Power Plant Mechanic Trainee III/IV

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Power Plant Mechanic Trainee III/IV

Department of the Army

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Omaha District, Operations Division, Garrison Project Office

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• Summary
• This job is open to
• Duties
• Requirements
• How you will be evaluated
• Required documents
• How to apply

Summary

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.

About the Position: As a Power Plant Trainee Mechanic, you will work under journeyman guidance to inspect, adjust, maintain, repair, test, install, and modify mechanical equipment, systems, and structures within a hydroelectric power plant, switchyard, and associated water control structures.

Learn more about this agency

Summary

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.

About the Position: As a Power Plant Trainee Mechanic, you will work under journeyman guidance to inspect, adjust, maintain, repair, test, install, and modify mechanical equipment, systems, and structures within a hydroelectric power plant, switchyard, and associated water control structures.

Learn more about this agency

Overview

Help

Accepting applications

Location

1 vacancy in the following location:

Riverdale, ND

No matching locations found.

Work site options

Telework eligible No Remote job No Relocation expenses reimbursed Yes-You may qualify for reimbursement of relocation expenses in accordance with agency policy. Salary $48.91 - $54.80 per hour

Trainee III: $48.91 per hour; Trainee IV: $54.80

Pay scale & grade

WB 00

Promotion potential 00

Learn more about pay scale and grade

Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.

Work schedule Full-time Travel Required Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.

Appointment type Permanent

Occupations and job series

• 5352 Industrial Equipment Mechanic

Supervisory status No Federal service type This job is in the Competitive Service Represented by a union Yes

Drug test Yes Security clearance Not Required Position sensitivity and risk Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.

Background check type

• Suitability/Fitness

Financial disclosure required No

Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.

Announcement number CEDE-26-13055561-DHA Control number 883458700

This job is open to

Help

The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

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Duties

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• Inspects, diagnoses, and performs major repairs to mechanical operating equipment of hydroelectric powerhouses, dams, spillways, and intake structures.
• Diagnoses mechanical failures of equipment and performs repairs by disassembling, overhauling, installing, and reassembling parts on all mechanical operating equipment of the powerhouse, dam, spillway, and intake structure.
• Inspects, tests, and adjusts powerhouse, dam, spillway, and intake machinery and equipment.
• Performs electric and acetylene welding and machine-work required in the repair and manufacture of parts for maintenance of powerhouse, dam, spillway, and intake structure equipment.
• Maintains potable water and sewage treatment equipment;.
• Operates aerial lifts such as articulating boom platforms and mobile load handling equipment such as forklifts; rigs heavy loads and operates bridge and gantry cranes as needed to lift these loads.
• Online study and on-the-job work assignments are coordinated to relate basic theories to practical application of operation and maintenance activities of hydroelectric projects and are closely reviewed to assure satisfactory performance.
• Trainees are responsible for meeting and maintaining standards of Federal employment, learning the study material, and having the ability to do the work required in the trade.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
• Obtain and maintain a valid state Drivers License.
• Pre-employment physical is required.
• Participation in the Medical Surveillance Program is required.
• This is a mandatory Drug and Alcohol Testing Designated Position (TDP), in accordance with ER 690-1-1218, USACE Civilian Drug Free Workplace Program, dated 30 June 2021. Participation in the Mandatory Drug and Alcohol Testing Program is required.
• Incumbent must be able to do heavy lifting and operating heavy and awkward hand tools up to 50 lbs.
• Incumbent will be required to operate spillway and flood control gates to control water flows.

Qualifications

Who May Apply: US Citizens

In order to qualify, you must meet the experience requirements described below. 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. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.

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.

For the WB-00 Trainee III: Minimum Qualifications (Screen Out Element): Ability to do the work of a(n) Power Plant Mechanic Trainee III/IV without more than normal supervision. I have the ability to perform common preventive maintenance duties on mechanical equipment. I can perform preventive maintenance tasks such as inspecting, cleaning, and lubricating equipment. I can disassemble and assemble simple components to replace worn parts like bearings, couplings, filters, gaskets, and seals. I 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.

