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Duties
As a Hydroelectric Power Plant Operator (Senior) with the California-Great Basin Region of the Bureau of Reclamation, major duties include:
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
Applicants will be rated in accordance with the OPM Qualification Standard for the WG-5400 Industrial Equipment Operation Family. Although a specific length of time and experience is not required for most blue-collar positions, you must meet any screen-out element(s) listed and 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. Emphasis of requirements is on the quality of related experience, not necessarily the length of time.
Your application materials must demonstrate sufficient work experience and training to successfully perform the duties of the position. Qualifications will be determined on the basis of information submitted within your resume and responses to the technical assessment questions. For more information about qualification requirements for Federal Wage System positions, please visit OPM.
Minimum qualifications for trades and labor positions are determined by an evaluation of job elements. You must meet at least 2 points on the screen-out element(s) and obtain an average of at least 2 points on all job elements to be determined as qualified for the position.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). 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.
You must meet all Eligibility and Qualification requirements by 04/14/2025.
Education
This position does not allow substituting experience with education.
Additional information
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.
Category rating and selection procedures will be used to evaluate applications from this job announcement. If an applicant meets the basic qualification requirements, their on-line responses to the assessment questionnaire will be used to determine the quality and extent of his/her experience, education, training, etc., for placement in one of the following categories: 1) Best Qualified, 2) Well Qualified, and 3) Qualified. Qualified candidates will be assigned a numerical score on a scale of 70-100. The Category Rating Process does not add veterans' preference points or apply the "rule of three" but protects the rights of Veterans by placing them ahead of non-preference eligible candidates within each quality category. Veteran preference eligible candidates that meet the minimum qualification requirements and who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent will be listed in the highest applicable quality category (except in the case of scientific or professional positions at the GS-09 level or higher). Applicants determined as best qualified will be referred to the selecting official for further consideration.
Required
You will be required to complete a technical assessment questionnaire, which should take about 30 minutes to complete. Through your resume content and responses to the technical assessment questionnaire, you will be evaluated on the following Job Elements:
If your knowledge, skills, and abilities pertaining to the SCREEN-OUT element are determined to be insufficient, you will receive no further consideration. In preparing your application, describe in detail the experience and training in which you have had that specifically prepared you to successfully perform the duties described for this job. Experience should be clearly described and documented in your resume. The reviewer will not assume performance of such duties by job titles alone.
Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.
All qualification requirements must be met before being considered for any vacancies.
Duties
As a Hydroelectric Power Plant Operator (Senior) with the California-Great Basin Region of the Bureau of Reclamation, major duties include:
- Monitoring primary and secondary communications circuits to all system plant facilities.
- Overseeing and directing hydroelectric power plant operations to effect changes in water releases.
- Performing switching and tagging operations, issuing clearances, and conducting emergency switching operations.
- Observing and documenting abnormal operating conditions in the plant; determining nature, cause, and corrective actions to address identified issues.
- Monitoring equipment indicators and conducting necessary adjustments among generation and water release structures to sustain river flow and meet municipal water requirements.
- Preparing technical documentation and maintaining pertinent data logs.
- Performing other related duties as assigned within this job classification.
Requirements
Conditions of Employment
- You must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National.
- You must be suitable for federal employment, as determined by a background investigation.
- You must submit a resume and supporting documentation (see Required Documents).
- You must submit proof of eligibility documents for veterans' consideration (see Required Documents).
- You must maintain a valid state-issued driver's license, as the position requires operation of motor vehicles on public roads and government installations. Failure to maintain a valid driver's license may result in removal from the position.
- This position is designated as a MODERATE RISK Public Trust position. It requires a fully completed and favorably adjudicated Public Trust Suitability Background Investigation (T2S or T2RS or equivalent) that is current (within the last 5 years). This is a condition of employment.
- You will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment physical examination conducted by an agency-approved licensed physician, certifying your ability to perform the duties of the position. The cost of the exam will be reimbursed by the agency.
- Periodic and recurring safety and occupational health examinations will be required.
- Will be required to work rotating shift schedules. This includes first shift, second shift, third shift, federal holidays, some weekends, and during emergency operations.
