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Power System Control Craftsman Trainee 5
Department of Energy
Bonneville Power Administration
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Summary
This position is located with Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), in the Transmission Field Services (TF) organization within the Transmission Services (T) business line.
A successful candidate in the Power System Control Craftsman Trainee 5 position is a journey level communication technician who trains under the direct supervision of Power System Control (PSC) Craftsmen or PSC Engineers.
Learn more about this agency
Summary
This position is located with Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), in the Transmission Field Services (TF) organization within the Transmission Services (T) business line.
A successful candidate in the Power System Control Craftsman Trainee 5 position is a journey level communication technician who trains under the direct supervision of Power System Control (PSC) Craftsmen or PSC Engineers.
Learn more about this agency
Overview
Help
Accepting applications
Location
9 vacancies in the following locations:
Idaho Falls, ID
Redmond, OR
The Dalles, OR
Umatilla, OR
Clarkston, WA
East Wenatchee, WA
Grand Coulee, WA
Kent, WA
Pasco, WA
Snohomish, WA
No matching locations found.
Work site options
Telework eligible No Remote job No Relocation expenses reimbursed No Salary $72.41 - $72.41 per hour Pay scale & grade
BB 00
Promotion potential None
Learn more about pay scale and grade
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule Full-time Travel Required 25% or less - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Appointment type Permanent
Occupations and job series
Supervisory status No Federal service type This job is in the Competitive Service Represented by a union Yes
Drug test No 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
Financial disclosure required No
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number 27-BPA-00001512-13094181-MP Control number 890138200
This job is open to
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Federal employees - Competitive service
Current federal employees whose agencies follow the U.S. Office of Personnel Managements hiring rules and pay scales.
Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)
Federal employees whose job, agency or department was eliminated and are eligible for priority over other applicants.
Land and base management
Current or former employees of a base management agency.
Veterans
Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces or a spouse, widow, widower or parent of a veteran, who may be eligible for derived preference
Military spouses
Military spouses of active duty service members or whose spouse is 100 percent disabled or died on active duty.
Individuals with disabilities
Individuals who are eligible under Schedule A.
Special authorities
Individuals eligible under a special authority not listed in another hiring path.
Clarification from the agency
Current Federal employees with competitive status or other eligibility; Former Federal employees with reinstatement eligibility; CTAP/ICTAP eligibles; Veterans with VOW, VEOA, VRA, or 30% disability; Military Spouses; Individuals with Disabilities Schedule A; Peace Corps, Vista (AmeriCorps) eligibles; OPM interchange agreement or other special appointing authority. DOE/BPA employees participating in either the OPM or DOE Deferred Resignation Program (DRP) are not eligible to apply.
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Duties
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After successful completion of the 3-year training program the trainee will be promoted to a performance level of Craftsman I, with a full performance level of craftsman II. Can be accelerated through the program.
$81.97 Craftsman I
$85.25 Craftsman II
The Power System Control Craftsman Training program is a formal 3-year program consisting of six steps of 6 months each starting at step 5 and ending at step 10. After successful completion of each step, promotion to the next step includes a pay increase. Current (2026) hourly rates:
$73.86 Step 6
$75.31 Step 7
$76.75 Step 8
$78.20 Step 9
$79.65 Step 10
As a Power System Control Craftsman Trainee 5 you will:
The Power System Control Craftsman Trainee performs preventive and corrective maintenance on power system control equipment. Additionally, there may be circumstances due to district staffing, the trainee may be expected to perform emergency maintenance on power system control equipment. Power system control equipment includes the following:
AM and FM radios with frequencies up to 900 mHz. These consist of fixed, mobile, and portable stations used for voice communications, control, and telemetering circuits.
High Density Transport Systems including SONET, STM, Ethernet Transport Systems and associated end equipment.
System-interconnected networks including various manufacturers routers, switches and Terminal Servers.
Digital and analog microwave radio equipment operating at frequencies above 900 MHz with high density channel loading capability.
High density microwave multiplex equipment which includes the frequency generation equipment, add/drop multiplexors, associated synchronization equipment, telephone termination equipment and dial selectors, and all service channel or order wire equipment.