For the WB-00 Trainee IV: Minimum Qualifications (Screen Out Element): Ability to do the work of a(n) Power Plant Mechanic Trainee III/IV without more than normal supervision. I have the ability to perform some tasks including the scheduled repair and maintenance of various mechanical systems. I can perform scheduled repairs and overhauls on mechanical equipment such as pumps, compressors, and gear boxes. I can cut, fit, and thread various types of piping, and operate common mechanic shop tools like drill presses and grinders. I work under supervision of a work leader or journey-level employee who reviews my work for completion. - Failure to meet this Screen Out Element will result in an ineligible rating.

• Ability To Do The Work Of The Position Without More Than Normal Supervision
• PHYSICAL EFFORT: Work requires extensive walking, standing, and climbing vertical and inclined ladders and stairs; and stooping, bending, kneeling, and crawling. Work may be done in awkward and cramped positions which may require the physical endurance to work under poor conditions for prolonged periods of time. Requires lifting and carrying tools, equipment and supplies frequently weighing up to and over 45 pounds. Required to operate large valves, apply servolocks, lift deck hatches, and perform other tasks requiring up to 75 pounds of pulling or turning force. There is danger of cuts, bruises and burns from equipment used and possible irritation or injury to eyes and spills from acids and solvents used. Must have good distant vision in each eye and be able to read fine calibrations; glasses permitted. Ability to distinguish basic colors is required. Ability to hear the conversational voice, with or without a hearing aid, is required. An amputation of arm, hand, leg or foot will normally disqualify an applicant for appointment. Any physical condition which would cause the applicant to be a hazard to his/herself or to others is disqualifying.
• WORKING CONDITIONS: The principal assignment is to the powerhouse; however the work area may include intake structures, and spillway areas. When working outside, is exposed to the usual extremes of climate. Exposed to high noise levels from equipment and machinery, and conditions of low visibility due to wearing protective devices and available light in some locations. Exposed to heights, oils, greases, confined areas, dust, dirt, water, heat and cold, odors, fumes, and moving and/or energized equipment. Occasionally works in proximity to high voltages and currents. Is subject to the discomfort of safety equipment required such as hard-hats, ear plugs, safety glasses and goggles, face masks, shields and helmets, respirators, and gloves depending on work performed and safety requirements which must be met. Must wear appropriate safety equipment and protective clothing, and successfully complete and maintain all occupational health requirements, including pulmonary capacity and other routine occupational and pre-employment medical examinations.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
• You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
• This position requires a 1 year probationary period during which the agency evaluates your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In making this determination, the agency may consider your performance and conduct; agency needs and interests; whether your continued employment supports organizational or Government goals; and whether it promotes the efficiency of the Federal service. Continued employment requires written certification that it advances the public interest.
• Direct Deposit of Pay is required.
• Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees.
• If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the Reemployed Annuitant information sheet.
• This is a(n) Logistics Career Field position.
• Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement.
• When you perform a Civilian Permanent Change of Station (PCS) with the government, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers the majority of your entitlements to be taxable. Visit https://www.dfas.mil/civilianemployees/civrelo/Civilian-Moving-Expenses-Tax-Deduction.htm for more information.
• Permanent Change of Station (PCS) allowances may be authorized, subject to the provisions of the Joint Travel Regulations and an agency determination that a PCS move is in the Government Interest.
• The Defense National Relocation Program (DNRP) is not authorized.
• The following incentives may be authorized: Recruitment incentive or Relocation Incentive.
• Not eligible for telework.
• Requires employee to wear protective clothing.
• May require working outside in all kinds of weather.
• Management may select at any of the grade levels announced, WB-00 Trainee III or WB-00 Trainee IV.
• Noncompetitive promotion potential to target grade of WB-00 Power Plant Mechanic (DR).

Expand Hide additional information

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Benefits

Help

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Once the announcement has closed, a review of your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine whether you meet the qualification requirements listed on this announcement. Please follow all instructions carefully when applying, errors or omissions may affect your eligibility.

If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and/or experience, you may lose consideration for this position.

