Duties
As a Substation Operator Apprentice I, series 5407: A successful candidate in the position of Substation Operator Apprentice I will, under direct supervision of a journeyman Substation Operator or another journeyman Electrical Worker, operate high voltage electrical equipment in electrical power transmission system substations and on transmission lines. Specific tasks vary with the type of substation to be operated.
Available duty locations: Kent, WA; Longview, WA; Olympia, WA; East Wenatchee, WA; Pasco, WA; Richland, WA; Snohomish, WA; Clarkston, WA; Vancouver, WA; Kalispell, MT; Gold Creek, MT; Goshen, OR; North Bend, OR; Keizer, OR Hillsboro, OR Umatilla, OR.
Satisfactory completion of all aspects of each step including 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.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Substation Operator Apprentice- Must be able to climb and work at various heights such as on platforms, ladders and stairs adjacent to high-voltage equipment. Requires good balance to climb ladders and stairs and perform repair duties while switching and changing fuses and walk on uneven surfaces. Operate motor vehicles. Ability to raise, lower and maneuver up to 30 pounds utilizing a pole 20 feet or more in length.
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.
Requirements
Conditions of employment
- 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 apprentice program requirements contained in the Standard of Apprenticeship will result in removal from the apprenticeship program.
- Work in close proximity to substances, such as acids, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), pesticides, asbestos, mercury, and solvents, etc., which may have effects on health unless prescribed handling procedures are followed. If exposed to health hazards, have periodic physical examinations as prescribed by competent medical authority at BPA expense.
- Become knowledgeable with and follow the safety practices of the BPA Accident Prevention Manual.
- Establish a residence in accordance with negotiated requirements, that is within one hour (90 minutes for the Grand Coulee, Washington duty station) or less commuting time under normal weather and road conditions, to the duty station headquarters.
- Possess or obtain a Substation Entry Permit within the one-year of employment and maintain it continuously thereafter.
- Possess at all times a valid state driver's license. Traffic citations indicating poor driving habits may disqualify applicants, and can be cause for removal from the program.
- Obtain certification on the equipment associated with substation operations assigned to operate.
- Take First Aid training to obtain a First Aid and CPR Card within the first month of employment and maintain continuously thereafter.
- Operate any type of motor vehicle applicable to assigned duties.
- As part of the job requirements, and at the discretion of the Chief Substation Operator III, the Substation Operator Apprentice shall be required to apply restricted use pesticides and may be required to obtain a pesticide applicator's license. The Administration shall provide the necessary training for such a license.
- In addition to a successful evaluation on the final review, the Step 7 Apprentice must pass the current year's Clearance Certification examination. Satisfactory completion of the clearance certification examination is a mandatory requirement for graduation to the journeyman level.
- The Apprentices may be selected for and relocated to their first assigned duty station during the last 6 months of their apprenticeship program in accordance with BPA-CPTC memorandum of understanding (MOU) applicable to apprentice placement.
Qualifications
To be eligible for the Recent Graduate program you must be a:
- Recent graduate who has completed, within the previous two years, a qualifying associates, bachelors, masters, professional, doctorate, vocational or technical degree or certificate from a qualifying educational institution. -OR
- Student who within 90 days of the closing date of this announcement will meet the education requirements and will graduate with a qualifying associates, bachelors, masters, professional, doctorate, vocational or technical degree or certificate from a qualifying educational institution. A student may not be appointed to a position until they have graduated. -OR
- Preference eligible veteran who was precluded from applying due to their military service obligation begin their two-year eligibility period upon release or discharge from active duty. Eligibility for these veterans cannot exceed six years after degree or certificate completion."
Pathways Recent Graduates Program Requirements:
- Recent Graduate participants will be on a 2 year trial period.
- Pathways Recent Graduate Participant Agreement is required.
To be eligible for conversion, a Recent Graduate must: (1) complete at least one year of continuous service; (2) be a U.S. citizen; (3) demonstrate successful job performance (4) meet the qualification standards for the position to which converted; (5) receive a recommendation for conversion from the first-level supervisor; and (6) meet agency-specific requirements, as specified in the Participant Agreement.
Conversion: Pathways Recent Graduates are converted to a term or permanent position upon program completion. This is not automatic nor guaranteed; it is at the discretion of the employing office.
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 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
Substation Operator Apprentice are performed both indoors and outdoors under all prevailing weather conditions during the day or night. Work is also performed on uneven, outdoor surfaces, including steep inclines, on rocked or graveled surfaces and unimproved surfaces. Hazards include working around high voltage equipment and machinery with moving parts. The possibility of explosion or fire is ever-present. The Substation Operator Apprentice may work from ladders, platforms, scaffolding, or stairs. The work environment will occasionally include high noise levels and/or exposure to hazardous substances (such as acids, PCB's, pesticides, asbestos, mercury, solvents, 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 and/or under time restraints. System priorities may require extended periods of overtime including working weekends.
"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
Education must be obtained from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. See
Department of Education Accreditation Search to verify school accreditation.
Foreign education must be reviewed by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the
Department of Education website. DO NOT email or mail in any of your application documents. Documents will not be accepted outside of the online application system.
Additional information
- 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.
- This position will require successful completion of a background investigation.
- Subject to call for emergency work at any time.
- Under the Employee Referral Bonus program, certain BPA employees may be eligible for a monetary award for referring outside candidates for this difficult-to-fill position. The referring employee must complete the form BPA F 33300.01e and email it to careers@bpa.gov by midnight of the closing date of the job posting.
- For general information on government-wide Telework polices visit: www.opm.gov/telework
- Information on how to create a federal resume
EEO Policy: USAJOBS Help Center | Equal employment opportunity policy
Reasonable Accommodation Policy: USAJOBS Help Center | Reasonable accommodation policy
Reasonable Accommodation for USAHire: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended, that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a reasonable accommodation in your online application. Requests for Reasonable Accommodations for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for Reasonable Accommodation must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for Reasonable Accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a Reasonable Accommodation, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments
here.
Veterans Information:
USAJOBS Help Center - Veterans
Veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Selective Service Registration:
http://www.sss.gov/ - Who must register:
https://www.sss.gov/faq/#who-needs-to-register
BPA strives to ensure a safe and positive work environment.
We also understand the importance of work/life balance and offer a variety of programs and policies designed to create more flexible, responsive work environments supportive of commitments to community, home and family members. BPA also supports employees' overall wellness through its Be Well program, which helps employees adopt healthier lifestyles and feel better about their work/life balance. The program supports five key areas of life: career, community, financial, physical and social.
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.
Review our 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.
Minimum Qualifications: Once the application process is complete, the Human Resources Offices or Subject Matter Expert (SME) will review your two-page resume, education requirements, and supporting documentation to determine whether you meet the minimum job qualifications.
If you are minimally qualified for this job, you will be referred to the hiring manager in unraked order, based on veterans preference status, Preference candidates will receive first consideration.
Application of Veterans' Preference: Preference eligible candidates will be referred as follows: (1) 10 percent or more compensable-disabled veterans (CP/CPS); (2) all other 10-point preference eligibles (XP); (3) 5-point preference eligibles (TP); then (4) all other candidates. CP/CPS veterans are placed at the top of the highest category for all positions except professional and scientific positions at GS-9 and higher.
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.
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/13034542