Power System Control Craftsman Trainee 5

Bonneville Power Administration • Idaho Falls, ID

10d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is with Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), Transmission Field Services, within the Transmission Services business line. The trainee is a journey-level communication technician who trains under the direct supervision of Power System Control Craftsmen or Engineers. The formal training program lasts three years and comprises six six-month steps, beginning at step 5 and ending at step 10. Successful completion of each step and its associated training allows promotion to the next step with a pay increase. After successful completion of the program, the trainee is promoted to Craftsman I, with a full-performance level of Craftsman II; advancement through the program may be accelerated.

The position performs preventive, corrective, and emergency maintenance on power system control and communications equipment. Equipment includes radio systems, optical and digital transport systems, network equipment, microwave systems, SCADA and other control/data systems, power line carrier equipment, auxiliary power systems, fault locators, telephone switching equipment, public-address and closed-circuit television systems, fiber optics, and electronic test equipment. Work includes troubleshooting and repair, approved field modifications, installation of certain equipment, testing new installations, collecting and documenting test data, and assisting engineers with equipment evaluations. Work is performed under supervision, with some tasks requiring general supervision after procedures have been established.

Most work is indoors, but some work is outdoors at substations and remote sites, including mountaintops and locations exposed to harsh weather. The position involves occasional travel, emergency call-outs at any time, driving maintenance vehicles, and potentially working alone or in isolated locations. Work may involve high voltages, moving machinery, high noise, and hazardous substances; appropriate respiratory and safety equipment must be used when handling hazardous substances. The position requires residence within the negotiated commuting time of the assigned duty station.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship.
• Meet the OPM Job Qualification System requirements for Trades and Labor Occupations (X-118C), demonstrating the required knowledge and skill through experience and training.
• Meet the screen-out requirement: ability to perform without more than normal supervision in professional or commercial installation, maintenance, or repair of telecommunications equipment in at least three of four areas: radio telecommunications; optical transport; carrier IP networking; or SCADA/SER, PLC, and remote monitoring systems.
• Support experience claimed for the screen-out element with detailed resume information.
• Possess a valid state driver's license and obtain and maintain U.S. Motor Vehicle driver authorization within 30 days after the requirement is established; additional endorsements may be required.
• Obtain and maintain a restricted electrical worker's permit within one year.
• Possess a First Aid card and a CPR card within one year after appointment and maintain both continuously thereafter.
• Obtain standard clearance certification if circumstances or management require it.
• Successfully complete each trainee step and its associated training to advance; failure of two step examinations results in removal from the trainee program.
• Complete a preemployment medical examination and periodic examinations if exposed to health hazards.
• Establish a residence within one hour of the duty station under normal weather and road conditions, or within 90 minutes for the Grand Coulee, Washington duty station.
• Be available for overnight travel and emergency call-outs at any time.
• Be physically and mentally able to perform the essential duties safely, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• For the Ashe (Richland) position, qualify for unescorted access to a Nuclear Regulatory Commission-jurisdiction nuclear facility, including required background investigation, medical and/or psychological evaluation, and pre-employment drug and alcohol testing; comply with random drug and alcohol testing.
• For the Ashe (Richland) position, complete annual radiation training and pass a written examination.

Responsibilities

• Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on power system control equipment.
• Perform emergency maintenance when required by district staffing or management needs.
• Under supervision, perform difficult or nonroutine maintenance on power system control equipment.
• Make previously approved field modifications and perform follow-up tests for work involving unusual problems.
• Assist with initial energization tests of new installations and collect data for engineering evaluation against contract specifications.
• Install designated equipment under general supervision once procedures have been established, including mobile radios.
• Measure and determine locations of radio, audible-noise, and power-line interference, and report likely sources to the supervising engineer.
• Prepare reports documenting test data, instrument readings, and other information relevant to equipment operation.
• Use technical documentation to maintain and troubleshoot equipment.
• Complete documentation associated with maintenance, testing, and other assigned work.
• Perform miscellaneous duties related to maintenance of the communications system.
• Drive maintenance vehicles to substations and remote sites as required.
• Complete each training-program step and its associated training and examinations.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package available to employees and their families, subject to position and eligibility rules.
• BPA Be Well wellness program supporting career, community, financial, physical, and social well-being.
• Potential hiring incentives for a highly qualified candidate, subject to budget availability and federal regulations.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed