Substation Operator Job

Vacancy No. 26-BPA-48040-12807305-MP Department Bonneville Power Administration
Salary $68.44 to $68.44 Grade 00 to 00
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 10/1/2025 Close Date 10/10/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
Burley, IDIdaho Falls, IDColumbia Falls, MTGold Creek, MT


Summary

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

A successful candidate in the Substation Operator position will operate equipment in an electrical power transmission system substation.

Duties

As a Substation Operator, you will perform the following duties:

  • General Operation - Checks and reviews station conditions. Reviews station log book and Substation Operating Manual. Responsible for Control of Entry, Station Security, and safety of others in the station. May be assigned other duties such as Safety Watching and escorting others. Keeps System Dispatchers and others informed of all local information pertinent to the operation of the power system. Notifies specified BPA personnel and others of power system emergencies. Has contact with the public and BPA customers.
  • Inspections - Checks indication and tags on control panel against actual station conditions. Checks for adherence to the station voltage schedule. Checks for compliance with prescribed operating limits on lines and equipment (load, voltage, temperature, etc.). Periodically inspects station, including all components in switchyard, control house, relay houses, and other buildings. Conducts security check of perimeter fences, gates, doors, and windows. Checks for conditions constituting hazards to personnel, property, or equipment. Takes action to correct abnormal conditions or notifies others concerned with the condition.
  • Switching - Ascertains, plans, and performs any switching scheduled during tour of duty. Writes switch orders, plans and performs switching as delegated by system dispatcher. Performs operating functions in accordance with the Switching and Clearance Procedures, the Accident Prevention Manual, and the Substation Operating Manual which includes: operating bulletins, substation standing operating orders, station instructions, etc. During loss of communication with control centers, operates a substation in accordance with preapproved, written orders and instructions. In case of trouble involving possible injury, loss of life, or damage to property, operates substation in accordance with best personal judgment.
  • Communications - Monitors and operates various communications systems. These systems include mobile radios, commercial phone lines, and various BPA communications systems. These communications systems are operated for purposes including voice communications, relaying, and billing.
  • Records and Reports - Complete, files and maintains various records and reports in accordance with instructions. May read, record, and report various meters, instruments, gauges, and billing meters. Files, maintains, corrects, and as necessary, orders new substation prints.
  • Instructing - Leads and instructs others as assigned.
  • Non-electric Plant - Performs non-electric plant duties as assigned, such as building and grounds maintenance.
  • Environmental - May perform preventive and/or corrective containment and/or cleanup measures to protect the environment.
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

  • Position is subject to initial pre-employment Drug Testing and random drug testing thereafter.
  • This position requires a pre-employment medical exam, at BPA expense, prior to appointment due to the physical requirements of the position.
  • 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.
  • Apprentices in the last year of the program are encouraged to submit an application to indicate duty locations for which they want to be considered for permanent placement.
  • You must be a United States Citizen.
  • Provide a means for contact by the Administration.
  • Change shifts on short notice or continue on duty in the absence of relief.
  • Follow and enforce the safety practices of BPA.
  • A preliminary background check must be completed before a new employee can begin work. Current Federal employees or other individuals with an existing completed background investigation may not be required to undergo another background check.
  • Establish a residence that is within one hour or less commuting time under normal weather and road conditions, to the duty station headquarters.
  • Possess within 30 days after appointment, and maintain continuously thereafter, an Electrical Worker's Permit.
  • Possess a valid state driver's license. Traffic citations indicating poor driving habits may disqualify applicants.
  • Obtain certification on the equipment associated with substation operations, if assigned to use or operate.
  • Possess within 90 days after appointment, and maintain continuously thereafter, a Standard Clearance certification.
  • Possess within one year after appointment, and maintain continuously thereafter, a First Aid Card.
  • 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 acids, PCBs, pesticides, asbestos, mercury, solvents, etc., which may have effects on health unless prescribed handling procedures are followed.)
  • As part of the job requirements, the Substation Operator shall be required to apply restricted use pesticides and may be required to obtain a pesticide applicator's license. The Administration shall provide the necessary training for such a license.
  • Subject to call for emergency work at any time.

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: Planning, inspecting, troubleshooting, operating, and documenting switching plans (switch order), and performing switching in a high-voltage electric power substation and associated equipment for a primary electric power system. and applying instructions, diagrams, and schematics to plan and perform work without more than normal supervision. Failure to meet this Screen out Element will result in an ineligible rating.

In addition to the screen-out element you 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 Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (other than blueprints)
  • Dexterity and Safety
  • Knowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair, etc.
  • Operation of Equipment Relevant to Trade
  • Technical Practices (theoretical, precise, artistic)
  • Use of Measuring Instruments


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:Work is performed both indoors and outdoors under all prevailing weather conditions during the day or night. Work is also performed on uneven, outdoor surfaces, including steep inclines, on rocked or graveled surfaces and unimproved surfaces. Hazards include working around high voltage equipment and machinery with moving parts. The possibility of explosion or fire is ever-present. The Substation Operator may climb stairs, ladders, etc. and work from various heights on platforms, scaffolding, or stairs averaging 4 feet. The work environment will occasionally include high noise levels and/or exposure to hazardous substances (such as acids, PCBs, pesticides, asbestos, mercury, solvents, etc.) that could, if precautions are not followed, pose a health risk. Personal protective equipment including respirators 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 and holidays.

