Summary
Reclamation is seeking a career professional looking for an opportunity to capitalize on their expertise as a Plant Mechanic. You can make a difference in the West by assisting in meeting increasing water demands while protecting the environment.
Duty Location: Folsom, California; Jamestown, California
This job is open to
Federal employees - Competitive service
Current federal employees whose agencies follow the U.S. Office of Personnel Management's hiring rules and pay scales.
Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)
Federal employees whose job, agency or department was eliminated and are eligible for priority over other applicants.
Veterans
Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces or a spouse, widow, widower or parent of a veteran, who may be eligible for derived preference
Military spouses
Military spouses of active duty service members or whose spouse is 100 percent disabled or died on active duty.
Individuals with disabilities
Individuals who are eligible under Schedule A.
Peace Corps & AmeriCorps Vista
Individuals who have served at least 2 years with the Peace Corps or 1 year with AmeriCorps VISTA.
Special authorities
Individuals eligible under a special authority not listed in another hiring path.
Clarification from the agency
See 'Who May Apply' under the Requirements section below for more information on who is eligible to apply for this position.
Duties
As a Plant Mechanic with Reclamation, primary duties and responsibilities include:
- Performing a wide range of mechanical work necessary for the maintenance, overhaul and repair of hydroelectric generating equipment, machinery, and systems.
- Operating and maintaining a variety of hoisting equipment including bridge and gantry cranes, monorail cranes, and other hoisting equipment.
- Performing precision machining operations to repair components and to fabricate parts from stock material.
- Applying welding and brazing techniques for repairs and fabrications.
- Following occupational safety rules and procedures and managing clearances in accordance with the OSHA standard for The Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout) (29 CFR 1910.147).
- Performing other duties as assigned within this classification.
Requirements
Conditions of employment
- You must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National.
- You must be suitable for federal employment, as determined by a background investigation.
- You must submit a resume and supporting documentation (see Required Documents).
- You must submit proof of eligibility documents for veterans' consideration (see Required Documents).
- You must meet any experience requirements (see Qualifications).
- You must be able to obtain and maintain a valid state-issued driver's license.
- You will be required to complete a pre-employment physical examination by a licensed physician certifying your ability to perform the duties of this position. The cost of the exam will be reimbursed by the agency.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a gantry or overhead crane operator certification in accordance with the OSHA industry standards.
- This position is designated as a MODERATE RISK Public Trust position. It requires a fully completed and favorably adjudicated Public Trust Suitability Background Investigation (T2S or T2RS or equivalent) that is current (within the last 5 years). This is a condition of employment.
Continue to the Additional Information section for the Condition of Employment for Probationary Period.
Who May Apply: - 30% or More Disabled Veterans
- Bureau of Reclamation Employees (Competitive)
- Bureau of Reclamation Employees (Non-Competitive)
- Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP)
- Department of the Interior Employees (Competitive)
- Department of the Interior Employees (Non-Competitive)
- Federal Employees (Competitive Transfer)
- Federal Employees (Non-Competitive Transfer)
- Former Federal Employees (Competitive Reinstatement)
- Former Federal Employees (Non-Competitive Reinstatement)
- Individuals with Disabilities (Schedule A)
- Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP)
- Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act (LMWFA)
- Military Spouses
- Miscellaneous Appointing Authorities
- Peace Corps & AmeriCorps VISTA Volunteers
- Public Lands Corps (PLC) Hiring Authority
- Special Hiring Authorities
- Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA)
- Veterans Recruitment Authority (VRA)
Qualifications
Your application materials must demonstrate sufficient experience and training to perform the duties of this position without more than normal supervision. Qualifications will be determined based on information submitted within your resume and responses to the assessment questions. For more information about qualifications for Federal Wage System positions, please visit OPM.
Applicants will be rated in accordance with the OPM Qualification Standard for the WG-5300 Industrial Equipment Maintenance Work Family. Although a specific length of time and experience is not required for most blue-collar positions, you must meet any screen-out element listed and show through experience and training that you possess the quality level of knowledge and skills 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.
Minimum qualifications for trades and labor positions are determined by evaluation of job elements. You must meet at least 2 points on the screen-out element(s) and obtain an average of at least 2 points on all the job elements to be considered qualified for this position.
VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and/or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours worked per week.
You must meet all Eligibility and Qualification requirements by
Your application materials must demonstrate sufficient experience and training to perform the duties of this position without more than normal supervision. Qualifications will be determined based on information submitted within your resume and responses to the assessment questions. For more information about qualifications for Federal Wage System positions, please visit OPM.
Applicants will be rated in accordance with the OPM Qualification Standard for the WG-5300 Industrial Equipment Maintenance Work Family. Although a specific length of time and experience is not required for most blue-collar positions, you must meet any screen-out element listed and show through experience and training that you possess the quality level of knowledge and skills 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.
Minimum qualifications for trades and labor positions are determined by evaluation of job elements. You must meet at least 2 points on the screen-out element(s) and obtain an average of at least 2 points on all the job elements to be considered qualified for this position.
VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and/or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours worked per week.
You must meet all Eligibility and Qualification requirements by 01/28/2026.
Education
This position does not allow substituting education for experience.
Additional information
Condition of Employment for Probationary Period: As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period, during which your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest will be evaluated. A probationary period is an extension of the appointment process and therefore requires the agency to determine if continued employment would advance the public interest, meet the organization goals and mission of the agency, and/or otherwise promote the efficiency of the service. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, the agency will consider:
- Your performance and conduct;
- the needs and interests of the agency;
- whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
- whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.
Under applicable law, the employment of an individual serving a probationary or trial period automatically terminates when that period ends unless the agency affirmatively certifies, in writing, that the individual's employment should continue and that their appointment should be finalized. In the absence of agency action to affirmatively certify continued employment beyond the probationary or trial period, such appointments are terminated. Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
Reclamation has determined that the duties of this position are suitable for telework only during an emergency or natural disaster.
DOI uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including applicant rights and responsibilities, please visit https://www.e-verify.gov/
Male applicants born after 12/31/1959: You must certify registration with the Selective Service System or that you are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. Go to: https://www.sss.gov
Physical Effort: Position duties require the ability to safely handle and carry moderately heavy loads weighing up to 50 pounds. The duties require the ability to pull, push, reach, bend, walk, stand, crawl, kneel, squat, work overhead and work at elevated heights (i.e., scaffolding and ladders).
Working Conditions: Requires the ability to safely and efficiently work alone and with others. The majority of duties are performed in an industrial work environment. Some work is performed within confined spaces. Work is performed on or around moving equipment and energized sources. May travel to remote locations. May be exposed to irritation or discomfort from dust particles, heat, noise, fumes, and/or vapors. May be required to wear a respirator in certain spaces while performing duties.
Direct deposit enrollment is required.
This is a bargaining unit position represented by a labor union.
Additional vacancies may be filled using this job announcement.
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.
Please limit your resume to no more than 2 pages. If more than 2 pages are submitted, only the first 2 pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications.
Human Resources (HR) will review resumes and submitted documents, if applicable, to ensure your meet the basic qualification requirements. HR will evaluate each applicant who meets the basic qualifications on the information provided in the assessment questionnaire. Applicants determined best qualified will be referred to the selecting official.
You will be further evaluated on the following Job Elements through your resume content and your responses to the application questionnaire:
- Ability to do the Work of the Position Without More than Normal Supervision (Screen-out Element)
- Ability to Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (includes blueprint reading)
- Ability to Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment
- Dexterity and Safety
- Knowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair, etc.
- Knowledge of Materials
- Technical Practices (theoretical, precise, artistic)
- Troubleshooting
The screen-out element for this position is indicated below. Failure to meet the following screen-out element will result in an ineligible rating:
- Ability to Do the Work of the Position without More Than Normal Supervision
Your answers will be verified against information provided in your resume. Your resume must clearly support the responses to all the questions by addressing experience, education, and/or training relevant to this position. You must make a fair and accurate assessment of your qualifications. If a determination is made that you have rated yourself higher than what is apparent in the description of your experience, competencies, skills, and/or education/training (or that your resume/application is incomplete), you could be rated as ineligible, or your score could be reduced.
Required Documents
Please submit the supporting documents outlined below applicable to your claimed eligibility status and the position and grade to which you are applying. Failing to submit required documents will result in non-consideration due to an incomplete application package.
