Power Plant Operator Job in Washington, DC

Vacancy No. CPP-2025-365 Department Architect of the Capitol
Salary $34.36 to $40.14 Grade 10 to 10
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 8/4/2025 Close Date 8/25/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Washington, DC


Summary

This position is located in the Architect of the Capitol (AOC); Office of the Chief Operating Officer (OCO); Director, Utilities and Power Plant Operations; Assistant Director Operations Division; Rotating Operations Branch A, B, C or D. Serves as a Power Plant Operator and is responsible for the safety, environmental compliance, reliability, efficiency, and operation of all equipment in the Capitol Power Plant (CPP) during the assigned shift.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

Applications will be accepted from all U.S. Citizens. Please be advised that federal retired annuitant candidates may only be considered temporary employees if the role can be filled in that capacity.

Duties

***The incumbent of this position is considered “Emergency Essential Employees” and will be required to work in emergency situations and in inclement weather conditions.***

***Tour of duty may include holidays, weekends and rotating shifts on a regular and recurring basis.***

Major Duties Include: The CPP operates around the clock to provide steam for heating and chilled water for air conditioning to the buildings of the U.S. Capitol, U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate. The incumbent is required to report to work during emergencies, failure of plant machinery and equipment, and inclement weather situations to support the critical mission of the CPP.


PLANT OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE  

Operates the electric generation, steam and chilled water utility systems on a continuing basis. Uses plant equipment control systems to insure operation of all plant systems is within desired parameters and at the highest possible efficiency.

Performs proper start-up and shutdown of plant machinery and equipment as instructed by a Supervisor and/or the Control Room Operator Leader. Properly responds to machinery and equipment malfunctions and casualties and restores the plant to normal operations. Takes immediate corrective action to safely operate the plant in accordance with all operating parameters and permits.

Troubleshoots to determine the causes of unusual or improper operating conditions; evaluates the situation and initiates corrective actions to prevent recurrence of improper operation or equipment failure.

Utilizes portable plant instrumentation such as thermal imaging cameras, refrigerant and combustible gas leak detectors, infrared scanning equipment, digital thermometers, borescopes and vibration testing equipment.

Coordinates plant operations to maintain operational, environmental and energy efficiency goals in a manner that ensures plant reliability. Monitors the condition of the plant, coordinates actions between lower grade operators in the field and relays critical information to the Control Room Operator Leader.

PROJECT/PROGRAM PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT 

Completes work as assigned or directed by the Control Room Operator Leader, Power Plant Operator Assistant Supervisor and/or the Power Plant Operator Supervisor. Observes work of lower grade wage grade employees in progress to anticipate and resolve problems. Investigates work-related problems such as inefficient plant operations and recommends solutions.

Thoroughly familiar with the use of the plant TMA system to initiate plant work orders, insuring proper documentation and maintenance requests to correct plant deficiencies. Reviews Operations Division assigned work orders and planned maintenance actions on a daily basis. Completes assigned work orders and work order documentation and allocates time to the work order in a timely manner.

Provides clear, technical and timely communication on engineering projects. Reviews and comments on project and design documents and drawings as provided to Operations by project personnel. Ensures that customer service disruption notifications are issued in a timely, professional and complete manner. Participates in all aspects of plant commissioning on both large and small projects.

LIFE SAFETY LEADERSHIP

Ensures that all scheduled safety training is completed on time. Schedules and ensures completion of personal medical surveillance examinations by the due date, as required by the agency. Provides a workplace free of recognized hazards and reports unsafe working conditions and/or hazards.

Ensures adherence to the CPP Lock Out/Tag Out program. Maintain proficiency in LOTO procedures and provide feedback on how system can be improved. Applies LOTO as directed by the Power Plant Assistant Supervisor and/or the Power Plant Supervisor and/or Control Room Operator Leader. Participate in EARP Drills. Enforces the Capitol Power Plant safety policies and procedures.

Participates in daily watch safety briefings at the beginning of the shift to identify and discuss any current safety issues or concerns. Performs plant safety inspections in accordance with assigned plant safety inspection checklists. Corrects or identifies deficiencies for shop repairs.

ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE AND PLANT CHEMISTRY

Ensures proper operation of all equipment at all times as directed by the operating CPP operating permits. Qualify to perform water chemistry testing and periodically conduct daily water testing when on shift and adjust chemical treatment systems to ensure that treatment levels are maintained within specification. Ensures plant chemical treatment parameters are understood and maintained at all times.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • You must be a U.S. Citizen.
  • You must be able to pass a drug test.
  • Your resume and question responses must demonstrate job-related elements.

The work requires the selectee to obtain an EPA Universal Certification for refrigeration systems within the first year of employment.

Qualifications

You must meet all eligibility and qualification requirements by the closing date of the job announcement.

You must meet the following SCREEN-OUT:

--  Ability to do the work of a Power Plant Operator without more than normal supervision.


Qualification at the WG-10 level: Is at the power plant operator level responsible for the safety, environmental compliance, reliability, efficiency and operation of all equipment in the Capitol Power Plant.

Requires specific and general knowledge in the fields of chilled water generation and distribution system operations, steam generation and distribution systems, electric generation and distribution systems, fire protection system and chemical treatments system operations. The position requires extensive practical knowledge in these fields that will allow them to monitor plant and staff performance, identify potential problems and work with staff to develop and implement situational solutions to restore unusually complex systems to normal service conditions.

Requires extensive troubleshooting, maintenance, inspection, diagnosis, repair, replacement and operating experience. Further they will be required to apply this experience in practical applications and mentor subordinates to assist them in developing these skills.

Requires knowledge on steam and chilled water fundamental theory, understand basic thermodynamic concepts related to steam and chilled water systems, electric generation and transmission systems, chemical treatment systems for both steam and chilled water and basic math skills required to perform rudimentary performance and efficiency calculations.

Requires the ability to read a variety of engineering diagrams including equipment layout, plan view, flow diagrams, equipment O&M Manuals and Service Manuals.

Additional information

Welcome Veterans. The Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) gives veterans' preference rights in the legislative branch to certain veterans as applied by the Congressional Accountability Act. Veterans' preference is applied on this vacancy announcement. If you are a veteran and have been separated under honorable conditions, you must submit a copy of your DD-214 or other proof of eligibility; SF-15, if applicable; and Department of Veterans Affairs documentation of disability, if applicable. For more information, please visit OPM vet guide

If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System.  If you are exempt from registration under Selective Service Law, you must provide appropriate proof of exemption. Please visit the Selective Service System website for more information.

DRUG TESTING: The Architect of the Capitol (AOC) is a Drug Free Workplace. As part of the AOC’s suitability assessment, a candidate tentatively selected for a position who is not currently an AOC employee is required to submit to screening for illegal drug use. Satisfactory completion of a drug test is a condition of employment with the Agency. A candidate must test negative prior to being eligible for appointment into a position. We will schedule, provide and cover the cost for the drug test.
 
The selectee(s) under the vacancy announcement for this position is subject to a criminal record check by the U.S. Capitol Police and satisfactory adjudication to be eligible for employment at the Architect of the Capitol.
 
The Architect of the Capitol is an E-VERIFY Participant. E-VERIFY is an Internet-based system that compares information from an employee's Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to data from U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Social Security Administration records to confirm employment authorization in the United States. If you are selected for this position, the documentation that you present for purposes of completing the DHS Form I-9 will be verified through the DHS "E-VERIFY" electronic system. For more information on E-Verify, please visit http://www.dhs.gov/files/programs/gc_1185221678150.shtm

The Architect of the Capitol is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information and/or disability.

This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
 
Moving expenses are not authorized.
 
Relocation expenses are not authorized.
 
Probationary Period - A newly appointed selectee is subject to the completion of a one-year trial/probationary period, regardless of whether or not a trial/probationary period has been completed previously with the Architect of the Capitol or another Federal agency.

This vacancy announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies in any of the jurisdictions of the Architect of the Capitol.

All application materials become the property of the Architect of the Capitol.

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.

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.

A variety of health insurance plans; retirement system with investment options; paid holidays; paid sick and annual (vacation) leave; life insurance; incentive systems; subsidized transportation; training and development opportunities, etc.

Selected applicant(s) may be eligible to earn a higher annual leave accrual rate credit towards annual leave accrual based on prior non-Federal or uniformed service work experience. The amount of service credit will be based on specialized experience or qualifying experience that is provided on the applicant profile submitted. As such, if you are a new employee to the Federal Government or a rehire, it is important that you provide a work history that lists all directly related positions held, and it must include the dates of employment (month/day/year).

The Architect of the Capitol offers eligible employees opportunity to participate in the Student Loan Repayment Program.

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.

Review your resume and responses carefully. Your eligibility for consideration and qualifications for the position will be determined based upon a review of your detailed resume and your responses to job specific self-assessment questions.  
Your resume will be evaluated based on evidence of your ability to demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) for this position, possession of any specialized experience, and how well your background and experience relates to the self-assessment questions in the job announcement.  The self-assessment questions relate to the following knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies:

Ability to perform the work of a Utility Systems Operator independently with minimal supervision. 

Knowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair etc.

Ability to follow safety practices.

Ability to use and maintain tools and equipment.

Your responses to the self assessment questions serve as the basis for your initial rating.  You will receive a numerical score based on your responses to these questions.  Next, your responses will be evaluated by a Human Resources Specialist and/or a subject matter expert against the information provided in your resume and optional cover letter.    Your resume must support your answers to the self assessment questions.  Falsifying your background, education, and/or experience is cause for not hiring you or disqualification for further consideration. 
Please note that a complete application is required for consideration. (Please review the “Required Documents” section of this job announcement to see what must be included in a complete application).


You may preview questions for this vacancy.

Required Documents

The Architect of the Capitol's (AOC) job application process is designed to ensure you only provide information necessary to evaluate your qualifications and eligibility for the position vacancy.

To apply for this position, you only need to submit: a) your resume and b) answers to the online vacancy assessment questionnaire. The online questionnaire contains eligibility and screening questions and other relevant information. No additional documentation or attachments are required at the time of application. 

Your resume should list your education, training and work experience including job titles, employment dates, duties and accomplishments.

Nothing further is required until it is requested by AOC’s Human Capital Management Division. If additional documentation is required for the position, you will be asked to provide it during the interview or selection process. At that time, you may be asked to submit documentation to support statements made in your resume.

For example, you may be asked to provide a copy of your diploma, college transcripts, or proof of Federal employment status. If the position requires licensure or certification, you will be asked to provide proof at the time of selection.

If Veterans’ preference is claimed, you will be asked to submit proof (DD-214, and, if claiming a 10-point preference, a SF-15 and the proof required by that form).

Failure to provide the required documents will end further consideration and/or result in the withdrawal of any tentative job offers.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

You MUST apply online. FORMS RECEIVED BY FAX, EMAIL OR U.S. POSTAL SERVICE DELIVERY WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

If you are a new user to the USAJOBS Site and have never registered for an account; you will first need to create an account profile with your basic contact information and a resume to begin applying. You must be a registered USAJOBS user AND you must be signed-in to your account in order to apply for this position. For help with setting up an account or for general assistance in using USAJOBS, go to USAJOBS Help Page.

NEED HELP?
If you experience any difficulties with the application site, help is available! If you have problems completing your on-line application, contact the Monster Hiring Management Help Desk at 1-866-656-6831 or by e-mail at MGSHELP@monster.com. The help desk is available Monday - Friday 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time. You may call and leave a voice mail message at all other times.

All required supporting documents will be collected electronically via the USAJOBS “Saved Documents” feature.

If you are unable to apply on-line, you may visit our Employment Center for technical assistance in entering your application. The Employment Center is located at 441 Second & D Streets S.W., Washington, D.C., Room H2-178, and is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. You may call (202) 226-7000 for directions.

Agency contact information

Albert Martin
Address
Architect of the Capitol
United States Capitol
Washington, District of Columbia 20515
United States

Next steps

You will receive a notice generated by the USAJOBS System when you have successfully submitted your application. We will review your application and transcript(s) (if you are qualifying based on education) to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements.

You can check the status of your application by logging into http://www.usajobs.gov. You may also sign up to receive automatic emails anytime the status of your application has changed by logging into your USAJOBS Account, editing your profile and changing the ‘Notification Settings’ to indicate that you want to be notified by email when the status changes. Information regarding the status of your application should be updated in the system within two (2) weeks after the closing date of this vacancy announcement.


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


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