Power System Control Craftsman Trainee 5 Job

Vacancy No. 25-BPA-47462-12794552-DE Department Bonneville Power Administration
Salary $68.44 to $68.44 Grade 00 to 00
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 9/16/2025 Close Date 9/25/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Idaho Falls, IDKalispell, MTGoshen, ORKeizer, OR


Summary

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

A successful candidate in the Power System Control Craftsman Trainee 5 position is a journey level communication technician who trains under the direct supervision of Power System Control (PSC) Craftsmen or PSC Engineers.

Duties

After successful completion of the 3-year training program the trainee will be promoted to a performance level of Craftsman I, with a full performance level of craftsman II. Can be accelerated through the program.
$77.48 Craftsman I
$80.58 Craftsman II

The Power System Control Craftsman Training program is a formal 3-year program consisting of six steps of 6 months each starting at step 5 and ending at step 10. After successful completion of each step, promotion to the next step includes a pay increase. Current (2025) hourly rates:
$69.81 Step 6
$71.18 Step 7
$72.55 Step 8
$73.92 Step 9
$75.28 Step 10

As a Power System Control Craftsman Trainee 5 you will:

  • The Power System Control Craftsman Trainee performs preventive and corrective maintenance on power system control equipment. Additionally, there may be circumstances due to district staffing, the trainee may be expected to perform emergency maintenance on power system control equipment. Power system control equipment includes the following:
    • AM and FM radios with frequencies up to 900 mHz. These consist of fixed, mobile, and portable stations used for voice communications, control, and telemetering circuits.
    • High Density Transport Systems including SONET, STM, Ethernet Transport Systems and associated end equipment.
    • System-interconnected networks including various manufacturer's routers, switches and Terminal Servers.
    • Digital and analog microwave radio equipment operating at frequencies above 900 MHz with high density channel loading capability.
    • High density microwave multiplex equipment which includes the frequency generation equipment, add/drop multiplexors, associated synchronization equipment, telephone termination equipment and dial selectors, and all service channel or order wire equipment.
    • Control and data equipment which includes SCADA, microwave alarm reporting systems, hydromet stations, ILDSS, digital/analog telemetering systems, central time system, transfer trip (used for line protection and remedial action schemes), data circuits and general purpose modems.
    • Power line carrier current equipment using AM, SSB, FM, and FSK modulation for the transmission of voice communications, power line relaying signals, telemetering, and supervisory control.
    • Miscellaneous equipment which includes auxiliary power equipment (engine generator controls, batteries and battery chargers, inverters, and UPS systems), power line fault locators (both portable and fixed), telephone switching equipment, PA systems, closed circuit television systems, fiber optics, and electronic test equipment.
  • Under supervision by the District supervisor or supervising engineer, as necessary, performs the more difficult and nonroutine types of maintenance work on the above equipment. The trainee may also make previously approved field modifications on equipment, and perform subsequent tests for work involving unusual problems.
  • Assists in performing initial energization tests of new installations and obtains data which will permit the supervising engineer to make an engineering evaluation of the equipment performance in terms of the contract specifications.
  • Installs certain types of equipment under general supervision after the procedures have been previously established. A typical job is the installation of mobile radios.
  • Assists in measuring and determining locations of radio and audible noise and power line interference and advises the supervising engineer of the source of the interference so that corrective action may be initiated.
  • In connection with the above various types of work, prepares reports which in general are a collection of test data, instrument readings, and other pertinent information which can be used by the supervising engineer to make an engineering determination on the equipment operations.
  • Performs miscellaneous duties related to the maintenance of the communication system.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

When you apply you will be asked a series of questions to determine your eligibility for employment and your qualification for this position specifically. You must answer all of these questions completely and truthfully.