- Overtime may be required.
Applicants will be rated in accordance with the OPM Qualification Standard for the WG-5400 Industrial Equipment Operation Family. Although a specific length of time and experience is not required for most blue-collar positions, you must meet any screen-out element(s) listed and 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. Emphasis of requirements is on the quality of related experience, not necessarily the length of time.
Your application materials must demonstrate sufficient work experience and training to successfully perform the duties of the position. Qualifications will be determined on the basis of information submitted within your resume and responses to the technical assessment questions. For more information about qualification requirements for Federal Wage System positions, please visit OPM.
Minimum qualifications for trades and labor positions are determined by an evaluation of job elements. You must meet at least 2 points on the screen-out element(s) and obtain an average of at least 2 points on all job elements to be determined as qualified for the position.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). 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.
You must meet all Eligibility and Qualification requirements by 04/14/2025.
Education
This position does not allow substituting experience with education.
Additional information
- You may be required to serve an initial probationary period.
- Reclamation has determined that the duties of this position are suitable for telework only during an emergency or natural disaster.
- If otherwise eligible and qualified, you may be offered a recruitment or relocation incentive. The decision to offer an incentive will be made on a case-by-case basis and is neither promised nor guaranteed. For information visit: Recruitment Incentive or Relocation Incentive.
- DOI uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including applicant rights and responsibilities, please visit https://www.e-verify.gov/
- Direct deposit enrollment required.
- Male applicants born after December 31, 1959: You must certify registration with the Selective Service System or indicate that you are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. Go to: https://www.sss.gov
- This is a bargaining unit position represented by a labor union (IBEW).
- Additional vacancies may be filled using this job announcement.
- Physical Efforts: The position requires the ability to safely and efficiently perform duties involving physical exertion. Must be able to lift and carry objects weighing up to 50 pounds. Duties involve periodic standing, walking, reaching, bending, stooping, and sitting for extended periods; climbing stairs, ladders or scaffolding; and working in confined spaces.
- Work Environment: The position requires the ability to safely and efficiently work alone and with others. Work is performed both indoors and outdoors. May periodically be subject to inclement weather conditions. Job duties require work to be performed around energized sources and on or around active machinery and equipment. May be exposed to irritation or discomfort typically caused by possible exposure to dust particles, heat, noise, fumes, and working on damp flooring or ground. Protective personal equipment and protective clothing is required in accordance with OSHA industry standards.
- Help Help 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.
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.
Category rating and selection procedures will be used to evaluate applications from this job announcement. If an applicant meets the basic qualification requirements, their on-line responses to the assessment questionnaire will be used to determine the quality and extent of his/her experience, education, training, etc., for placement in one of the following categories: 1) Best Qualified, 2) Well Qualified, and 3) Qualified. Qualified candidates will be assigned a numerical score on a scale of 70-100. The Category Rating Process does not add veterans' preference points or apply the "rule of three" but protects the rights of Veterans by placing them ahead of non-preference eligible candidates within each quality category. Veteran preference eligible candidates that meet the minimum qualification requirements and who have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10 percent will be listed in the highest applicable quality category (except in the case of scientific or professional positions at the GS-09 level or higher). Applicants determined as best qualified will be referred to the selecting official for further consideration.
Required
You will be required to complete a technical assessment questionnaire, which should take about 30 minutes to complete. Through your resume content and responses to the technical assessment questionnaire, you will be evaluated on the following Job Elements:
- Ability To Lead or Supervise
- Knowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair, etc.
- Ability To Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (other than blueprints)
- Operation of Power Plant Equipment and Machinery
- Technical Practices (theoretical, precise, artistic)
- Use of Measuring Instruments
- Dexterity and Safety
- Ability to Lead or Supervise
If your knowledge, skills, and abilities pertaining to the SCREEN-OUT element are determined to be insufficient, you will receive no further consideration. In preparing your application, describe in detail the experience and training in which you have had that specifically prepared you to successfully perform the duties described for this job. Experience should be clearly described and documented in your resume. The reviewer will not assume performance of such duties by job titles alone.
Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating or consideration for employment.
All qualification requirements must be met before being considered for any vacancies.