Power System Control Craftsman Trainee 5

Bonneville Power Administration • Idaho Falls, ID

10d

About The Position

This position is with the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), Transmission Field Services organization, 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 consists of six six-month steps, beginning at step 5 and ending at step 10. Successful completion of each step and its associated training is required for advancement; the program may be accelerated. After successful completion, the trainee is promoted to Craftsman I, with a full performance level of Craftsman II.

The role performs preventive, corrective, and, when circumstances require, emergency maintenance on power system control and communications equipment. Equipment includes radio systems; high-density transport and optical systems; interconnected networks and carrier IP equipment; microwave radio and multiplex equipment; SCADA and other control and data systems; power line carrier current equipment; auxiliary power systems; fault locators; telephone switching, public address, and closed-circuit television systems; fiber optics; and electronic test equipment.

Under supervision, the trainee performs difficult or nonroutine maintenance, makes previously approved field modifications, conducts tests, assists with initial energization of new installations, and gathers performance data for engineering evaluation. The trainee may install equipment under general supervision after procedures have been established, help locate radio, audible-noise, and power-line interference, prepare test and maintenance reports, and perform other communications-system maintenance duties.

Work is primarily indoors, but some work is outdoors and involves travel to remote sites and exposure to varied and severe weather. Duties may involve emergency work at any time, high voltages, moving machinery, steep and narrow mountain roads, isolated work locations, high noise, and potentially hazardous substances. The employee must use appropriate respiratory and safety equipment when handling hazardous substances. The job also involves driving maintenance vehicles for approximately one-half to five hours per day in all weather conditions.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship.
• Meet the OPM Job Qualification System requirements for Trades and Labor Occupations (X-118C).
• Demonstrate the knowledge and skill required for the position through experience and training; no specific length of experience is required for most trade and labor occupations.
• Meet the screen-out requirement: ability to work 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. The experience must be supported in the resume.
• Possess a valid state driver's license and obtain and maintain U.S. Motor Vehicle driver authorization within 30 days after it is required; additional license endorsements may be required.
• Obtain and maintain a restricted electrical worker's permit within one year.
• Obtain and maintain First Aid and CPR cards within one year after appointment.
• Complete each trainee step and associated training satisfactorily to advance; failure of two step examinations results in removal from the trainee program.
• Establish a residence within the negotiated commuting-time requirement of the duty station: one hour, or 90 minutes for the Grand Coulee, Washington duty station, under normal weather and road conditions.
• Pass a preemployment medical examination due to the physical requirements of the position and periodic examinations if exposed to health hazards.
• Be physically and mentally able to perform essential duties safely, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Meet any applicable nuclear-facility access requirements for the Ashe (Richland) position, including background investigation, medical and/or psychological evaluation, and pre-employment and random drug and alcohol testing.
• For the Ashe (Richland) position, complete annual radiation training and pass a written examination.

Responsibilities

• Perform preventive, corrective, and emergency maintenance on power system control and communications equipment.
• Perform difficult or nonroutine maintenance under the supervision of a district supervisor or supervising engineer.
• Make previously approved field modifications and conduct subsequent tests, including work involving unusual problems.
• Assist with initial energization tests of new installations and collect data for engineering evaluation of equipment performance against contract specifications.
• Install certain types of equipment under general supervision after procedures have been established, including mobile radios.
• Measure and help determine locations of radio, audible-noise, and power-line interference, and advise the supervising engineer of its source.
• Prepare reports compiling test data, instrument readings, and other information relevant to equipment operation.
• Use technical documentation to maintain and troubleshoot equipment.
• Complete documentation associated with maintenance and testing tasks.
• Perform other duties related to maintenance of the communications system, including work at substations and remote sites.

Benefits

• A comprehensive federal employee benefits package for eligible employees and their families.
• BPA wellness program (Be Well) supporting career, community, financial, physical, and social wellness.
• Potential hiring incentives for highly qualified candidates, subject to budget availability and federal regulations.

What This Job Offers

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