Power Plant Operator Assistant Supervisor Job in Washington, DC

Vacancy No. CPP-2026-058 Department Architect of the Capitol
Salary $46.27 to $54.01 Grade 11 to 11
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 1/6/2026 Close Date 1/23/2026
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Washington, DC


Summary

This position is located in the Architect of the Capitol (AOC); Director, Utilities and Power Plant Operations (CPP); Assistant Director, Operations Division; Rotating Operations Branch A, B, C or D. 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.

This job is open to

The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

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 as a temporary employee if the role can be filled in that capacity.

Duties

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

This position is emergency essential. 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 Capitol Power Plant.

Tour of duty is for a rotating shift and will include holidays and weekends on a rotating basis.


Major Duties Include: The CPP operates around the clock to provide steam for heating and chilled water for air conditioning to the AOC buildings. 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.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES (30%)

The incumbent assists the supervisor on a shift comprised of one Control Room Operator Leader, a mix of three Power Plant Operators and AMP Power Plant Operator trainees and one High Voltage Electrician (shift electrician) assigned to the shift. 

Assists with the administrative and technical supervisory functions for subordinates, limited to administrative supervision for the High Voltage electrician. 

Work assignments are typically on an ongoing basis and accomplished within the work shift or coordinated with other Power Plant Supervisors when operations take longer than a single shift. 

When assigning work provides technical direction and assists subordinates in accomplishing difficult work steps. Observes work of subordinates in progress to anticipate and resolve problems. 

Completes performance plans for all subordinates. 

Ensures that employees complete training requirements in their established training plan and complete all aspects of training, including completing training evaluations in a timely manner.

Completes timekeeping and administrative functions correctly and in a timely manner. Makes suggestions as needed for training to enhance employee development. 

Arrives at worksite, clocks in, and reports to the control room in time to receive a proper turnover briefing. 

UTILITY SYSTEMS REPAIR AND OPERATION (20%)

Operates the electric generation, steam, and chilled water utility systems on a continuing basis.

Utilizes the plant Distributed Control System (DCS), environmental Data Acquisition and Handling System (DAHS), electric system Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), and other control systems to insure operation of all plant systems within desired parameters and at the highest possible efficiency.

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

Acknowledges and adheres to Plant Standing Orders. Instructs and trains Power Plant Operators/Operator Workers in the safe, efficient and effective operation of all plant machinery and equipment.

Supervises the proper response to machinery and equipment malfunctions and restores the plant to normal operations. 

PROJECT/PROGRAM PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT (20%)

Provides clear, professional, and timely communication. As required, reviews and comments on project and design documents and drawings provided to Operations by project personnel.

Conducts troubleshooting and assists the Power Plant Shift Supervisor in writing incident reports in a timely manner. 

Assists the supervisor in determining goals and objectives, develops policies and procedures, assigns priorities, develops specific program plans and milestones and establishes budget and resource allocations. 

Inspects completed work for quality and compliance with work order requirements. 

Provides instructions, reporting, preventative maintenance and work orders. Interprets instructions, specifications and work orders to accomplish work assignments. 

Reviews operations assigned work orders and preventive maintenance (PMs) on a daily basis. 

Follows directives as outlined in the plant 'night orders' and provided by the operation's general manager. 

LIFE SAFETY LEADERSHIP AND ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE, AND PLANT CHEMISTRY (30%)

Provides a workplace free of recognized hazards and provides employees an avenue to report unsafe working conditions and/or hazards. 

Adheres to the CPP Lock Out/Tag Out program. 

Conducts daily watch safety briefings at the beginning of the shift to identify and discuss any current safety issues or concerns.

Trains all shift staff on the use of the CPP LOTO system to ensure they are proficient in the use and application of LOTO.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

The work requires the incumbent to hold and maintain current status for one of the following:

Licenses: National Institute for the Uniform Licensing of Power Engineers (NIUPLE) First Class Power Engineer License;

District of Columbia Class 1 Steam Engineer License;

State issued Stationary Engineer License; or

United States Coast Guard (USCG) Marine Engineer License.

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

  • A citizen of the United States;
  • A person who is lawfully admitted for permanent residence and is seeking citizenship as outlined in 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)(B);
  • A person who is admitted as a refugee under 8 U.S.C. 1157 or is granted asylum under 8 U.S.C. 1158 and has filed a declaration of intention to become a lawful permanent resident and then a citizen when eligible;
  • A person who owes allegiance to the United States (nationals of American Samoa, Swains Island, and the Northern Mariana Islands, and nationals who meet other requirements described in 8 U.S.C. 1408); or
  • A person who is currently an officer or employee of the Government of the United States.”
  • You must be able to pass a drug test and background check.
  • Your resume and question responses must demonstrate the job-related KSAs.
  • You must meet the definition of specialized experience. 

Qualifications

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

You must meet the following SCREEN-OUT(S) required for this position.

  • Ability to Supervise employees performing power plant operation tasks.
  • The work requires the incumbent to hold and maintain current status for one of the following:

    Licenses: National Institute for the Uniform Licensing of Power Engineers (NIUPLE) First Class Power Engineer License; District of Columbia Class 1 Steam Engineer License; State issued Stationary Engineer License; or United States Coast Guard (USCG) Marine Engineer License. The work also requires the incumbent to obtain an EPA Universal Certification for refrigeration systems within the first year of employment.

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.

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 job elements 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 job elements and competencies:

--Ability to Supervise.

--Knowledge of Technical Practices-Understanding and working knowledge of industrial steam generating equipment and distribution piping systems that operate at 200 psig. Understanding and working knowledge of industrial chilled water generating equipment rated at greater than 3,000 tons and distribution piping systems that operate at or below 43 degrees  F.

--Ability to Interpret Instructions.

--Knowledge of Equipment Operation.

--Troubleshooting

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 non-selection or disqualification from 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 will need to submit: a) your resume, b) answers to the online vacancy assessment questionnaire, and c) license(s).

National Institute for the Uniform Licensing of Power Engineers (NIUPLE) First Class Power Engineer License; District of Columbia Class 1 Steam Engineer License; State issued Stationary Engineer License; or United States Coast Guard (USCG) Marine Engineer License. If you have an EPA Universal Certification for refrigeration systems, please attached the certification.

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

Nyika Hinson
Phone
202-226-7000
Email
TalentAcquisitionandClassification@aoc.gov
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.