RESUME: You must submit a resume that demonstrates how skills and experiences through job duties meet the qualifications and requirements listed in the job announcement to be considered for the job. Each job experience must include dates of employment including start and end dates (month and year), work schedule (full-time or part-time), and hours worked per week. Resumes must not exceed two single-sided pages and resumes longer than two pages will not be accepted. The minimum font size is 10-point for all body text. Headers may be slightly larger but must remain legible. All resumes must maintain a minimum 0.5-inch margins on all sides to ensure readability and prevent excessive content compression. Including supplemental pages or attachments disguised as resume extensions are prohibited and will not be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications.For more information, click here.
PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL: Please submit 1) a copy of your most recent performance appraisal/evaluation, and 2) a list of any awards (e.g. superior performance awards, special act/achievement awards, quality step increase, etc.) you received in the last 5 years. Any performance appraisal/evaluation and award documentation you provide will be forwarded to the selecting official. The selecting official will review this documentation and give it due weight consideration during the overall selection process. If you do not have your most recent performance appraisal/evaluation, please submit a statement as to why it is not available. Please indicate if any prior performance appraisals/evaluations were at an acceptable level.
FEDERAL EMPLOYEES: Competitive Service current and/or former federal employees eligible for Promotion, Reassignment, Transfer, Reinstatement, etc. You must submit a copy of your SF-50, verifying highest rate of pay and documenting career or career-conditional status in the competitive service (Tenure 1 or 2) for which the applicant is claiming eligibility. Do not submit award SF-50s. If you are applying for a higher grade and your SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you meet the one year time-in-grade requirement so you will need to provide an SF-50 which clearly demonstrates you meet the time-in-grade requirements (examples of appropriate SF-50s include Promotions, Within-grade Grade/Range Increases, and SF-50s with an effective date more than one year old). For more information, click here.
CAREER TRANSITION PROGRAMS: Permanent Federal employees who are surplus, displaced, or involuntarily separated. You must submit a copy of your most recent performance appraisal, proof of eligibility, and most current SF-50 noting position, grade level, and duty location. To be considered under CTAP/ICTAP, you must be well-qualified (i.e., meet the minimum qualification requirements, including selective factors, education and experience requirements) and score at least 85.0 on the assessment questionnaire as established, and be able to perform the duties of the position upon entry. For more information, click here.
VETERANS: Veterans preference eligible under VRA (GS-11 and below only), VEOA, 30% or more Disabled, or Disabled Veterans Enrolled in a VA Training Program. If you are claiming eligibility based on veterans' preference entitlement, you must submit a copy of your latest Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 (copy indicating character of service) or other proof of your service which includes character of service. If claiming disability preference, you must also submit the disability letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs or Armed Service and the Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, Standard Form 15. For more information, please click here.
OTHER HIRING AUTHORITIES: Applicants claiming eligibility based on a Special Hiring Authority must submit applicable proof of eligibility as outlined in the following site(s): Special Hiring Authorities, Schedule A, Interchange Agreement, Peace Corps & AmeriCorps, Military Spouse.
How to Apply
Applications (resume, assessment questionnaire, and supporting documentation) for this vacancy MUST be received online BEFORE midnight Eastern Time (Washington, DC time) on 01/28/2026. To apply, click the blue APPLY ONLINE button at the top of the page.
Do not submit photographs with the application package. Documents with photographs may not be seen by hiring officials - applicant must remove any images from badges, licenses, etc.
Next steps
Upon successful submission of the application packet, you will receive a confirmation email from USAJOBS. If you do not receive this email confirmation, the application has not yet been accepted by the system.
After all application packages have been received, resumes and supporting document(s) will be reviewed to ensure applicants meet the basic qualification requirements. Each applicant who meets the basic qualifications will be further evaluated on the information provided in the resume, application questionnaire, and other assessment criteria identified in the "How You Will Be Evaluated" section above. Best-qualified applicants will be referred to the selecting official. After making a tentative job offer, a suitability and/or security background investigation will be conducted. A final job offer is typically made within 40 days after the deadline for applications. Applicants should monitor their status for positions with the Bureau of Reclamation by regularly checking their public status notifications in the USAJOBS profile.