Summary This position is located with Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), in the Transmission Field Services (TF) and Transmission Technology Services (TT) organization within the Transmission Services (T) business line. The Power System Control Craftsman Trainee 5 is a journey level communication technician who trains under the direct supervision of Power System Control (PSC) Craftsmen or PSC Engineers. Responsibilities The Power System Control Craftsman Training program is a formal 3-year program consisting of six steps of 6 months each starting at step 5 and ending at step 10. After successful completion of each step, promotion to the next step includes a pay increase. Current (2024) hourly rates: $61.86 Step 6 $63.08 Step 7 $64.29 Step 8 $65.50 Step 9 $66.72 Step 10 After successful completion of the 3 year training program the trainee will be promoted to a performance level of Craftsman I, with a full performance level of craftsman II. Can be accelerated through the program. $68.65 Craftsman I $71.40 Craftsman II As a Power System Control Craftsman Trainee 5 you will: The Power System Control Craftsman Trainee performs preventive and corrective maintenance on power system control equipment. Additionally, there may be circumstances due to district staffing, the trainee may be expected to perform emergency maintenance on power system control equipment. Power system control equipment includes the following: AM and FM radios with frequencies up to 900 mHz. These consist of fixed, mobile, and portable stations used for voice communications, control, and telemetering circuits. High Density Transport Systems including SONET, STM, Ethernet Transport Systems and associated end equipment. System-interconnected networks including various manufacturer's routers, switches and hubs. Digital and analog microwave radio equipment operating at frequencies above 900 MHz with high density channel loading capability. High density microwave multiplex equipment which includes the frequency generation equipment, add/drop multiplexors, associated synchronization equipment, telephone termination equipment and dial selectors, and all service channel or order wire equipment. Control and data equipment which includes SCADA, microwave alarm reporting systems, hydromet stations, ILDSS, digital/analog telemetering systems, central time system, transfer trip (used for line protection and remedial action schemes), data circuits and general purpose modems. Power line carrier current equipment using AM, SSB, FM, and FSK modulation for the transmission of voice communications, power line relaying signals, telemetering, and supervisory control. Miscellaneous equipment which includes auxiliary power equipment (engine generator controls, batteries and battery chargers, inverters, and UPS systems), power line fault locators (both portable and fixed), telephone switching equipment, PA systems, closed circuit television systems, fiber optics, and electronic test equipment. Under supervision by the District supervisor or supervising engineer, as necessary, performs the more difficult and nonroutine types of maintenance work on the above equipment. The trainee may also make previously approved field modifications on equipment, and perform subsequent tests for work involving unusual problems. Assists in performing initial energization tests of new installations and obtains data which will permit the supervising engineer to make an engineering evaluation of the equipment performance in terms of the contract specifications. Installs certain types of equipment under general supervision after the procedures have been previously established. A typical job is the installation of mobile radios. Assists in measuring and determining locations of radio and audible noise and power line interference and advises the supervising engineer of the source of the interference so that corrective action may be initiated. In connection with the above various types of work, prepares reports which in general are a collection of test data, instrument readings, and other pertinent information which can be used by the supervising engineer to make an engineering determination on the equipment operations. Performs miscellaneous duties related to the maintenance of the communication system. Requirements Conditions of Employment Must be a U.S. Citizen or National. This employer participates in the e-Verify program. Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service. Suitable for Federal employment, as determined by a background investigation. May be required to successfully complete a probationary period. 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. 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. Satisfactory completion of each trainee step and associated related training is mandatory for advancement to the next step and retention in the trainee program. Failure of any two of the step examinations will result in removal from the trainee program. Become familiar with and follow the safety practices of the BPA Accident Prevention Manual. If exposed to health hazards, have periodic physical examinations as prescribed by competent medical authority at BPA expense. Possess a valid state driver's license. Obtain and maintain U.S. Motor Vehicle driver Authorization within 30 days after the requirement is established and maintain continuously thereafter. Additional endorsements on valid state driver's license may be required to operate assigned vehicles. Traffic citations indicating poor driving habits may disqualify applicants. Obtain and maintain a restricted electrical worker's permit within 1 year. As circumstances dictate, or as required by management, possess or obtain standard clearance certification. Possess within 1 year after appointment, and maintain continuously thereafter, both a First Aid card and a CPR card. Overnight Travel is required. Subject to call for emergency work at any time. Establish a residence in accordance with negotiated requirements that is within one hour or less commuting time under normal weather and road conditions to the duty station headquarters. 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. If you misrepresent your experience or education, or provide false or fraudulent information in or with your application, it may be grounds for not hiring you or for firing you after you begin work. Making false or fraudulent statements also may be punishable by fine or imprisonment. 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: Ability to do the work of a Power System Control Craftsman Trainee without more than normal supervision which is defined as experience in the installation, maintenance and repair of electronic equipment in at least 2 of the 3 following areas: (1) Radio Telecommunications equipment such as: microwave, UHF radio, VHF radio, and multiplex equipment; (2) Optical Transport equipment such as: fiber optics, SONET, OTN, Frame Relay, and ATM; or (3) IP Networking equipment such as: routers, switches, Carrier Ethernet, and MPLS. Failure to meet this element results in an ineligible rating. In addition to the screen-out element your qualifications 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 Use and Maintain Tools and Equipment Ingenuity (Ability To Suggest and Apply New Methods) Knowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair, etc. Theory of Electronics Trouble shooting (Electronic Equipment) Use of Test Equipment: Electronics 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. NOTE: DRIVING. Applicants must possess at appointment, and maintain thereafter, a valid U.S. State issued Motor Vehicle Operator License (Driver's License) in order to drive and operate U.S. government owned and leased vehicles and equipment. Traffic citations indicating poor driving habits may disqualify applicants. PHYSICAL EFFORT: Incumbents must be physically and mentally able to efficiently perform the essential duties of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation, without hazard to themselves or others. WORKING CONDITIONS: Most of the work is indoors although some of the power line carrier and mobile radio work is outside. Work may involve occasional travel to remote sites, and exposure in all kinds of weather. Repair work or other emergency work may be required at any time of a 24-hour day. Voltages up to several thousand volts may be present in some types of equipment. Some of the work is performed around moving machinery in the auxiliary power equipment. The work may involve driving maintenance vehicles over steep and narrow mountain roads. Work may involve working alone and possibly in isolated locations. The work environment will occasionally include high noise levels, or exposure to toxic or hazardous substances (i.e., acids, 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. PHYSICAL CONDITIONS: Performs preventative, corrective, and emergency maintenance on a variety of power system control equipment such as UHF, VHF, microwave, digital transport systems, fiber optics; power line carrier current; control and data, and multiplex equipment, and a variety of other miscellaneous equipment to ensure adequate operability of the power system control equipment. Performs initial energization tests of new installations and obtains data to be used by other personnel. Uses technical documentation as required, for maintenance and troubleshooting of equipment. Performs miscellaneous duties related to maintenance of the communication system, which may occur at substations or at remote mountaintops during harsh weather conditions. Completes associated documentation required of the above listed tasks. Drives from ½ to 5 hours per day 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 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 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/Help/how-to/account/documents/resume/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YX7o1PBoFk EEO Policy: USAJOBS Help Center | Equal employment opportunity policy Reasonable Accommodation Policy: USAJOBS Help Center | Reasonable accommodation policy Veterans Information: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/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.