Lineman Job

Vacancy No. 24-BPA-40161-12412657-DH Department Bonneville Power Administration
Salary $60.65 to $60.65 Grade 00 to 00
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 5/14/2024 Close Date 5/13/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Idaho Falls, IDKalispell, MTGoshen, ORKeizer, OR


Summary

This position is located with Bonneville Power Administration, in the Transmission Field Services (TF) organization within the Transmission Services (T) business line of BPA.

A successful candidate in the Lineman position will perform work under the supervision of a Lineman Foreman. The degree of supervision will depend upon tasks performed and working conditions.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

This is a Direct Hire Public Notice.

Duties

This is an OPEN CONTINUOUS ANNOUNCEMENT. Eligible applications received after that date will be referred at regular intervals or as additional vacancies occur on an as-needed basis.

As a Lineman, you will:

  • Perform construction and maintenance work (including hot line maintenance) on either wood pole or steel tower lines including excavations and footings, framing and erecting towers and poles, hanging insulators and hardware, and stringing, sagging, and clipping conductor.
  • Replace or repair damaged steel towers, wood poles, crossarms, and conductors; relocate towers and poles; inspect and treat wood poles; and replace insulators.
  • Perform, or occasionally supervise, right-of-way maintenance work such as brush and weed control, cutting or topping danger trees, seeding cover crops for erosion control.
  • Repair access roads and install or repair bridges, culverts, fences, and gates.
  • Maintain microwave towers, antennas, and airway lighting installations; perform maintenance tasks in substations, involving overhead line work and other tasks requiring the use of line maintenance equipment.
  • Patrol transmission lines and report conditions of lines.
  • Take clearances and occasionally perform switching at unattended substations and line sectionalizing disconnect switches.
  • Complete associated paperwork and complete reports required of the above listed tasks.
  • When the Lineman is performing hot line work, supervision will be direct and detailed. When the work situation does not involve hot line work, emergencies, or conditions of similar scope, the Lineman will complete tasks under more general supervision. Work is performed in compliance with government regulations, BPA safety rules, and the BPA-CPTC Collective Agreement. This is a union position.
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.

Requirements

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 period.
  • This position does not support remote work. You will be required to report physically to the official reporting worksite as specified by the supervisor, but no less than 2 days per pay period.
  • Establish a residence in accordance with negotiated requirements, that is within one hour or less commuting time under normal weather and road conditions, to the duty station headquarters.
  • Extended periods of travel may be required.
  • 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 solvents, PCB's, chemicals, etc., which may have effects on health unless prescribed handling procedures are followed.)
  • Become familiar with and follow the safety practices of the BPA Accident Prevention Manual.
  • Possess valid First Aid Card, CPR Card, and an electrical worker's permit or obtain within 30 days after appointment.
  • Possess valid commercial driver's license (CDL) with all endorsements that are required to operate TLM equipment from state of residence. Traffic citations indicating poor driving habits may disqualify applicants.
  • Subject to call for emergency work at any time.
  • Obtain certification on the equipment associated with line maintenance if assigned to use or operate.
  • Operate motor vehicles normally used in line maintenance and construction.
  • Obtain certification as a flag person.
  • As part of the job requirements, the Lineman shall be required to apply restricted use pesticides, and, at the discretion of the Manager, may be required to obtain a pesticide applicators' permit. The Administration shall provide the necessary training for such a permit.
  • Become certified to take a clearance within 30 days after reporting for duty.
  • Occasionally, fly in helicopter or fixed wing aircraft in the performance of assigned duties.
  • Obtain and maintain live-line bare hand certification (requirement for live-line bare hand crew members only).

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: The ability to successfully perform the work of a Lineman is defined as performing construction and maintenance work (including hot line maintenance) on either wood pole or steel tower lines including excavations and footings, framing and erecting towers and poles, hanging insulators and hardware, and stringing, sagging, and clipping conductor 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.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

