Summary All hourly jobs are considered as open for bid on a continuous basis. Any BPA employee on a competitive career or career-conditional appointment may, at any time, submit an application for permanent promotions, reassignments, or change of duty stations. In order to assure all interested employees are considered, candidates are solicited annually through a Continuous Vacancy Announcement - Hourly Jobs (Bid List) identifying those jobs and duty locations, for which they wish to be considered. Responsibilities As a System Protection Control Craftsman I and II, you will: Use test equipment to determine response of energy meters, line protection relays, telemetering, switchboard indication, power system recording systems, instrument transformers, substation data networks and other power system devices used for information and control. Legacy and new technology is used for repair of substation equipment. Follows accepted procedures to install, calibrate, troubleshoot, repair, and maintain equipment. As required, makes arrangement for equipment outages with Operations and customer utilities. Prepare data reports and keep incidental records pertinent to the tests performed. Use technical documentation for maintenance and troubleshooting of equipment. Collect, scale, and annotate power system event and fault records. Keep test equipment in good safe working order. Under direct supervision, performs miscellaneous duties related to the maintenance of the power system. Assists in training of System Protection Control Craftsman Trainees. Performs special assignments related to System Protection Control work such as developing test programs, developing, and assembling special test circuits, performing novel tests, and developing trouble-shooting instructions. Provides advice on problems. Requirements Conditions of Employment 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. 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. Become familiar with and follow the safety practices of the BPA Accident Prevention Manual. Possess an electrical worker's permit or obtain one within 120 days after the requirement is established. Must be able to obtain and maintain appropriate certifications and permits, including appropriate worker and access permits and standard clearance certification. Obtain within 1 year after appointment, and maintain continuously thereafter, a valid First Aid card, CPR card, or appropriate training. Operate motor vehicles, including 1-1/2 ton pickups, sedans, van type trucks, forklifts, and 4x4's. Be certified to operate specialized equipment, if assigned to use. Subject to call for emergency work at any time. Operate motor vehicles, including 1-1/2 ton pickups, sedans, van type trucks, forklifts, and 4x4's. Be certified to operate specialized equipment, if assigned to use. Required to wear personal protective gear such as apparel, respirators, etc. when required for worker safety. Frequent and overnight travel is required. The position at Ashe (Richland) requires unescorted access to a nuclear facility under the jurisdiction of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Final employee selection is subject to successfully completing a background investigation, medical and/or psychological evaluation and pre-employment drug and alcohol testing administered by the nuclear facility management. This position is also subject to random drug and alcohol testing by the nuclear facility management. The position at Ashe (Richland) will be required to take annual radiation training and pass a written exam. Conditions Of Employment: This position requires a pre-employment medical exam, at BPA expense, prior to appointment due to the physical requirements of the position. Must possess a current valid U.S. motor vehicle operator's license from state of residence. 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. 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 defined as operating computer controlled relay test system for commissioning, maintenance and diagnostic fault simulation on micro-processor and electro-mechanical transmission lines, transformers, bus and breaker failure relays, and removing line protection from service, performing diagnostic and functional tests, and returning line protection to in-service condition without more than normal supervision. Failure to meet this Screen out Element will result in an ineligible rating. In addition to the screen-out element you 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 Hand and Power Tools -Electronics 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. This position has a selective placement factor, failure to meet this requirement(s) will result in an ineligible rating. Must possess a current valid U.S. motor vehicle operator's license from state of residence. Operate motor vehicles, including 1-1/2 ton pickups, sedans, snowmobiles, or van-type trucks. WORKING CONDITIONS: Work is performed primarily indoors. Some work will involve travel to remote sites or substations, and may be performed in adverse weather conditions which includes extremes of temperature. The employee may be exposed to electrical hazards of all voltages existing in the BPA system, and will be expected to work occasionally on substation equipment at heights 40 feet above the ground. The work environment will occasionally include high noise levels or exposure to toxic or hazardous substances (i.e., acids, solvents, PCB's, mercury, pesticides, 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: 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. "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. You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement. Education There is no substitution of education for experience for Federal Wage Grade (WG) positions. Additional Information The U.S. Department of Energy fosters a diverse and inclusive workplace and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. More than one selection may be made from this vacancy announcement. Many positions require successful completion of a background investigation. EEO Policy: http://www.usajobs.gov/eeo Reasonable Accommodation Policy: http://www.usajobs.gov/raps 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 Hiring incentives may be authorized for a highly qualified candidate based on budget availability and in accordance with federal regulations.