High Voltage Electrical Apprentice I (Lineman and Electrician)

Clarification from the agency

This announcement is open to active Bonneville Power Administration employees with competitive status, currently on a career or career-conditional appointment.

Electrician Apprentice I, series 2810: A successful candidate in the position of an Electrician Apprentice I will, under direct supervision of a Journeyman Electrician or Electrician Foreman, perform tasks which typically involve installation and adjustment (Construction) or maintenance and repair (Maintenance) of electrical equipment in Substations. The construction tasks include erection of new facilities or removal of old facilities. The maintenance tasks include routine inspection, modification, troubleshooting, and repair of facilities. Equipment serviced may be electrical, hydraulic, mechanical, pneumatic, and/or electronic. Locations Available: Kent, WA; Clarkston, WA; Olympia, WA; Pacso, WA; Snohomish, WA; Spokane, WA; Vancouver, WA; Redmond, OR; Malin, OR; The Dalles, OR; Umatilla, OR.

Lineman Apprentice I, series 2810: A successful candidate in the position of Lineman Apprentice I will, under direct supervision of a Journeyman Lineman or Lineman Foreman, be trained to maintain and construct high voltage transmission lines throughout the Northwest. Lineman Apprentices will be trained to perform this work on wood poles and steel tower lines through 500kV alternating current (AC) and 1000kV direct current (DC). Locations Available: Grand Coulee, WA; Pasco, WA; Vancouver, WA; Eugene, OR; The Dalles, OR.

Satisfactory completion of all aspects of each step including the online courses and classroom instruction is mandatory for advancement to the next step. Failure to meet program requirements contained in the Standard of Apprenticeship will result in removal from the Apprenticeship program.

The Apprentice can expect to be in a travel status approximately 25% - 50% of the time to complete some of the work processes and training. The Apprentice will be paid for travel and per diem expenses, in accordance with applicable travel regulations, for expenses incurred in connection with mandatory training, including training on scheduled days off. The cost of tuition, books, and related materials will be paid by BPA.

Next Apprentice class will start February 7th, 2027.

Conditions of employment

• You must be a United States Citizen.
• This employer participates in the e-Verify program.
• Males must abide by Selective Service registration requirements.
• You will be required to report in person to the official duty location.
• Reside within one (1) hour (90 minutes for Grand Coulee, WA) of commuting time under normal weather and road conditions, to the duty station headquarters.
• Become familiar with and follow the safety practices of the BPA Accident Prevention Manual.
• Obtain a First Aid and CPR Card within the first month of employment and continuously thereafter.
• Subject to call outs for emergency work at any time.
• Apprentices may be selected for and relocated to their first assigned duty station during the last 12 months of the program.
• Position requires a pre-employment medical exam, prior to appointment due to the physical requirements of the position. Subject to periodic physical examinations.
• Maintain a valid state driver's license. Traffic citations indicating poor driving habits may disqualify applicants and can be cause for removal from the program.
• Position may require completion of a probationary period of up to 1 (one) year.
• May be required to apply pesticides and obtain a pesticide applicator's license.
• Wear protective apparel such as respirators when required for worker safety.
• Become certified on aerial lift equipment or other equipment if assigned.
• Obtain a valid commercial driver's license (CDL) with all endorsements required for operation of equipment within one year of employment and maintain continuously thereafter.
• Possess a Substation Entry Permit within the one-year of employment and maintain it thereafter.
• Occasionally, fly in helicopters or fixed wing aircraft in the performance of duties. (Lineman)
• Participate in all training activities such as training related to hazardous waste handling, oil spill containment and cleanup, and others.
• Obtain certification as a flag person.
• This position requires an initial drug test prior to appointment and random drug or drug and alcohol testing thereafter. Failure to test or a positive result on random drug or drug and alcohol tests conducted after appointment may result in removal from Federal employment.
• The positions at Ashe (Richland, WA) require unescorted access to a nuclear facility under the jurisdiction of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
• Those positions at Ashe (Richland, WA) will be required to take annual radiation training and pass a written exam

Qualifications

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. Your resume should demonstrate that you possess these elements and screen out. Do not provide a separate narrative written statement. Rather, you must describe in your resume how your past work experience demonstrates that you possess the elements and screen out identified below. This job has a screen-out factor 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) or who do not score at least half of the total points possible across all elements will be found ineligible.

The screen-out element for this position is: APTITUDE AND INTEREST TO LEARN TRADE THEORY. Failure to meet this Screen-out Element will result in an ineligible rating.

In addition to meeting the minimum qualifications for this position, you must pass an online aptitude examination demonstrating your potential for learning and advancing in an Apprentice position. Failure to pass the examination will result in an ineligible rating.