Key Requirements:

  • 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.
Special Conditions of Employment:
  • Satisfactory completion of each trainee step and associated related training is mandatory for advancement to the next step and retention in the trainee program. Failure of any two of the step examinations will result in removal from the trainee program.
  • Become familiar with and follow the safety practices of the BPA Accident Prevention Manual.
  • This position requires a preemployment medical exam, at BPA expense, prior to appointment due to the physical requirements of the position.
  • If exposed to health hazards, have periodic physical examinations as prescribed by competent medical authority at BPA expense.
  • Possess a valid state driver's license. Obtain and maintain U.S. Motor Vehicle driver Authorization within 30 days after the requirement is established and maintain continuously thereafter. Additional endorsements on valid state driver's license may be required to operate assigned vehicles. Traffic citations indicating poor driving habits may disqualify applicants.
  • Obtain and maintain a restricted electrical worker's permit within 1 year.
  • As circumstances dictate, or as required by management, possess or obtain standard clearance certification.
  • Possess within 1 year after appointment, and maintain continuously thereafter, both a First Aid card and a CPR card.
  • Overnight Travel is required.
  • Subject to call for emergency work at any time.
  • Operate motor vehicles, including 1-1/2 ton pickups, sedans, van type trucks, 4 x 4's, or snowcats, as required by management.
  • 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.

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. If you misrepresent your experience or education, or provide false or fraudulent information in or with your application, it may be grounds for not hiring you or for firing you after you begin work. Making false or fraudulent statements also may be punishable by fine or imprisonment.

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: Ability to successfully perform the work of a Power System Control Craftsman Trainee without more than normal supervision is defined as direct working knowledge and experience in the professional/commercial installation, maintenance, or repair of telecommunication equipment in at least 3 of the 4 following areas: (1) Radio Telecommunications equipment such as: microwave radio, UHF radio, VHF radio, and TDM/PCM multiplex equipment; or (2) Optical Transport equipment such as: SONET, OTN, Frame Relay, and ATM; or (3) Carrier IP Networking equipment such as: Carrier Ethernet, MPLS, PRP, and PBB-TE; or 4) SCADA/SER, PLC, remote monitoring systems. Select the one statement that best describes your level of experience. Experience reflected in this self-rating must be supported in your resume. Failure to meet this element results in an ineligible rating.

In addition to the screen-out element your qualifications will be evaluated on the following Job Elements through your resume and responses to the on-line assessment questionnaire:

  • Ability To Do The Work Of The Position Without More Than Normal Supervision
  • Ability To Use Hand and Power Tools -Electronics
  • Ingenuity (Ability To Suggest and Apply New Methods)
  • Knowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair, etc.
  • Theory of Electronics
  • Trouble shooting (Electronic Equipment)
  • Use of Test Equipment: Electronics


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.

"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.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
  • The position at Ashe (Richland) requires unescorted access to a nuclear facility under the jurisdiction of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Final employee selection is subject to successfully completing a background investigation, medical and/or psychological evaluation and pre-employment drug and alcohol testing administered by the nuclear facility management. This position is also subject to random drug and alcohol testing by the nuclear facility management.
  • The position at Ashe (Richland) will be required to take annual radiation training and pass a written exam.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Incumbents must be physically and mentally able to efficiently perform the essential duties of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation, without hazard to themselves or others.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
Most of the work is indoors although some of the power line carrier and mobile radio work is outside. Work will involve occasional travel to remote sites, and exposure in all kinds of weather. Repair work or other emergency work may be required at any time of a 24-hour day. Voltages up to several thousand volts may be present in some types of equipment. Some of the work is performed around moving machinery in the auxiliary power equipment. The work may involve driving maintenance vehicles over steep and narrow mountain roads. Work may involve working alone and possibly in isolated locations. The work environment will occasionally include high noise levels, or exposure to toxic or hazardous substances (i.e., acids, 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.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  • Performs preventative, corrective, and emergency maintenance on a variety of power system control equipment such as UHF, VHF, microwave, digital transport systems, fiber optics; power line carrier current; control and data, and multiplex equipment, and a variety of other miscellaneous equipment to ensure adequate operability of the power system control equipment.
  • Performs initial energization tests of new installations and obtains data to be used by other personnel.
  • Uses technical documentation as required, for maintenance and troubleshooting of equipment.
  • Performs miscellaneous duties related to maintenance of the communication system, which will occur at substations or at remote mountaintops during harsh weather conditions.
  • Completes associated documentation required of the above listed tasks.
  • Drives from ½ to 5 hours per day in all weather conditions.

