Powerplant Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Summary
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.
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Duties
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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.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment

• 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.
Qualifications
All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-08/03/2026-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement.
To qualify for this position, you must have sufficient knowledge and ability in the following job-related factors:

1. Ability to Do the Work of the Position without More Than Normal Supervision (SCREEN OUT)
2. Ability to Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (Other Than Blueprint Reading)
3. Dexterity and Safety
4. Knowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation, and Repair, etc.
5. Operation of Job Family Specify Equipment, Machinery, etc.
6. Technical Practices (Theoretical, Precise, Artistic)
7. Use of Measuring Instruments

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. Your resume must support your response to the assessment questionnaire, and if it does not, your application will be marked as not eligible. The qualifications reviewer will not assume performance of such duties by Job Titles alone. Address your knowledge, skills and/or abilities in the areas shown in the job-related factors.
You must meet at least 2 points on the screen-out element(s) and obtain an average of at least 2 points on all of the job elements to be considered qualified for this position.
Volunteer Experience: 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). 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.
Education
There is no substitution of education for experience.
Additional information
Additional vacancies may be filled using this job announcement.
If otherwise eligible and qualified, you may be offered a recruitment or relocation incentive. The decision to offer an incentive will be made on a case-by-case basis and is neither promised nor guaranteed. For information visit: Recruitment Incentive or Relocation Incentive.
Related Non-Federal experience or related experience as retired members of the uniformed services may be credited towards computing entitlement to leave accrual, at managerial discretion, providing that experience meets certain criteria. This provision allows new employees to earn annual leave at a higher rate than would otherwise be allowed. (5 Code of Federal Regulations, 630).
Physical Demands: Work requires bending, stopping, climbing, and standing for long periods. May be required to lift items weighing up to 23 kilograms (50 pounds).
Working Conditions: You may work in proximity to high voltage and currents and is subject to electrical burns and shocks. You may be exposed to considerable noise, greases, oils, fumes, chemicals, and danger of falling. Use of appropriate personal protective equipment is required in accordance with Lower Colorado Basin (LCDO) policy.
All Department of Interior (DOI) employees, their spouses, and minor children may not acquire or retain any claim, permit, lease, small tract entry, or other rights granted by the Department in Federal lands, with limited exceptions. Additional ethics prohibitions can be found here, https://www.doi.gov/ethics/ethics-prohibitions.
Current surplus and current or former displaced Federal individuals who have special priority selection rights under the Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) must be well qualified for the position to receive consideration for special priority selection. Well qualified means that the applicant meets the following: OPM qualification standards for the position; all selective placement factors, where applicable; special qualifying conditions that OPM has approved for the position, where applicable; is physically qualified with reasonable accommodation, where appropriate to satisfactorily perform the duties of the position upon entry; and is rated by the organization at least at the well qualified level.
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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.
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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.