High Voltage Substation Operator Apprentice I - Bonneville Power Administration

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 factor 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: APTITUDE AND INTEREST TO LEARN TRADE THEORY. Failure to meet this Screen out Element will result in an ineligible rating. In addition to meeting the minimum qualifications for this position, you must pass an online aptitude examination demonstrating your potential for learning and advancing in an Apprentice position. Failure to pass the examination will result in an ineligible rating. Apprenticeship positions require that you sign a "Continuation of Service Agreement". If you voluntarily leave BPA/DOE, while completing or after completing the training program and / or prior to completing your service commitment you may be liable to BPA for the value of any service days not completed within 30 days of separation. The agreement will obligate you to remain with BPA for a period of one year upon completion of apprenticeship training. WORKING CONDITIONS: Working conditions for Substation Operator Apprentice are 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 Apprentice may work from ladders, platforms, scaffolding, or stairs. The work environment will occasionally include high noise levels and/or exposure to hazardous substances (such as acids, PCB's, pesticides, asbestos, mercury, 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. 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. "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. 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. As a Substation Operator Apprentice I, series 5407: A successful candidate in the position of Substation Operator Apprentice I will, under direct supervision of a journeyman Substation Operator or another journeyman Electrical Worker, operate high voltage electrical equipment in electrical power transmission system substations and on transmission lines. Specific tasks vary with the type of substation to be operated. Available duty locations: Kent, WA; Longview, WA; Olympia, WA; East Wenatchee, WA; Pasco, WA; Richland, WA; Snohomish, WA; Clarkston, WA; Vancouver, WA; Kalispell, MT; Gold Creek, MT; Goshen, OR; North Bend, OR; Keizer, OR Hillsboro, OR Umatilla, OR. Satisfactory completion of all aspects of each step including online courses and classroom instruction is mandatory for advancement to the next step. Failure to meet program requirements contained in the Standard of Apprenticeship will result in removal from the Apprenticeship prog