Bonneville Power Administration hiring PSC Craftsman (Control Center) I & II. in Spokane, WA | LinkedIn (2024)

Duties

As a Power System Control Craftsman (Control Center) operator, you will:

• Without immediate supervision, perform preventive, corrective, and emergency maintenance on power system control equipment, such as:
• 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.
• Network Management System, and Field Intra-Network (FIN) equipment, polling channels (for SONET multiplexors, DS1 multiplexors, Digital MW Radios, etc.), and associated network routers and switches.
• Analog and Digital Microwave radio equipment operating at frequencies above 900 MHz with high density channel loading capability.
• High density and single channel analog microwave multiplex equipment which includes:
• Frequency generation equipment;
• Order wire equipment;
• Alignment tones
• Super-group and group windows
• Microwave Monitor equipment
• Fiber Optic Systems including fiber optic modems and patch panels.
• Digital multiplex equipment, both high density SONET multiplexors, JungleMux, DACS (Digital Access Cross-Connect System), and DS1 multiplexors.
• Timing systems including GPS receivers, antennas, PRS (Primary Reference Source) Systems, TimeExpanders, TimeProviders, and timing distribution equipment. Stratum Clock (CC)
• Power system control and protection equipment which includes: RAS (RAS MWTT equipment), RODS, SCADA Master, SCADA, SCADA modems, AGC, GEN ICCP
• Data acquisition systems including FLAR/SEMM, KWH/Master, MWM/Master, Badger MW Alarm System/Master, Telenium Alarm System Master, and Open-1.
• Data communications interfaces such as general purpose modems, modem controllers, switching equipment.
• Telephone termination equipment, including: DATS, KTS, associated network equipment (Routers and Switches), service channel equipment, and dispatch telephone system.
• Various computer-based user interfaces to access, control, and trouble shoot radios, SONET Equipment, digital multiplex channel banks, DACS, routers, MWTT, telephone, and other equipment.
• Miscellaneous equipment which includes: Auxiliary power equipment, DC Power Systems, PA systems, closed circuit television systems, electronic test equipment, and dispatch VRS.
• Perform system-wide analysis and trouble-shooting and then makes recommendations for field personnel call-out. Coordinates and works with field personnel to resolve system problems in a timely manner, including coordinating between dispatch and field personnel. Assists field personnel in completion of routine and emergency work when dispatch involvement is needed. Serves as a technical expert point of contact for field districts and others to provide guidance to personnel to achieve timely solutions to system problems. Serves as a system performance monitor on a rotation basis for documenting and defining outage and performance degradation on the following systems: Microwave, SONET, SCADA, and Telemetry.
• Under the technical direction/supervision of an engineer, as necessary, perform the more difficult and nonroutine types of maintenance work on the above equipment.
• Make approved field modifications on equipment, and performs subsequent tests for work involving unusual problems or requiring analysis by the engineer.
• Provide assistance and support in the installation of equipment. Assists in performing initial energization tests of new installations and obtains data that permits the supervising engineer to make an engineering evaluation of the equipment performance in terms of the contract specifications.
• Install certain types of equipment, under general supervision, after the procedures have been previously established.
• Update prints and drawings, in accordance with BPA standards, to reflect currently installed equipment and systems (e.g., "as built," modification of existing prints, etc.) as well as any accompanying equipment software and associated databases.
• Measure and determine 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, prepare 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.
• Perform miscellaneous duties related to maintenance of the communication system.
  

RequirementsConditions of Employment

• 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.
• Apprentices in the last year of the program are encouraged to submit an application to indicate duty locations for which they want to be considered for permanent placement.
• This position has been designated as requiring a PUBLIC TRUST background. A preliminary background check must be completed before anew employee can begin work. Current Federal employees or other individuals with an existing completed background investigation may not be required to undergo another background check.
• Become familiar with and follow the safety practices of the BPA Accident Prevention Manual.
• 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. Additional endorsem*nts on valid driver's license may be required to operate assigned vehicles. Traffic citations indicating poor driving habits may disqualify applicants.
• Obtain and maintain electrical worker permit and control center access. As circ*mstances dictate, or as required by management, possess or obtain standard clearance certification.
• Possess within one year, and maintain continuously, both a First Aid card and a CPR card.
• Overnight travel is required, when required by management.
• 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, and snowcats, as required by management.
• 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.
• This position requires a pre-employment medical exam, at BPA expense, prior to appointment due to the physical requirements of the position.
• Must possess a current valid U.S. motor vehicle operator's license from state of residence.
• This position requires an initial drug test prior to appointment and random drug or drug and alcohol testing thereafter. Failure to test or a positive result on random drug or drug and alcohol tests conducted after appointment may result in removal from Federal employment.

QualificationsIn 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: Ability To Do The Work Of The Position Without More Than Normal Supervision which is defined as the ability to successfully perform the work of a Power System Control Craftsman I and II is defined as installing, maintaining, and repairing electronic and telecommunications equipment such as: UHF, VHF, microwave, fiber optics, control and data and multiplex equipment without more than normal supervision. Failure to meet this Screen out Element will result in an ineligible rating.

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 Supervision
• Ability To Use Hand and Power Tools -Electronics
• Ingenuity (Ability To Suggest and Apply New Methods)
• Knowledge of Equipment Assembly, Installation, Repair, etc.
• Theory of Electronics
• Trouble shooting (Electronic Equipment)
• Use of Test Equipment: Electronics

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: The work primarily takes place indoors in control centers, but the position may be assigned to work in the field involving travel to remote sites and exposure in all kinds of weather for outside work. Repair work or other emergency work may be required at any time of a 24-hour day. System priorities may require extended periods of overtime including working weekends and holidays. Frequent interruptions from dispatchers, field personnel, and others occur during the normal course of work. Voltages up to several thousand volts may be present in some types of equipment. Some of the work is performed around moving machinery in the auxiliary power equipment. When assigned field work, the work may involve driving maintenance vehicles over steep and narrow mountain roads and working alone in isolated locations. The work environment will occasionally include high noise levels, or exposure to toxic or hazardous substances (i.e., acids, solvents, etc.) that could, if precautions are not followed, pose a health risk. Proper personal protective gear such hard hat, safety glasses, arc and flash resistant clothing, respiratory, and other safety equipment shall be worn, when necessary.

PHYSICAL CONDITIONS: Incumbents 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.

Additional information

• The U.S. Department of Energy fosters a diverse and inclusive workplace and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
• More than one selection may be made from this vacancy announcement.
• Many positions require successful completion of a background investigation.

EEO PolicyReasonable Accommodation Policy:

BPA Strives To Ensure a Safe, Positive, Inclusive Work Environment, Supported By Leadership Behaviors. For More Information On Leadership Behaviors Visit

Hiring incentives may be authorized for a highly qualified candidate based on budget availability and in accordance with federal regulations.

• 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.

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.