  • The Lineman works 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 wood 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. In other instances, the Lineman may work on precipitous slopes, and rugged or brushy terrain.
  • When repairing conductors, the Lineman may ride in a trolley on the conductor, high above the ground. The Lineman may climb to considerable heights many times a day.
  • The employee may walk long distances over rugged terrain and work in locations inaccessible to mobile equipment.
  • The Lineman frequently uses hand tools, such as axes and hot sticks, or power tools such as chain saws, for extended periods of time. T
  • The work environment will occasionally include high noise levels and/or exposure to hazardous substances (i.e., solvents, PCB's, chemicals, etc.) 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. When assigned to a live-line bare hand crew the Lineman may be in continuous travel status.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Essential Functions (those duties encompassed in a job which are indispensable and comprise the gist or substance of the job):
  • Performs construction and maintenance work (including hot line maintenance) on either wood pole or steel tower lines including excavations and footings, framing and erecting towers and poles, hanging insulators and hardware, and stringing, sagging and clipping conductors.
  • Replaces or repairs damaged steel towers, wood poles, crossarms, and conductors; relocates towers and poles; inspects and treats wood poles; and replaces insulators.
  • Performs, or supervises, right-of-way maintenance work such as brush and weed control, cutting or topping dangerous trees, seeding cover crops for erosion control.
  • Repairs access roads and installs or repairs bridges, culverts, fences and gates.
  • Maintains microwave towers, antennas, and airway lighting installations; performs maintenance tasks in substations, involving overhead line work and other tasks requiring the use of line maintenance equipment.
  • Patrols transmission lines and reports conditions of lines.
  • Takes clearances and occasionally performs switching at unattended substations and line sectionalizing disconnect switches.
  • Completes associated documentation required of the above listed tasks.
  • Drives 25-30% of the time in all weather conditions.

"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.

This public notice may be used to fill multiple positions as needed; therefore, applicants must meet the qualifications at the time the applications are reviewed.

Education

There are no specific education requirements or substitution of education for experience for this position.

Additional information

EEO Policy: USAJOBS Help Center | Equal employment opportunity policy
Reasonable Accommodation Policy: USAJOBS Help Center | Reasonable accommodation policy
Veterans Information: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/veterans/disabled/
Telework: www.telework.gov
Selective Service Registration: http://www.sss.gov/

Hiring incentives may be authorized for a highly qualified candidate based on budget availability and in accordance with federal regulations.
If you are a current federal employee, appointed under the direct-hire authority, you will be given a new appointment.

BPA strives to ensure a safe, positive, inclusive work environment, supported by Leadership Behaviors. For more information on Leadership Behaviors visit: www.bpa.gov/goto/LeadershipBehaviors

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.

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.

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.

This position is announced under a government-wide Direct-Hire Authority (DHA) for Lineman positions in the 2810 series. Under the DHA, all applicants who meet the Education and Qualification requirements listed in this announcement, at the grade level they are applying, will be forwarded to the Selecting Official for consideration. Veteran's Preference, category rating, and traditional rating and ranking of applicants does not apply under the DHA process.

If you are eligible for career transition assistance plans such as ICTAP or CTAP, you must meet the Education and Qualification requirements listed in this announcement to be referred for consideration.

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' or 'not qualified'.

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

  • Ability To Do The Work Of The Position Without More Than Normal Supervision
  • Ability To Use and Maintain Hand Tools (Electrical Work)
  • Knowledge of Electrical Equipment
  • Technical Practices (theoretical, precise, artistic)
  • Theory and Instruments (Electrical, Electronic) Used in Shop and Trade Practices
  • Trouble shooting (electrical)


You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date (05/13/2025) of this announcement.

To preview the Assessment Questionnaire, click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12412657

Required Documents

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

  • Your 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).
  • 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.
  • 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.

How to Apply

Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application, to include submission of the required documentation specified in the Required Documents section. A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the announcement closing date to receive consideration.

The application process is as follows:

  1. You must have a login.gov account to sign into USAJOBS: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/account/.
  2. To begin the application process in USAJOBS, click the Apply Online button.
  3. Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all required and supporting documentation.
  4. You must click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 pm (ET) on the announcement closing date.
You may update your application, including supporting documentation, at any time during the announcement open period by returning to your USAJOBS account, select Update Application: https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.

To verify the status of your application, during and after the announcement open period, log into your USAJOBS account; applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each application status means, visit: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/application/status/.

If you need help with login.gov or USAJOBS (e.g., account access, Resume Builder) visit the USAJOBS Help Center: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/

If you experience difficulty applying on USAJOBS, after clicking the Apply Online button, or you are experiencing a significant hardship hindering your ability to apply online, the Agency Contact listed in the announcement can assist you during normal business hours. If you receive any system error messages, take screenshots if possible, to aid technical support.

Agency contact information

Shaunna Young

Address

Bonneville Power Administration
P.O. Box 3621
Portland, OR 97208
US
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. The status of your application will be updated in USAJOBS as it is evaluated.

You can check the status by logging into USAJOBS. You may also sign up to receive automatic emails anytime the status of your application changes by logging into your USAJobs Account and editing the Notification Settings.

You will be contacted directly if an interview is required.

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.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


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