About the Position: This is an entry level position into the first year of the Power Plant Trainee Program located at McNary Dam. The program consists of academic, plant equipment study, and on-the job training. Trainees will be hired to meet the projected future needs of the project. The three craft occupational specialties include: Power Plant Operator, Power Plant Electrician, and Power Plant Mechanic.

Duties

Upon successful completion of the program, employee's will be placed in a permanent position as a Power Plant Electrician, Power Plant Mechanic or Power Plant Operator. Trainees will be hired to meet the future needs of USACE. The program of study for the first year will be standard for all trainees and will address general knowledge required of journeymen working in a hydroelectric power plant. Trainees must complete all parts of a four-year Training and Development Program for Hydroelectric Power Plant Personnel to be promoted to Journey level craftsman. Parts I and II of the training program consist of rotational on-the-job training, instruction, text assignments, and Plant Equipment Studies. Trainees receive specific orientation, guidance and instructions on aspects of hydroelectric power station operation and maintenance through training in the craft specialty during the formal training program. Classroom 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

• Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
• You will be required to sign a training agreement.
• You may be required to wear safety clothing and/or equipment.
• A pre-employment physical is required.
• Must be able to obtain/maintain a valid state driver's license.
• Interviews are required to be in person. Any expense to attend the interview will be the responsibility of the applicant.
• You may be required to study academic materials outside of normal working hours (unpaid).
• This position has a requirement to lift up to 45 lbs. in the regular performance of duties.

Qualifications

Who May Apply: Only applicants who meet one of the employment authority categories below are eligible to apply for this job. You will be asked to identify which category or categories you meet, and to provide documents which prove you meet the category or categories you selected. See Proof of Eligibility for an extensive list of document requirements for all employment authorities. Current Department of Army Civilian EmployeesCurrent Department of Defense (DOD) Civilian Employee (non-Army)Domestic Defense Industrial Base/Major Range and Test Facilities Base Civilian Personnel WorkforceInteragency Career Transition Assistance PlanLand Management Workforce Flexibility ActMilitary Spouses, under Executive Order (E.O.) 13473Non-Department of Defense (DoD) TransferPriority Placement Program, DoD Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technician EligiblePriority Placement Program, DoD Military Spouse Preference (MSP) EligiblePriority Placement Program, DoD MR and NG Preference Eligible Tech Receiving Disability RetirementPriority Placement Program, DoD Retained Grade Preference EligibleReinstatementVeterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) of 1998 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. 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. Minimum Qualifications (Screen Out Element): Ability to do the work of a(n) POWER PLANT TRAINEE without more than normal supervision. Ability to perform the common duties of an apprentice. Aptitude to learn trade theory and follow directions. Demonstrate reliability and dependability through willingness to complete training and assigned tasks. Ability to learn trade theory, be productive and contribute to a team. - Failure to meet this Screen Out Element will result in an ineligible rating. Ability To Follow Directions in a ShopAptitude and Interest for Learning Trade Theory and PracticeReliability And Dependability PHYSICAL EFFORT: Work requires extensive walking, standing, and climbing vertical and inclined ladders and stairs; and some 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, carrying, pushing, pulling, and twisting objects frequently weighing up to, and occasionally over, 45 pounds. Required to operate large valves, apply servolocks, lift deck hatches, and perform other tasks requiring pulling or turning force. 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 navigation lock, fish facilities, intake structures, and spillway areas. Work is principally indoors in a well heated, lighted and ventilated environment, but occasional outdoor work exposes employee to usual climate extremes. Exposed to equipment and machinery noises, 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 and ear plugs. Must wear appropriate safety equipment and protective clothing, and successfully complete and maintain all occupational health requirements.

Contacts

• Address RH-W2SJ03 US ARMY ENGINEER DISTRICT-WALLA WALLA DO NOT MAIL Walla Walla, WA 99362 US
• Name: Army Applicant Help Desk