This position is located with Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), in Aircraft Services (TAA) organization of Transmission Chief of Staff (TA), Transmission Services (T). A successful candidate in the Aircraft Patrol Observer position patrols from the air, BPA transmission lines, rights-of-way, access roads, and other areas or facilities.

Duties

As an Aircraft Patrol Observer you will patrol from the air, BPA transmission lines, rights-of-way, access roads, and other areas or facilities. The Observer performs duties in a helicopter, fixed wing aircraft, or an office and may be assigned to work with line maintenance crews when not patrolling. As an Aircraft Patrol Observer, you will: Observe damage to structures, insulators, hardware, and conductors, and other facilities, and observes conditions on or bordering the rights-of-way, including encroachments, danger trees, access roads, brush, slides, erosion, etc. Make inspections of questionable situations by landing and observing from the ground. Climbs structures on occasion for detailed inspection. Analyze defects observed and determines whether they require routine or emergency maintenance. Make recommendations to effect immediate repairs in emergency situations. Complete written reports of observations for later transfer to the formal record.

Requirements

• You must be a United States Citizen.
• This employer participates in the e-Verify program.
• Males must abide by Selective Service registration requirements.
• Suitable for Federal employment, as determined by a background investigation.
• May be required to successfully complete a probationary period.
• This position does not support remote work. You will be required to report physically to the official reporting worksite as specified by the supervisor, but no less than 3 days per pay period.
• Position is subject to initial pre-employment Drug Testing and random drug testing thereafter.
• This position requires a pre-employment medical exam, at BPA expense, prior to appointment due to the physical requirements of the position.
• After employment, this position may be subject to periodic physical examinations, as prescribed by competent medical authority and at BPA expense, if exposed to health hazards.
• Must possess valid Class A commercial driver's license (CDL).
• If exposed to health hazards, have periodic physical examinations as prescribed by competent medical authority at BPA expense.
• Establish a residence in accordance with negotiated requirements, that is within one hour or less commuting time under normal weather and road conditions, to the duty station headquarters.
• Possess within 1 year after appointment, and maintain continuously thereafter, a First Aid Card and a CPR card.
• Possess a restricted electrical worker's permit or obtain within 30 days of appointment and maintain continuously thereafter.
• Have an eye examination before entry on duty and annually thereafter.
• Become familiar with and follow the safety practices of the “Helicopter Operation and Patrol Standard” and the BPA Accident Prevention Manual.
• May be required to obtain a pesticide applicator's permit.
• Subject to call for emergency work at any time.

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. 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: the ability to do the work of the position without more than normal supervision performing patrols from the air, via a helicopter or fixed-wing aircraft, transmission lines, rights-of-way, access roads, and other areas or facilities to observe damage to structures, insulators, hardware, etc. Select the one statement that best describes your level of experience. In addition to the screen-out element you will be evaluated on the following Job Elements through your resume and responses to the on-line assessment questionnaire: Ability to Do the Work of the Position without More Than Normal SupervisionAbility To Use and Maintain Hand Tools (Electrical Work)Ability To Use Electrical DrawingsKnowledge of Electrical EquipmentTechnical Practices (theoretical, precise, artistic)Theory and Instruments (Electrical, Electronic) Used in Shop and Trade PracticesTrouble shooting (electrical) 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. WORKING CONDITIONS: Works for extended periods of time inmarginal flight conditions; occasional inside work required while obtaining, storing, or cleaning equipment. Rarely is required to work outside in high exposed places with exposure to all weather conditions, tools, and materials. Frequent exposure to hazards typical of working around high voltage equipment and machinery with moving parts. Potential exposure to loud noises. May at times work with various chemicals including solvents, herbicides, paints, etc. MSDS are available. Required to wear various levels of PPE (hearing protection, hard hats and safety glasses). PHYSICAL CONDITIONS: Incumbent 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. "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. You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Education

There is no substitution of education for experience for Federal Wage Grade (WG) positions.

Contacts

• Address Bonneville Power Administration P.O. Box 3621 Portland, OR 97208 US
• Name: Brenda Fallsdown
• Phone: 503-230-0000
• Email: [email protected]