Control and data equipment which includes SCADA, microwave alarm reporting systems, hydromet stations, ILDSS, digital/analog telemetering systems, central time system, transfer trip (used for line protection and remedial action schemes), data circuits and general purpose modems.
Power line carrier current equipment using AM, SSB, FM, and FSK modulation for the transmission of voice communications, power line relaying signals, telemetering, and supervisory control.
Miscellaneous equipment which includes auxiliary power equipment (engine generator controls, batteries and battery chargers, inverters, and UPS systems), power line fault locators (both portable and fixed), telephone switching equipment, PA systems, closed circuit television systems, fiber optics, and electronic test equipment.
Under supervision by the District supervisor or supervising engineer, as necessary, performs the more difficult and nonroutine types of maintenance work on the above equipment. The trainee may also make previously approved field modifications on equipment, and perform subsequent tests for work involving unusual problems.
Assists in performing initial energization tests of new installations and obtains data which will permit the supervising engineer to make an engineering evaluation of the equipment performance in terms of the contract specifications.
Installs certain types of equipment under general supervision after the procedures have been previously established. A typical job is the installation of mobile radios.
Assists in measuring and determining locations of radio and audible noise and power line interference and advises the supervising engineer of the source of the interference so that corrective action may be initiated.
In connection with the above various types of work, prepares reports which in general are a collection of test data, instrument readings, and other pertinent information which can be used by the supervising engineer to make an engineering determination on the equipment operations.
Performs miscellaneous duties related to the maintenance of the communication system.
Requirements
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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.
Key Requirements:
Special Conditions of Employment:
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. If you misrepresent your experience or education, or provide false or fraudulent information in or with your application, it may be grounds for not hiring you or for firing you after you begin work. Making false or fraudulent statements also may be punishable by fine or imprisonment.
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: Ability to perform without more than normal supervision in the professional/commercial installation, maintenance, or repair of telecommunication equipment in at least 3 of the 4 following areas: (1) Radio Telecommunications equipment such as: microwave radio, UHF radio, VHF radio, and TDM/PCM multiplex equipment; or (2) Optical Transport equipment such as: SONET, OTN, Frame Relay, and ATM; or (3) Carrier IP Networking equipment such as: routers, switches and hubs employing TCP/IP protocols and adhering to the 7-layer OSI model; or 4) SCADA/SER, PLC, remote monitoring systems. Experience reflected in this self-rating must be supported in your resume. Failure to meet this element results in an ineligible rating.
In addition to the screen-out element your qualifications will be evaluated on the following Job Elements through your resume and responses to the on-line assessment questionnaire:
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.
Please do not cut and paste the "Duties" section, specialized experience statement, or occupational assessment questionnaire from this announcement into your resume, as this will not be considered a demonstration of your qualifications for this position. Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on an assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.
"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.
CTAP/ICTAP candidates: To be considered "well qualified" you must meet all of the requirements as described in this section.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
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.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Most of the work is indoors although some of the power line carrier and mobile radio work is outside. Work will involve occasional travel to remote sites, and exposure in all kinds of weather. Repair work or other emergency work may be required at any time of a 24-hour day. Voltages up to several thousand volts may be present in some types of equipment. Some of the work is performed around moving machinery in the auxiliary power equipment. The work may involve driving maintenance vehicles over steep and narrow mountain roads. Work may involve working alone and possibly in isolated locations. The work environment will occasionally include high noise levels, or exposure to toxic or hazardous substances (i.e., acids, solvents, 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.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
Education
There are no specific education requirements or substitution of education for experience for this position.
Additional information
EEO Policy: USAJOBS Help Center | Equal employment opportunity policy
Reasonable Accommodation Policy: Employees or applicants may request Reasonable Accommodation (RA) for assistance, when applying or competing for a job or performing a job due to their medical condition or to exercise their religious beliefs. If you need reasonable accommodation in the application or selection process, please contact the Staffing Specialist listed on this vacancy announcement. USAJOBS Help Center | Reasonable accommodation policy
Veterans Information: USAJOBS Help Center - Veterans
Veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Telework: https://www.opm.gov/telework/
Selective Service Registration: http://www.sss.gov/ - Who must register: https://www.sss.gov/faq/#who-needs-to-register
Hiring incentives may be authorized for a highly qualified candidate based on budget availability and in accordance with federal regulations.
