Powerplant Operator

Reclamation is seeking a career professional looking for an opportunity to capitalize on their expertise as a Powerplant Operator. You can make a difference in the West by assisting in meeting increasing water demands while protecting the environment.

Some of the major duties you will perform include but are not limited to the following: Operate control boards, exciters, disconnects, power circuit breakers, load and voltage control equipment, and signal systems at all locations. Operate high and low tension disconnect switches and places and removes protective tags/locks in all substations, switchyards, and generating stations. Operate all equipment in the powerhouses, central section, dam, and associated structures as directed by the Control Center Operator including starting, stopping, synchronizing, and condensing generators; transmission line breakers; 120/480/2400VAC station service switchgear and lighting systems; large gates and valves to maintain proper river flow and for watering or unwatering penstocks, scroll cases, and draft tubes; transferring lubricating and transformer oil; draining and filling transformers, generator unit bearings, and governor oil systems. Perform periodic inspections of switchyards and associated equipment including bus structures, wave traps, insulators, motor operated disconnects/circuit interrupters, bushings, power circuit breakers, and air compressors; turbines, generators, and associated equipment such as valves, bearings, exciters, lubricating pumps, and governors; greasing systems; domestic water systems; and air system equipment. Monitor and adjust equipment in a safe, efficient, error free manner as required to meet plant operational needs. Complete operating reports, duty sheets, and assigned preventative maintenance tasks. Assume an active role in the Operations Training Program to ensure Powerplant Operator Apprentices and other personnel receive proper technical training in the control systems and all other plant equipment.

Must provide proof of U.S. citizenship. Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication. Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service. Direct Deposit participation required. Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more, visit www.dhs.gov/EVerify/. Must have and maintain a valid driver's license throughout employment. A physical examination will be required, or a statement regarding physical ability will need to be completed. You must maintain physical fitness standards throughout employment. This is a bargaining unit position represented by AFGE Local 1978. You may be required to work weekends. May be required to lift items weighing up to 23 kilograms (50 pounds). As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest will be evaluated. This probationary period is an extension of the appointment process and therefore requires the agency to determine if continued employment would advance the public interest, meet the organization goals and mission of the agency, and/or otherwise promote the efficiency of the service. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, the agency will consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Under applicable law, the employment of an individual serving a probationary or trial period automatically terminates when that period ends unless the agency affirmatively certifies, in writing, that the individual's employment should continue and that their appointment should be finalized. In the absence of agency action to affirmatively certify continued employment beyond the probationary or trial period, such appointments are terminated. Upon completion of your probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.