following tasks without immediate supervision:
- Acceptance tests, maintenance tests, repairs, adjustment, and final accuracy tests on Programmable Logic Controllers, protection systems, relays, energy meters, indication meters, plant controls, telemetering, and other equipment necessary for operation of the DC Converter Station, along with SVC and TCSC equipment in other districts.
- Prepares test data sheets and preliminary reports documenting the tests performed including instrument readings, data tolerance checks, electrical diagrams, and other pertinent information.
- Makes and/or assists with test setups to perform any of the above.
- Keeps test equipment and test circuits in good safe working order.
- Uses technical documentation as required, for maintenance and troubleshooting of equipment.
- Operates precision standards and unique instrumentation to evaluate the performance and/or quality of the equipment.
- Performs special assignments related to system protection and control work such as developing automated test programs, developing and assembling special test circuits, performing novel tests, and developing trouble-shooting instructions.
- Assists in training of HVDC System Protection & Control Craftsman Trainees.
- Collects and performs basic analysis of sequential event records and fault recordings showing high voltage DC Convertor Station control signals, high voltage DC transmission line signals, and high voltage AC power system signals.
- Maintains tools, equipment, and supplies related to support of the System Protection and Control function at the Celilo Converter Station, SVC and TCSC Stations. Orders spare parts, tools, and other supplies as needed. Coordinates yearly calibration of SPC test equipment used at the station.
- Tasks with more direct supervision:
- Perform intricate equipment evaluation and testing by measuring the performance characteristics of complex equipment when operated in both normal and unusual electrical or environmental conditions. Prepares test data sheets and reports for documentation of tests performed showing relevant instrument readings, data analysis, test configuration drawings and other pertinent information.
- Modify or fabricate equipment in accordance with written or oral instructions, brief sketches, or ideas consistent with the results desired. Performs evaluation tests to verify that the equipment meets specifications and prepares a preliminary report of the work accomplished and test results.
- Perform special assignments related to DC Protection and Control work such as developing automated control programs, developing and assembling special test circuits, performing novel tests, and developing trouble-shooting instructions. The incumbent makes suggestions for changes to improve quality, suitability, and maintainability of the equipment.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- When you apply you will be asked a series of questions to determine your eligibility for employment and your qualification for this position specifically. You must answer all of these questions completely and truthfully.
- Position is subject to initial pre-employment Drug Testing and random drug testing thereafter.
- This position requires a pre-employment medical exam, at BPA expense, prior to appointment due to the physical requirements of the position.
- Must become familiar with and follow the safety practices of the BPA Accident Prevention Manual and special safety rules for the work site where work is performed.
- Possess an Electrical Worker's permit or obtain one within 120 days after need is established.
- As circumstances dictate, or as required by management, possess or obtain standard clearance certification.
- Possess a valid state driver's license. Possess a U.S. Government Motor Vehicle Authorization or obtain within 30 days after appointment and maintain continuously thereafter. Traffic citations indicating poor driving habits may disqualify applicants.
- Possess within 1 year after appointment, and maintain continuously thereafter, a valid First Aid card and CPR card.
- Operate motor vehicles, including 1-1/2 ton pickups, sedans or van type trucks, including forklifts. Be certified to operate specialized equipment if assigned to use.
- Be subject to call for emergency work at any time.
- Be able to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) (such as respirators, hard hats, safety glasses, ear protection footwear, etc) to prevent injury to self, or others, if proper safety precautions are not followed.
- If exposed to health hazards, have periodic physical examinations as prescribed by competent medical authority at BPA expense.
- (Employees will work in close proximity to substances, such as acids, PCB's, pesticides, asbestos, mercury, etc., which may have effects on health unless prescribed handling procedures are followed.)
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 successfully perform the work of a High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) System Protection and Control Craftsman is defined as performing acceptance and maintenance tests, repairs, adjustment, and final accuracy tests on Programmable Logic Controllers, protection systems, relays, energy meters, indication meters, plant controls, telemetering, and other equipment necessary for the operation of the DC Converter Station, along with Static Var Compensator (SVC) and Thyristor-controlled Series Capacitors (TCSC) equipment in other districts without more than normal supervision. Failure to meet this Screen out Element will result in an ineligible rating.
In addition to the screen-out element you will be evaluated on the following Job Elements through your resume and responses to the on-line assessment questionnaire:
- Ability To Do The Work Of The Position Without More Than Normal Supervision
- Ability To Use Hand and Power Tools -Electronics
- Ingenuity (Ability To Suggest and Apply New Methods)
- Knowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair, etc.
- Theory of Electronics
- Trouble shooting (Electronic Equipment)
- Use of Test Equipment: Electronics
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.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Work is performed primarily indoors at the high voltage Celilo DC Converter Station, and SVC and TCSC Stations in other field locations. Work may be performed outside in adverse weather conditions, in energized substations. Some overnight travel may be required. The employee may be exposed to electrical hazards of all voltages existing in the BPA system and is expected to work occasionally on substation equipment at heights 40 feet above the ground. Some test sites require walking over uneven terrain but most locations are accessible by mobile equipment. At times, work may be physically demanding. Test voltages up to several thousand volts may be present in some types of equipment. The work environment will occasionally include high noise levels or exposure to toxic or hazardous substances (acids, solvents, mercury, PCB's, etc.) that could, if precautions are not followed, pose a health risk. Proper respiratory and safety equipment shall be worn when hazardous substances are being handled. Emergencies, critical system conditions, or outage limitations may require that work be done at night or under serious time pressures. System priorities may require extended periods of overtime including working weekends and holidays.
PHYSICAL CONDITIONS:
Incumbents must be physically and mentally able to efficiently perform the essential duties of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation, without hazard to themselves or others.
"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.