Veterans and Military Spouses will be considered along with all other candidates.

Benefits

Help

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

Required documents

Required Documents

Help

The documents you are required to submit vary based on whether or not you are eligible for preference in federal employment. A complete description of preference categories and the associated required documents is in the Applicant Checklist for Public Announcements.

As described above, your complete application includes your resume, your responses to the online questionnaire, and documents which prove your eligibility to apply. If you fail to provide these documents, you will be marked as having an incomplete application package and you will not be considered any further.

1. Your resume:

• Your resume must be two pages or less and must support the specialized experience described in this announcement. Resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration.
• For each relevant work experience, make sure you include the employers name, job title, start and end dates (include month and year), for qualifications purposes, the number of hours worked per week, and a brief description that show you can perform the tasks at the required level listed in the job announcement. If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as incomplete, and you may not receive consideration for this position.
• Use plain language. Avoid using acronyms and terms that are not easily understood. The hiring agency will not make assumptions about whats in your resume.
• If your resume includes a photograph or other inappropriate material or content, it will not be used to make eligibility and qualification determinations, and you may not be considered for this vacancy.
• For additional information, to include formatting tips, see: What to include in your resume.

2. Other supporting documents:

• Cover Letter, optional
• Most recent Performance Appraisal, if applicable

NOTE: Documents submitted as part of the application package, to include supplemental documents, may be shared beyond the Human Resources Office. Some supplemental documents such as military orders and marriage certificates may contain personal information for someone other than you. You may sanitize these documents to remove another persons personal information before you submit your application. You may be asked to provide an un-sanitized version of the documents if you are selected to confirm your eligibility.

How to Apply

Help

To apply for this position, you must complete the online questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section above.

The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 09/18/2026 to receive consideration

• To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application (https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13055561).
• Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. As a reminder, your resume must be two pages or less and must support the specialized experience described in this announcement. Resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration. For additional information, refer to the Required Documents section.
• You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
• After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
• You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application. Your resume selected in USAJOBS will be included, but you must re-select other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application may be incomplete.
• It is your responsibility to verify that your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) is complete, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. Uploaded documents may take up to one hour to clear the virus scan.
• Additional information on how to complete the online application process and submit your online application may be found on the USA Staffing Applicant Resource Center.

To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://www.usajobs.gov/applicant/profile/dashboard/), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to/application/status.

Agency contact information

Army Applicant Help Desk

Website https://portal.chra.army.mil/hr_public?id=app_inq Address RH-W2SJ07 USARMY ENGINEER DISTRICT-OMAHA

DO NOT MAIL

Omaha, NE 68102

US

Next steps

If you provided an email address, you will receive an email message acknowledging receipt of your application. Your application package will be used to determine your eligibility, qualifications, and quality ranking (as applicable) for this position. If you are determined to be ineligible or not qualified, your application will receive no further consideration.

Fair and transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

Criminal history inquiries Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy

Financial suitability New employee probationary period

Privacy Act Reasonable accommodation policy

Selective Service Signature and false statements

Social security number request

Required Documents

Help

The documents you are required to submit vary based on whether or not you are eligible for preference in federal employment. A complete description of preference categories and the associated required documents is in the Applicant Checklist for Public Announcements.

As described above, your complete application includes your resume, your responses to the online questionnaire, and documents which prove your eligibility to apply. If you fail to provide these documents, you will be marked as having an incomplete application package and you will not be considered any further.

1. Your resume:

• Your resume must be two pages or less and must support the specialized experience described in this announcement. Resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration.
• For each relevant work experience, make sure you include the employers name, job title, start and end dates (include month and year), for qualifications purposes, the number of hours worked per week, and a brief description that show you can perform the tasks at the required level listed in the job announcement. If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as incomplete, and you may not receive consideration for this position.
• Use plain language. Avoid using acronyms and terms that are not easily understood. The hiring agency will not make assumptions about whats in your resume.
• If your resume includes a photograph or other inappropriate material or content, it will not be used to make eligibility and qualification determinations, and you may not be considered for this vacancy.
• For additional information, to include formatting tips, see: What to include in your resume.

