Substation Operator

Summary This position is located with Bonneville Power Administration, in Transmission Service (T), Transmission Field Service (TF), Idaho Falls District (TFI). A successful candidate in the Substation Operator position will operate equipment in an electrical power transmission system substation. Learn more about this agency 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. Education There are no specific education requirements or substitution of education for experience for this position. Additional information The U.S. Department of Energy fosters a diverse and inclusive workplace and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional similar vacancies across DOE. For general information on government-wide Telework polices visit: www.telework.gov Information on how to create a federal resume https://www.usa.gov/government-jobs https://www.usajobs.gov//how-to/account/documents/resume/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YX7o1PBoFk EEO Policy: USAJOBS Center | Equal employment opportunity policy Reasonable Accommodation Policy: USAJOBS Center | Reasonable accommodation policy Veterans Information: https://www.usajobs.gov//working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/veterans/disabled/ Telework: www.telework.gov Selective Service Registration: http://www.sss.gov/ 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, positive, inclusive work environment, supported by Leadership Behaviors. For more information on Leadership Behaviors visit: www.bpa.gov/goto/LeadershipBehaviors 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. Read more 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 window Learn 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.