You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement

Limit your resume to no more than two (2) pages. If more than two pages are submitted, only the first two pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility
.

Education

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

Additional information

  • This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional similar vacancies across DOE
EEO Policy: USAJOBS Help Center | Equal employment opportunity policy
Reasonable Accommodation Policy: Employees or applicants may request Reasonable Accommodation (RA) for assistance, when applying or competing for a job or performing a job due to their medical condition or to exercise their religious beliefs. If you need reasonable accommodation in the application or selection process, please contact the Staffing Specialist listed on this vacancy announcement. USAJOBS Help Center | Reasonable accommodation policy
Veterans Information: USAJOBS Help Center - Veterans
Veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Telework: https://www.opm.gov/telework/
Selective Service Registration: http://www.sss.gov/ - Who must register: https://www.sss.gov/faq/#who-needs-to-register

Hiring incentives may be authorized for a highly qualified candidate based on budget availability and in accordance with federal regulations.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Department of Energy uses an application tracking system to evaluate the responses you provide in the applicant assessment questionnaire to place you into an initial quality category via OPM's Category Rating procedures. These categories are "Best Qualified", "Well Qualified", and "Qualified.

Minimum Qualifications: Once the application process is complete, the Human Resources Offices or Subject Matter Expert (SME) will review the first two pages of your resume and supporting documentation to determine whether you meet the minimum job qualifications.

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', 'not qualified', or your score may be adjusted accordingly

Application of Veterans' Preference: If you are a preference eligible candidate, you will be listed at the top of whichever quality category your rating places you in. 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.

Career Transition Assistance Programs: To receive selection priority for this position, you must: 1) meet the eligibility criteria; and 2) be rated "well-qualified", which is defined as scoring 85.0 or higher.

You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date (09/25/2025) of this announcement.

To preview the Assessment Questionnaire, click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12794552

Structured Resume Review: After it has been determined that you meet the minimum qualifications, Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) will review the first two pages of your resume to rate your technical qualifications for this position based on the required competencies. Scores from all reviewers will be compiled and factored into the overall evaluation. Your final score will reflect how well your qualifications and skills align with the position requirements. Additional documentation (e.g., cover letter, links embedded in your resume) may not be considered.

Required Documents

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

  • Your two (2) page RESUME showing all relevant work experience (paid and unpaid) including: duties performed; full name and address of 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.
  • Veterans' Preference documentation,if applicable, DD-214 Member Copy 4 showing type of discharge/character of service; current active duty members- certification of expected discharge or release from active duty under honorable conditions dated within 120 days; SF-15 Form and related documentation; VA letter. For more information visit the USAJOBS Help Center & OPM CHCOC website for VOW information.
  • 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.

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

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://help.usajobs.gov/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://login.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://help.usajobs.gov/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://help.usajobs.gov/how-to

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

Matthew Nobles
Address
Bonneville Power Administration
P.O. Box 3621
Portland, OR 97208
US

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.

Additional Locations

  • Malin, OR
  • Redmond, OR
  • The Dalles, OR
  • Umatilla, OR
  • Clarkston, WA
  • East Wenatchee, WA
  • Ellensburg, WA
  • Grand Coulee, WA
  • Kent, WA
  • Longview, WA
  • Olympia, WA
  • Pasco, WA
  • Richland, WA
  • Snohomish, WA
  • Spokane, WA
  • Vancouver, WA


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