2. Other supporting documents:

• Cover Letter, optional
• Most recent Performance Appraisal, if applicable

NOTE: Documents submitted as part of the application package, to include supplemental documents, may be shared beyond the Human Resources Office. Some supplemental documents such as military orders and marriage certificates may contain personal information for someone other than you. You may sanitize these documents to remove another persons personal information before you submit your application. You may be asked to provide an un-sanitized version of the documents if you are selected to confirm your eligibility.

How to Apply

Help

To apply for this position, you must complete the online questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section above.

The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 09/18/2026 to receive consideration

• To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application (https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13055561).
• Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. As a reminder, your resume must be two pages or less and must support the specialized experience described in this announcement. Resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration. For additional information, refer to the Required Documents section.
• You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
• After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
• You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application. Your resume selected in USAJOBS will be included, but you must re-select other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application may be incomplete.
• It is your responsibility to verify that your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) is complete, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. Uploaded documents may take up to one hour to clear the virus scan.
• Additional information on how to complete the online application process and submit your online application may be found on the USA Staffing Applicant Resource Center.

To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://www.usajobs.gov/applicant/profile/dashboard/), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to/application/status.

Expand Hide how to apply

Agency contact information

Army Applicant Help Desk

Website https://portal.chra.army.mil/hr_public?id=app_inq Address RH-W2SJ07 USARMY ENGINEER DISTRICT-OMAHA

DO NOT MAIL

Omaha, NE 68102

US

Next steps

If you provided an email address, you will receive an email message acknowledging receipt of your application. Your application package will be used to determine your eligibility, qualifications, and quality ranking (as applicable) for this position. If you are determined to be ineligible or not qualified, your application will receive no further consideration.

Expand Hide next steps

Fair and transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

Criminal history inquiries Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy

Financial suitability New employee probationary period

Privacy Act Reasonable accommodation policy

Selective Service Signature and false statements

Social security number request

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

At the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), we do not just construct infrastructure; we engineer the future of our Nation. From securing vital water resource infrastructure and restoring fragile ecosystems to designing world-class facilities for our armed forces and responding to natural disasters, our work touches lives every day.

By joining USACE, you will have the opportunity to contribute to high-impact, meaningful projects, collaborate with a diverse network of dedicated professionals, and advance your career. Here, your skills do not just build structures; they build national resilience, protect local communities, and support a safer, stronger tomorrow.

Build Strong With Us - explore our opportunities and engineer your legacy today.

Agency contact information

Army Applicant Help Desk

Website https://portal.chra.army.mil/hr_public?id=app_inq Address RH-W2SJ07 USARMY ENGINEER DISTRICT-OMAHA

DO NOT MAIL

Omaha, NE 68102

US

Visit our careers page

Learn more about what its like to work at U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, what the agency does, and about the types of careers this agency offers.

https://www.usace.army.mil/Careers/

Summary

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.

About the Position: As a Power Plant Trainee Mechanic, you will work under journeyman guidance to inspect, adjust, maintain, repair, test, install, and modify mechanical equipment, systems, and structures within a hydroelectric power plant, switchyard, and associated water control structures.

Learn more about this agency

Overview

Help

Accepting applications

Location

1 vacancy in the following location:

Riverdale, ND

No matching locations found.

Work site options

Telework eligible No Remote job No Relocation expenses reimbursed Yes-You may qualify for reimbursement of relocation expenses in accordance with agency policy. Salary $48.91 - $54.80 per hour

Trainee III: $48.91 per hour; Trainee IV: $54.80

Pay scale & grade

WB 00

Promotion potential 00

Learn more about pay scale and grade

Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.

Work schedule Full-time Travel Required Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.

Appointment type Permanent

Occupations and job series

• 5352 Industrial Equipment Mechanic

Supervisory status No Federal service type This job is in the Competitive Service Represented by a union Yes

Drug test Yes Security clearance Not Required Position sensitivity and risk Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.

Background check type

• Suitability/Fitness

Financial disclosure required No

Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.

Announcement number CEDE-26-13055561-DHA Control number 883458700

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