Apprenticeship positions require that you sign a "Continuation of Service Agreement". If you voluntarily leave BPA/DOE, during or after completing the training program described and/or prior to completing your service commitment you may be liable to BPA for the value of any service days not completed within 30 days of separation. The agreement will obligate you to remain with BPA for a period of one year upon completion of apprenticeship training.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Working conditions for Electrician Apprentice vary depending on tasks. Most work is performed outside in all weather conditions, but some work is done inside under normal shop conditions. Work is performed around energized equipment, such as switchboards containing critical control circuits where carelessness could cause a serious system disturbance or outage. Work is done in energized substations at various heights more than 100 feet, such as on steel framework, platforms, and ladders adjacent to energized high-voltage equipment. The Electrician Apprentice must frequently work on surfaces which are slippery due to insulating oil or ice. Installing conduit, pulling cable, working in oil circuit breaker (OCB) tanks, etc., involves working in restricted and cramped quarters. Approved respiratory and safety equipment shall be worn when hazardous substances are being handled (oil, acid, and solvent fumes, etc.) At times, work may be physically demanding. The work environment will occasionally include high noise levels or exposure to hazardous substances that could, if precautions are not followed, pose a health risk. Potential exposure to radiation could occur if assigned to work at the WNP2 plant. Emergencies, critical system conditions, or outage limitations may require working at night or under pressures of time. The Apprentice will be assigned to a Maintenance district for the term of apprenticeship. The Apprentice can expect to be in a travel status approximately 60% of the time since assignments of up to three (3) months away from the headquarters will be required to complete some work processes.
• Working conditions for Lineman Apprentice are outdoors in all kinds of weather conditions and may work for long periods in cold, wet, or icy weather, and high winds. Work is often performed on steel or wooden structures at considerable heights and on or near energized conductors or equipment. The employee often works in awkward positions, supported only by a safety belt, or a safety belt and climbers. When repairing conductors, the employee may ride in an aerial cart on the conductor, high above the ground. Frequently, work must be performed at night or under strict time limitations. The Lineman Apprentice may climb to heights of more than 100 feet many times a day. The employee may walk long distances over rugged terrain and work in locations inaccessible to mobile equipment. The Lineman Apprentice frequently uses hand tools, such as axes and hot sticks or power tools such as chain saws, for extended periods of time. The work environment will occasionally include high noise levels and/or exposure to hazardous substances that could, if precautions are not followed, pose a health risk. Approved 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 and/or under time restraints. System priorities may require extended periods of overtime including working weekends.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Electrician Apprentice- Must be able to climb and work at various heights, averaging 40 feet, rarely to 100 feet, such as on steel framework, platforms, ladders and other aerial equipment adjacent to high-voltage equipment. Requires good balance to climb ladders and structures (e.g., transformers) and perform repair duties and hang grounds. Good balance required on narrow and slippery surfaces at heights in varied weather conditions, and on uneven terrain. Operate trucks and equipment. Ability to stand an average of 2 hours, with a maximum of 3-4 hours uninterrupted. Lifts tools and equipment. Average is10-20 lbs. Positions 100-110 pound nitrogen and oxygen bottles and 200-pound SF6 gas cylinders from rack to cart (usually two persons assist with this) on daily basis.Ability to raise, lower and maneuver up to 30 pounds utilizing a pole 20 feet or more in length. Work in cramped, awkward positions while in buckets, manholes or confined spaces. Frequent kneeling to access and test equipment and wire.
• Lineman Apprentice- Must be able to climb poles (average 65 feet, maximum 110 feet) and towers (average 100 feet, maximum 535 feet), in all weather conditions; may average 4-6 climbs per day (more when inspecting lines and during Apprenticeship program). Operate trucks, heavy equipment, and specialized line/utility equipment. Ability to stand for extended uninterrupted periods of time on steep and uneven terrain while using hooks, ladders, buckets, or on poles and towers performing repairs. Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

"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.

Please do not cut and paste the "Duties" section, specialized experience statement, or occupational assessment questionnaire from this announcement into your resume, as this will not be considered a demonstration of your qualifications for this position.

Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on an assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.

You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

How you will be evaluated

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

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the eligibility and qualification requirements above. Once the announcement closes, we will conduct a review of your application package to verify your eligibility and qualifications. If you are found qualified, your application will move forward to additional phases of the review process.

Minimum Qualifications: Once the application process is complete, the Human Resources Offices or Subject Matter Expert (SME) will review your two-page resume and supporting documentation to determine whether you meet the minimum job qualifications.

Selection will be based on skills and competencies, not educational credentials or self-reported experience.

Merit Promotion & VEOA Procedures: If you are minimally qualified for this job, your will be assessed and evaluated to determine if you are a best qualified candidate. Federal employees must meet time-in-grade requirements and current employees must have at least a fully successful or equivalent performance rating to receive consideration.

Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):



Career Transition Assistance Programs: To receive selection priority for this position, you must: 1) meet the eligibility criteria; and 2) be rated "well-qualified", which is defined as having a score of 85 or better.

You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date (09/03/2026) of this announcement.

To preview the Assessment Questionnaire, click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13046201

USAHire: The USA Hire Assessment includes a cut score. USA Hire cut scores are based on the minimum level of proficiency required to perform the job for a specific series and grade. You must meet or exceed the cut score to be considered. You will not be considered for the position if you score below the cut score or fail to complete the assessment. The cut score is set at a government-wide level and not at the agency or individual vacancy level for USA Hire standard assessments. In accordance with 5 CFR 300.201(a), the U.S. Office of Personnel Management does not release testing and examination materials, scoring criteria including the specific cut score requirements, or other information used solely to determine individual qualifications, so as not to compromise the objectivity of the testing process.

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

• Your two (2) page RESUMEshowing all relevant work experience (paid and unpaid) including: duties performed; full name and address of 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).
  • Information on how to create a federal resume https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to/account/documents/resume
• Cover Letter, optional, expressing additional information not covered in your resume.
• Transcripts, if specific educational requirements are indicated in this job announcement. Unofficial transcripts or any report listing institution, course title, credits earned (semester or quarter hour) and final grade is acceptable. It is your responsibility to provide adequate proof that you meet the educational requirements.

• SF-50, "Notification of Personnel Action" (current/former federal employees): Most recent Promotion, Within Rate Increase (WRI/WGI), or Appointment/Conversion SF-50 or Notification of Personnel Action showing you are/were in the competitive service and the highest grade or promotion potential held.
• 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.

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