PHYSICAL CONDITIONS:

  • Operates energized high and low voltage electrical power transmission system substations following strict procedures and safety requirements.
  • Checks and reviews station conditions. Responsible for station security and safety of others in the station.
  • Performs inspections on all high and low voltage equipment in substations and keeps records. Periodically inspects station, including all components in the switchyard, outlying buildings, and the perimeter of the property.
  • Monitors and operates various communications systems. All processes require clear oral communication.
  • Completes associated documentation required of the above listed tasks.
  • Drives 15-20% 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.

Time-in-Grade: Current Federal employees must meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement to receive consideration.

CTAP/ICTAP candidates: To be considered "well qualified" you must meet all of the requirements as described in this section.

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

Education

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

Additional information

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.

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.

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the eligibility and qualification requirements above. Once the announcement closes, we will conduct a review of your application package to verify your eligibility and qualifications. If you are found qualified, your application will move forward to additional phases of the review process.

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.

Merit Promotion & VEOA Procedures: If you are minimally qualified for this job, you will be assessed and evaluated to determine if you are a best qualified candidate. Federal employees must meet time-in-grade requirements and current employees must have at least a fully successful or equivalent performance rating to receive consideration.

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 Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (other than blueprints)
  • Dexterity and Safety
  • Knowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair, etc.
  • Operation of Equipment Relevant to Trade
  • Technical Practices (theoretical, precise, artistic)
  • Use of Measuring Instruments


Non-competitive Procedures: If you are applying under a non-competitive or special hiring authority, you will still be required to answer the assessment questions. However, you will not be evaluated against the rating and ranking criteria.
Your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine if you are minimally qualified for this job. Veterans' Preference will be applied when required by the hiring authority (e.g., VRA, Schedule A).

All qualified Non-competitive applicants and the best qualified Merit Promotion and VEOA applicants will be referred to the hiring manager for consideration.

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 having a score of 85 or better.

You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date ( 10/10/2025) of this announcement.

To preview the Assessment Questionnaire, click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12807305.

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 RESUMEshowing 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.
Submit one or more of the following to support your eligibility(s) to apply to this job announcement:
  • SF-50, "Notification of Personnel Action" (current/former federal employees): Most recent Promotion, Within Rate Increase (WRI/WGI), or Appointment/Conversion SF-50 or Notification of Personnel Action showing you are/were in the competitive service and the highest grade or promotion potential held.
  • Veterans: 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.
  • Individuals with Disabilities: Schedule A letter from a physician, local, state or federal rehabilitation office citing your eligibility under 5 CFR 213.3102 (u). For more information visit the USAJOBS Help Center.
  • Certain Military Spouses: Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders authorizing you to accompany the Military member to the new duty permanent station; OR verification of the member's 100% disability (VA Letter); and/or verification of the member's death while on active duty (DD-1300 and Death Certificate) AND verification of the marriage to the service member (i.e., a marriage license or other legal documentation verifying marriage). For more information visit the USAJOBS Help Center.
  • Other non-competitive or special appointing authorities: provide documentation which supports your eligibility.
  • 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 selected for the position you MUST submit: A copy of your most recent performance appraisal/evaluation and incentive awards, you received in the last 5 years. The assigned HR Specialist will verify review this documentation to ensure selectee has at least a satisfactory performance rating before setting the entrance on duty date. If you do not have your most recent performance appraisal/evaluation, you will be asked to submit a statement as to why it is not available.

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

Shaunna Young
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.

Additional Locations

  • Kalispell, MT
  • Libby, MT
  • Missoula, MT
  • Albany, OR
  • Bandon, OR
  • Florence, OR
  • Hillsboro, OR
  • Keizer, OR
  • La Pine, OR
  • Malin, OR
  • Newport, OR
  • North Bend, OR
  • Oregon City, OR
  • Redmond, OR
  • The Dalles, OR
  • Umatilla, OR
  • Aberdeen, WA
  • Bremerton, WA
  • Centralia, WA
  • Chehalis, WA
  • Clarkston, WA
  • Colville, WA
  • Custer, WA
  • East Wenatchee, WA
  • Grand Coulee, WA
  • Grandview, WA
  • Kent, WA
  • Longview, WA
  • North Bonneville, WA
  • Olympia, WA
  • Omak, WA
  • Pasco, WA
  • Port Angeles, WA
  • Richland, WA
  • Shelton, WA
  • Snohomish, WA
  • Spokane, WA
  • Vancouver, WA
  • Walla Walla, WA


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


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