This position is located with Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), in Transmission Field Services (TF) at multiple substation locations. A successful candidate in the Substation Operator Trainee I position will learn a variety of tasks designed to provide experience which will enhance technical understanding and skill in the use of the tools and equipment of the trade.
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. 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: Experience and skill to successfully perform the job of a Substation Operator Trainee I is the ability to do the work of the position without more than normal supervision in operating and energizing high and low-voltage electrical equipment in electrical power transmission or substations systems. Failure to meet this Screen out Element will result in an ineligible rating. (SCREEN-OUT) 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 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 "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. OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Obtain and maintain an Energized Access Permit within two weeks of appointment. When determined by management, obtain and maintain continuously thereafter a Restricted Electrical Worker Permit. Possess within the first two weeks of the training program, an Energized Facilities Access Permit. This permit must be maintained until the supervisor determines that a Restricted Electrical Worker Permit is needed, usually within the first 4 months of the program. When the determination for a Restricted Electrical Worker Permit is made, the permit must be obtained within two weeks and maintained thereafter for the duration of the training program. Possess at all times a valid unrestricted state driver's license. Traffic citations indicating poor driving habits may disqualify applicants, and can be cause for removal from the program. Obtain and maintain equipment operation certifications, as required, for equipment associated with substation operations. Obtain and maintain first aid and CPR card within one month of appointment and maintain continuously thereafter. Subject to call for emergency work at any time. Operate any type of motor vehicle applicable to assigned duties. As part of the job requirements, and at the discretion of the Chief Substation Operator III, the Substation Operator Trainee 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. Obtaining a Standard Clearance Certification and Electrical Worker Permit are mandatory requirements for completion of the Trainee program and advancement to the journeyman level. These requirements must be met no later than 30-days from the successful completion of their final review evaluation. Subject to pre-employment, random, reasonable suspicion, and post-accident/incident drug testing. 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 Trainee may work from ladders, platforms, or scaffolding averaging 4 feet, 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. 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 constraints. System priorities may require extended periods of overtime, including working weekends and/or holidays. 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. Operates energized high 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. 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.
As a Substation Operator Trainee I, you will: Under direct on-site supervision of a Journeyman operates high voltage electrical equipment in electrical power transmission system substations and on transmission lines. Expected to gain knowledge of the various work processes, high voltage power system equipment, associated protective relays, and become proficient in the use of proper terminology. Perform switching under the direct on-site supervision and guidance of a Chief Substation Operator or journeyman Substation Operator. Assignments will be made with various other BPA groups and functions to learn their working processes and equipment. These assignment areas are, but not limited to, the following: System Dispatching Substation Electrical Maintenance Power Generating Facility Transmission Line Maintenance Test and Energization/Construction System Protection and Control Maintenance Power System Control Maintenance The Substation Operator Trainee program is a formal, 20-month program consisting of five, 4-month steps (training periods 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5). The Trainee must pass oral and written reviews at the end of each step to remain in this program. Trainees will be promoted to journeyman after successfully passing the fifth step review and meeting all other requirements of the position. In addition to satisfactorily completing the on-the-job training portion of the program, the Trainee is required to complete all assigned lessons associated with periodic classroom instruction sessions and assigned coursework (correspondence, on-line, etc.) during each step of the training program. Substation Operator Trainee positions require that you sign a "Continuation of Service Agreement", prior to entry on duty. The agreement will obligate you to remain with BPA for a period of one (1) year upon completion of the training program. If you fail to complete the required period of service with BPA, you will be liable (indebted), in most cases, to BPA for the cost of the training received. Specific information regarding the Continuation of Service Agreement will be provided to selected applicants in future correspondence. Of course, we are hopeful that you would remain with BPA for your entire career, as nearly all of BPA's employees have chosen to do so.