You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
Education
There is no substitution of education for experience for Federal Wage Grade (WG) positions.
Benefits
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.
The Department of Energy uses an application tracking system to evaluate the responses you provide in the applicant assessment questionnaire to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications necessary for this position. Then, the HR Office and/or Subject Matter Expert (SME) will conduct a quality review of your resume and self-assessment to determine if your qualifications meet the criteria for referral to the selecting official.
You may preview the online self-assessment questionnaire here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12243835
Semi-Annual Rating/Ranking:
Semi-annual rating/ranking will be conducted in January and July for the following craft positions:
- Electrician Foreman I, II, and III (Maintenance and Construction)
- Lineman Foreman I and III
- Chief Substation Operator III
NOTE: Applications for the above positions must be received by no later than 11:59 p.m. (EST) December 31, 2024 to be included in the January 2025 semi-annual rating/ranking process. Bid applications received between January 1, 2024 and June 30, 2024 will be rated/ranked by subject matter expert (SME) panel during the July 2024 semi-annual rating/ranking period.
Bid Applications submitted for positions not included in the semi-annual rating/ranking schedule will be rated/ ranked by SME panel only after a manager's request to fill the position is received in BPA's HR Service Center, Recruitment and Placement workgroup, HA-1.
Applications that are rated/ranked must receive a rating of "best qualified" (transmuted score of 80, or higher) to be referred for hiring consideration. Those who received a "best qualified" rating will retain this ranking for up to five (5) years from the date of rating. Applicants must submit a new annual bid list application each year during the 5-year rating period to receive consideration for each year.
If your resume is incomplete or does not support the responses you provided in your online questionnaire, or if you fail to submit all required documentation before the vacancy closes, you may be rated 'ineligible', 'not qualified'.
Required Documents
Please carefully review the following list to determine what documentation you need to submit. Some documents may not apply to all applicants.
If applying for a promotion, change in craft, or your 5 year Bid rating has expired, then you must submit a complete application package for 2023 to receive hiring consideration.
Your application must include:
- Completed online assessment questionnaire, and
- A detailed Resume that clearly supports your experience, education and/or training completed and provided you with the knowledge, skills and ability to perform the duties of the position as indicated by your answers and/or responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire.
How to Apply
To be considered for this position, you must submit your complete application no later than 11:59 pm on 12/31/2024 . If you do not submit a complete application prior to the closing time (regardless of when you started) the online application system will not allow you to finish! Requests for extensions will not be granted, so please begin the application process allowing yourself enough time to finish before the deadline. Our online application system displays a countdown timer at the top of the screen for your reference. For your security, your session in our online application system will "time-out" if you are inactive for a certain period of time. We recommend that you preview the assessment questions before you apply and prepare all of your information prior to beginning the application. If you do get "timed-out" you will have to log back in to USAJOBS and re-visit the vacancy announcement, you can then click "Update Application" to finish where you left off.
Steps to submit a complete application:
- Click the "Apply Online" button. If you are not already logged in, you will need to do so.
- You must have a complete resume associated with your USAJOBS account. Please note that some DOE offices do not accept uploaded resumes and instead require that you submit a USAJOBS-formatted resume using the Resume Builder.
- You will be prompted to select a resume and any documentation you have attached to your USAJOBS account before you are transferred to the Department of Energy's online application system. Please be aware that any document you select before being transferred to our system will not automatically be received. You must take steps to download your documents from USAJOBS during the "Documents" step within our online application system (see Step 6).
- If you are a first-time applicant to the Department of Energy, you'll be asked to register an account first. If you are a returning applicant, you will skip this step and go straight to the application portion.
- You must respond to all applicant assessment questions, carefully following all instructions provided.
- You will then be asked to upload additional supporting documentation. If you selected documents from USAJOBS prior to being transferred to our application system (Step 3), you will need to click the "USAJOBS" link to complete the transfer process. These documents ARE NOT automatically transferred! It is ultimately your responsibility to make sure all required documents are either faxed, uploaded, or transferred from USAJOBS successfully. If you are unsure that your documents went through, please contact the HR Specialist listed on the announcement BEFORE the vacancy closes.
- After reviewing your submission in the final step, you must click "Submit Application" at the bottom of the page. If you leave the application before clicking Submit, your application will not be received.
If your resume does not support the responses in your application questionnaire, or if you fail to submit required documentation before the vacancy closes, you may be rated 'ineligible', 'not qualified', or your score may be adjusted accordingly.
NEED HELP?
- If you experience any difficulties with the online application process (anything after you have clicked the 'Apply Online' button): Contact USAJOBS below or contact the HR Office listed on this announcement between normal business hours. If you are receiving any kind of error message, please be ready to provide a screenshot or at a minimum, the error message text and number.
- If you need help with USAJOBS (searching for jobs, account password/profile issues, or Resume Builder): please visit the USAJOBS Resource Center. Ask USAJOBS directly for support, by using the "Contact Us" Button at the bottom of this page. We regret that we are unable to support any issues with USAJOBS, as this service is not maintained by the Department of Energy.
- If you are experiencing a significant hardship which hinders your ability to apply online please contact the HR Office listed on this announcement during normal business hours to discuss your situation.
Next steps
After each step in the recruitment process, your status will be updated in our application tracking system. Once this happens, if you have elected to receive e-mail updates, you will be notified through your USAJOBS registered e-mail address. If you have not elected for e-mail updates, you can review your current application status in USAJOBS at any time. Please check that your USAJOBS profile contact information is current and correct each time you apply to a job--this will ensure we are able to contact you as quickly as possible.
In addition to changing your status online, we will send you e-mail notifications at each major step in the process, to include: application received, eligible or not eligible, referred or not referred, selected or not selected.
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