Power System Control Craftsman Trainee 5

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.

Duties

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 manufacturer's 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

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: You must be a United States Citizen. This employer participates in the e-Verify program. Males must abide by Selective Service registration requirements. You will be required to report in person to the official duty location. Special Conditions of Employment: Satisfactory completion of each trainee step and associated related training is mandatory for advancement to the next step and retention in the trainee program. Failure of any two of the step examinations will result in removal from the trainee program. Become familiar with and follow the safety practices of the BPA Accident Prevention Manual. This position requires a preemployment medical exam, at BPA expense, prior to appointment due to the physical requirements of the position. If exposed to health hazards, have periodic physical examinations as prescribed by competent medical authority at BPA expense. Possess a valid state driver's license. Obtain and maintain U.S. Motor Vehicle driver Authorization within 30 days after the requirement is established and maintain continuously thereafter. Additional endorsements on valid state driver's license may be required to operate assigned vehicles. Traffic citations indicating poor driving habits may disqualify applicants. Obtain and maintain a restricted electrical worker's permit within 1 year. As circumstances dictate, or as required by management, possess or obtain standard clearance certification. Possess within 1 year after appointment, and maintain continuously thereafter, both a First Aid card and a CPR card. Overnight Travel is required. Subject to call for emergency work at any time. Operate motor vehicles, including 1-1/2 ton pickups, sedans, van type trucks, 4 x 4's, or snowcats, as required by management. Establish a residence in accordance with negotiated requirements, that is within one hour (90 minutes for the Grand Coulee, Washington duty station) or less commuting time under normal weather and road conditions, to the duty station headquarters.

Qualifications and evaluation

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): 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, and Repair, etc. Theory of Electronics Trouble shooting (Electronic Equipment) Use of Test Equipment: Electronics 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.

Education

There are no specific education requirements or substitution of education for experience for this position.

How to apply

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 must have a login.gov account to sign into USAJOBS: https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to/account. To begin the application process in USAJOBS, click the Apply Online button. Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all required and supporting documentation. You must click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 pm (ET) on the announcement closing date. 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.

Required documents

To apply for this position, you MUST provide a complete application package which includes: Your two (2) page RESUME showing all relevant work experience (paid and unpaid) including: duties performed; full name and address of each employer; start and end dates (month/day/year); work schedule (part-time, full-time, number of hours if intermittent); salary; and any completed education and training (program title, subject area, number of hours completed, and completion date). Cover Letter, optional, expressing additional information not covered in your resume. Transcripts, if specific educational requirements are indicated in this job announcement. Unofficial transcripts or any report listing institution, course title, credits earned (semester or quarter hour) and final grade is acceptable. It is your responsibility to provide adequate proof that you meet the educational requirements. Submit one or more of the following to support your eligibility(s) to apply to this job announcement: SF-50, "Notification of Personnel Action" (current/former federal employees): Most recent Promotion, Within Rate Increase (WRI/WGI), or Appointment/Conversion SF-50 or Notification of Personnel Action showing you are/were in the competitive service and the highest grade or promotion potential held. Veterans: DD-214 Member Copy 4 showing type of discharge/character of service; current active duty members- certification of expected discharge or release from active duty under honorable conditions dated within 120 days; SF-15 Form and related documentation; VA letter. For more information visit the USAJOBS Help Center & OPM CHCOC website for VOW information. Individuals with Disabilities: Schedule A letter from a physician, local, state or federal rehabilitation office citing your eligibility under 5 CFR 213.3102 (u). For more information visit the USAJOBS Help Center. Certain Military Spouses: Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders authorizing you to accompany the Military member to the new duty permanent station; OR verification of the member's 100% disability (VA Letter); and/or verification of the member's death while on active duty (DD-1300 and Death Certificate) AND verification of the marriage to the service member (i.e., a marriage license or other legal documentation verifying marriage). For more information visit the USAJOBS Help Center. Other non-competitive or special appointing authorities: provide documentation which supports your eligibility. Career Transition Assistance Program/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program documentation, if applicable (e.g., Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal.) For more information see the OPM Guide to Career Transition. 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.

Additional information

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional similar vacancies across DOE 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.