BPA strives to ensure a safe and positive work environment.
We also understand the importance of work/life balance and offer a variety of programs and policies designed to create more flexible, responsive work environments supportive of commitments to community, home and family members. BPA also supports employees overall wellness through its Be Well program, which helps employees adopt healthier lifestyles and feel better about their work/life balance. The program supports five key areas of life: career, community, financial, physical and social.
Under the Employee Referral Bonus program, certain BPA employees may be eligible for a monetary award for referring outside candidates for this difficult-to-fill position. The referring employee must complete the form BPA F 33300.01e and email it to careers@bpa.gov by midnight of the closing date of the job posting.
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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
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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.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the eligibility and qualification requirements above. Once the announcement closes, we will conduct a review of your application package to verify your eligibility and qualifications. If you are found qualified, your application will move forward to additional phases of the review process.
Minimum Qualifications: Once the application process is complete, the Human Resources Offices or Subject Matter Expert (SME) will review your two-page resume and supporting documentation to determine whether you meet the minimum job qualifications.
Merit Promotion & VEOA Procedures: If you are minimally qualified for this job, you will be assessed and evaluated to determine if you are a best qualified candidate. Federal employees must meet time-in-grade requirements and current employees must have at least a fully successful or equivalent performance rating to receive consideration.
Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):
Non-competitive Procedures: If you are applying under a non-competitive or special hiring authority, you will still be required to answer the assessment questions. However, you will not be evaluated against the rating and ranking criteria.
Your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine if you are minimally qualified for this job. Veterans Preference will be applied when required by the hiring authority (e.g., VRA, Schedule A).
All qualified Non-competitive applicants and the best qualified Merit Promotion and VEOA applicants will be referred to the hiring manager for consideration.
Career Transition Assistance Programs: To receive selection priority for this position, you must: 1) meet the eligibility criteria; and 2) be rated "well-qualified", which is defined as having a score of 85 or better.
You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date ( 11/01/2026) of this announcement.
To preview the Assessment Questionnaire, click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13094181.
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
To apply for this position, you MUST provide a complete application package which includes:
Submit one or more of the following to support your eligibility(s) to apply to this job announcement:
Failure to submit any of the above mentioned required documents may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.
If selected for the position you MUST submit: A copy of your most recent performance appraisal/evaluation and incentive awards, you received in the last 5 years. The assigned HR Specialist will verify review this documentation to ensure selectee has at least a satisfactory performance rating before setting the entrance on duty date. If you do not have your most recent performance appraisal/evaluation, you will be asked to submit a statement as to why it is not available.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply
Help
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application, to include submission of the required documentation specified in the Required Documents section. A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the announcement closing date to receive consideration.
The application process is as follows:
You may update your application, including supporting documentation, at any time during the announcement open period by returning to your USAJOBS account, select Update Application: https://login.usajobs.gov/Account/Login. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
To verify the status of your application, during and after the announcement open period, log into your USAJOBS account; 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.
If you need help with login.gov or USAJOBS (e.g., account access, Resume Builder) visit the USAJOBS Help Center: https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to
If you experience difficulty applying on USAJOBS, after clicking the Apply Online button, or you are experiencing a significant hardship hindering your ability to apply online, the Agency Contact listed in the announcement can assist you during normal business hours. If you receive any system error messages, take screenshots if possible, to aid technical support.
Agency contact information
Shaunna Young
Phone 503-230-4018 Email sxyoung@bpa.gov Address Bonneville Power Administration
P.O. Box 3621
Portland, OR 97208
US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. The status of your application will be updated in USAJOBS as it is evaluated.
You can check the status by logging into USAJOBS. You may also sign up to receive automatic emails anytime the status of your application changes by logging into your USAJobs Account and editing the Notification Settings.
You will be contacted directly if an interview is required.
