Welder Job in Vancouver, WA

Vacancy No. 25-BPA-48023-12799111-MP 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 Status Candidates
Locations:
Vancouver, WA


Summary

This position is located with Bonneville Power Administration, in Specialty Services (TFHS) organization of Construction & Maintenance Services (TFH), Transmission Field Services (TF), Transmission Services (T).

A successful candidate in the Welder position will lay out and fabricate welded products in the shop or at other installations in the BPA system.

Duties

As a Welder, you will:

  • From drawings and verbal instructions, fabricates, assembles and repairs all types of bus fittings from copper or aluminum.
  • From work sheets or drawings, fabricates and pre-stresses all types of bus, consisting of copper or aluminum.
  • Erects copper or aluminum bus in switchyards
  • From drawings and verbal instructions, fabricates and installs at proper elevations, oil lines on transformers and breakers.
  • Performs all types of general welding on shop fabrications, steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and chromium structures, trucks, dozers, cranes, booms, shovel buckets, etc.
  • Selects proper electrode alloys for the type of metal to be worked. Uses electric and diesel generator welding machines, including heliarc, mig, and stick process. Silver solder, plasma, and oxy-fuel cutting, carbon arc gouging. Uses various heavy machine tools as required, such as power saws, cut off saws, CNC guided plasma & oxy/fuel cutting machine, drill press, pipe bending machine, etc.
  • From written or oral instructions, blueprints or sketches, the Welder plans own work, makes templates when necessary, and selects methods, materials and machines appropriate for the project.

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.
Conditions of Employment:
  • This position requires a valid driver's license as a condition of employment.
  • This position requires an initial drug test prior to appointment and random drug or drug and alcohol testing thereafter. Failure to test or a positive result on random drug or drug and alcohol tests conducted after appointment may result in removal from Federal employment.
  • This position requires a preemployment medical exam, at BPA expense, prior to appointment due to the physical requirements of the position.
  • After employment, this position may be subject to periodic physical examinations, as prescribed by competent medical authority and at BPA expense, if exposed to health hazards.
  • Obtain a BPA Welder Certificate.
  • 100% travel to field sites may be required.
  • Subject to call for emergency work outside normal duty hours.
  • Be able to wear protective apparel such as respirators, welder safety equipment, steel toe boots and hard hats for worker safety.
  • Obtain and maintain a valid non-electrical worker's permit within 30 days of hire.
  • Obtain and maintain authorized unescorted access to BPA energized and non-energized facilities.
  • Possess and maintain a valid First Aid Card. Take First Aid refresher training.
  • Be certified on aerial lift equipment or other equipment when assigned to use or operate within 90 days of appointment.

Qualifications

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. Your resume should demonstrate that you possess these elements and screen out. Do not provide a separate narrative written statement. Rather, you must describe in your resume how your past work experience demonstrates that you possess the elements and screen out identified 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) or who do not score at least half of the total points possible across all elements will be found ineligible.

The screen-out element for this position is: Ability to successfully perform the work of a Welder defined as safely performing the majority of the following welding duties: use templates, blueprints and other guides to repair, modify or fabricate metal items and weld metal parts and structures, weld in positions to include flat, horizontal, vertical and overhead; use various heavy machine tools, such as power saws, cut off saws, CNC guided plasma & oxy/fuel cutting machine, drill press, and pipe bending machines without more then normal supervision. Failure to meet this Screen out Element will result in an ineligible rating.

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 in the General Shops at the Ross Complex and at field sites.
  • Work may be both indoors and outdoors anywhere in the BPA system, according to the type of work being performed.
  • Work at considerable height and on precarious footing during inclement weather.
  • Hazards include working around energized, high voltage electrical equipment; climbing on ladders or scaffolding; working around machinery with moving parts; exposure to fumes, smoke, gases, and falling objects.
  • The Welder may be required to work at heights up to 150 feet from aerial ladders and boom truck baskets with safety harness.
  • The work environment will occasionally include high noise levels or exposure to hazardous materials (i.e., acids, solvents, PCB's, etc.) requiring the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) that could, if precautions are not followed, pose a health risk.
  • Approved respiratory and safety equipment shall be worn when hazardous substances are being handled (oil, acid, etc.) or when welding.

Physical Requirements:

  • Able to climb in and out of aerial manlift buckets averaging 40" high. May be required to work at heights up to 100 feet from aerial ladders and boom truck baskets.
  • Balancing required on narrow and slippery surfaces at heights and in varied weather conditions, as well as on uneven ground.
  • Ability to stand an average of 2 hours with a maximum of 5 hours uninterrupted.
  • Lifts tools and equipment. Average is 20 pounds.
  • Works in cramped, awkward positions while reaching, lifting, bending and using hand and power tools, and positioning pieces.
  • Shop and field work requires work with arms overhead or occasionally outstretched for extended periods of time.

"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.

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 and qualifications. Your full resume will be made available to the hiring manager if you are referred.

Education

There is no substitution of education for experience for Federal Wage Grade (WG) positions.

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.

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. (includes blueprint reading)
  • Ability To Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment
  • Dexterity and Safety
  • Knowledge of Metals
  • 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 ( 09/25/2025) of this announcement.

To preview the Assessment Questionnaire, click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12799111.

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.


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


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