This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DoD Workforce to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service. You will serve as a Power Plant Operator at Willamette Valley Project. Operating facilities consist of a large hydroelectric powerhouse and adjunct operating facilities consisting of a navigation lock, fish facilities, and spillway.
Who May Apply: US Citizens 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). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. There is no specific length of training or experience required. However, you must be able to demonstrate, through experience shown in your written application materials that you possess the sufficient knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the work of this position without more than normal supervision. Minimum Qualifications (Screen Out Element): Ability to do the work of a Power Plant Operator (TC-I) ~ without more than normal supervision. Ability to perform common Power Plant Operator duties in a power plant of at least 300-megawatt generation capability. The ability to restore a 15 megawatt or larger turbine generator to service after major overhaul in a 300 megawatt or larger power plant. Ability to work under normal supervision of a work leader or journey-level employee who observes tasks in progress and upon completion to make sure they are properly performed. - Failure to meet this Screen out Element will result in an ineligible rating. Physical Effort Eye and hand coordination is required to operate switches and controls. Job requires extensive walking, standing, and climbing vertical and inclined ladders and stairs. Is required to operate large valves, apply servolocks, lift deck hatches and other jobs requiring pulling or turning force. Lifts and carries equipment and supplies frequently up to, and occasionally over, 45 pounds. Work requires prolonged standing, walking, climbing, bending, stooping, twisting, pulling, pushing, and kneeling. Working Conditions Works on a rotating shift, inside, in well-lighted work area. Works outdoors for short periods with exposure to climate extremes. Occasionally works in proximity to high voltages and currents. Incumbent is often exposed to equipment and machinery noises and outside the control room employee will be subject to the discomfort of wearing safety equipment such as hard-hats, earplugs, and respirators. Must wear appropriate safety equipment and protective clothing, and successfully complete and maintain all occupational health requirements.
Inspect project areas and equipment as well as observing, checking and reporting operational data to the control room.
Operate power project equipment to prescribed standards which includes assuming local control of stopping, starting, synchronizing, and adjusting load and voltage for units and auxiliary equipment.
Operate gates to control flows, pool levels, or to discharge debris.
Operate navigation lock and control machinery for valves and gates in passing vessels through high, single-lift locks.
Perform operator-related preventative maintenance checks and will maintain security surveillance of the project.
Perform transmission line disconnects or ground switches as required for clearing circuits on high voltage gear.