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
To apply for this position, you MUST provide a complete application package which includes:
Submit one or more of the following to support your eligibility(s) to apply to this job announcement:
Failure to submit any of the above mentioned required documents may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.
If selected for the position you MUST submit: A copy of your most recent performance appraisal/evaluation and incentive awards, you received in the last 5 years. The assigned HR Specialist will verify review this documentation to ensure selectee has at least a satisfactory performance rating before setting the entrance on duty date. If you do not have your most recent performance appraisal/evaluation, you will be asked to submit a statement as to why it is not available.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply
Help
Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application, to include submission of the required documentation specified in the Required Documents section. A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the announcement closing date to receive consideration.
The application process is as follows:
You may update your application, including supporting documentation, at any time during the announcement open period by returning to your USAJOBS account, select Update Application: https://login.usajobs.gov/Account/Login. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.
To verify the status of your application, during and after the announcement open period, log into your USAJOBS account; 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.
If you need help with login.gov or USAJOBS (e.g., account access, Resume Builder) visit the USAJOBS Help Center: https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to
If you experience difficulty applying on USAJOBS, after clicking the Apply Online button, or you are experiencing a significant hardship hindering your ability to apply online, the Agency Contact listed in the announcement can assist you during normal business hours. If you receive any system error messages, take screenshots if possible, to aid technical support.
Expand Hide how to apply
Agency contact information
Shaunna Young
Phone 503-230-4018 Email sxyoung@bpa.gov Address Bonneville Power Administration
P.O. Box 3621
Portland, OR 97208
US
Next steps
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. The status of your application will be updated in USAJOBS as it is evaluated.
You can check the status by logging into USAJOBS. You may also sign up to receive automatic emails anytime the status of your application changes by logging into your USAJobs Account and editing the Notification Settings.
You will be contacted directly if an interview is required.
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
Additional locations
Clarkston, WA
East Wenatchee, WA
Grand Coulee, WA
Kent, WA
Pasco, WA
Snohomish, WA
Bonneville Power Administration
We are truly honored that DOE has been named Americas #1 Best Employer for Veterans in 2023 by Forbes-not only among Government agencies, but among employers across the U.S. We are so proud of this ranking which reflects our commitment to the employment of veterans. As so many veterans at DOE renew their service to our Nation, we are deeply committed to their success and advancement. Veterans shape the future of energy
The Bonneville Power Administration is a nonprofit federal power marketing administration based in the Pacific Northwest. Although BPA is part of the U.S. Department of Energy, it is self-funding and covers its costs by selling its products and services. BPA markets wholesale electrical power from 31 federal hydroelectric projects in the Northwest, one nonfederal nuclear plant and several small nonfederal power plants.
Agency contact information
Shaunna Young
Phone 503-230-4018 Email sxyoung@bpa.gov Address Bonneville Power Administration
P.O. Box 3621
Portland, OR 97208
US
Visit our careers page
Learn more about what its like to work at Bonneville Power Administration, what the agency does, and about the types of careers this agency offers.
https://www.youtube.com/embed/oYv0wfVaok4
Summary
This position is located with Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), in the Transmission Field Services (TF) organization within the Transmission Services (T) business line.
A successful candidate in the Power System Control Craftsman Trainee 5 position is a journey level communication technician who trains under the direct supervision of Power System Control (PSC) Craftsmen or PSC Engineers.
Learn more about this agency
Overview
Help
Accepting applications
Location
9 vacancies in the following locations:
Idaho Falls, ID
Redmond, OR
The Dalles, OR
Umatilla, OR
Clarkston, WA
East Wenatchee, WA
Grand Coulee, WA
Kent, WA
Pasco, WA
Snohomish, WA
No matching locations found.
Work site options
Telework eligible No Remote job No Relocation expenses reimbursed No Salary $72.41 - $72.41 per hour Pay scale & grade
BB 00
Promotion potential None
Learn more about pay scale and grade
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule Full-time Travel Required 25% or less - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Appointment type Permanent
Occupations and job series
Supervisory status No Federal service type This job is in the Competitive Service Represented by a union Yes
Drug test No 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
Financial disclosure required No
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number 27-BPA-00001512-13094181-MP Control number 890138200
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