Power Plant Mechanic Trainee II/III.

US Army Corps of Engineers; Pickstown (SD); On-site; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

US Army Corps of Engineers seeks a Power Plant Mechanic Trainee II/III to inspect, diagnose, and repair mechanical equipment across hydroelectric powerhouses, dams, spillways, and intake structures.

Duties include disassembly, overhaul, and reassembly of components; welding and metal work; operating heavy lifting and conveying equipment; and ensuring safety and quality through hands-on training and direct supervision as required.

Job description

Duties

• Inspects, diagnoses, and performs major repairs to mechanical operating equipment of hydroelectric powerhouses, dams, spillways, and intake structures.
• Diagnoses mechanical failures of equipment and performs repairs by disassembling, overhauling, installing, and reassembling parts on all mechanical operating equipment of the powerhouse, dam, spillway, and intake structure.
• Inspects, tests, and adjusts powerhouse, dam, spillway, and intake machinery and equipment.
• Performs electric and acetylene welding and machine-work required in the repair and manufacture of parts for maintenance of powerhouse, dam, spillway, and intake structure equipment.
• Maintains potable water and sewage treatment equipment.
• Operates aerial lifts such as articulating boom platforms and mobile load handling equipment such as forklifts; rigs heavy loads and operates bridge and gantry cranes as needed to lift these loads.
• Online 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

Conditions of employment

• Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
• Obtain and maintain a valid state Driver's License.
• Pre-employment physical is required.
• Participation in the Medical Surveillance Program is required.
• This is a mandatory Drug and Alcohol Testing Designated Position (TDP), in accordance with ER 690-1-1218, USACE Civilian Drug Free Workplace Program, dated 30 June 2021. Participation in the Mandatory Drug and Alcohol Testing Program is required.
• Incumbent must be able to do heavy lifting and operating heavy and awkward hand tools up to 50 lbs.
• Incumbent will be required to operate spillway and flood control gates to control water flows.

Qualifications

Who May Apply

In order to qualify, you must meet the experience requirements described below. 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.

Power Plant Mechanic Trainee II Minimum Qualifications (Screen Out Element): Ability to do the work of a(n) Power Plant Mechanic Trainee II/III without more than normal supervision. I have the ability to identify and use basic hand tools (sockets, wrenches, grease guns, impact drivers) to perform basic servicing procedures under continuous step-by-step instruction and direct oversight. - Failure to meet this Screen Out Element will result in an ineligible rating.

Power Plant Mechanic Trainee III Minimum Qualifications (Screen Out Element): Ability to do the work of a(n) Power Plant Mechanic Trainee II/III without more than normal supervision. I have the ability to disassemble, clean, and reassemble routine mechanical components under direct guidance; perform basic shop math; AND perform torch cutting or pipe threading with periodic coaching. - Failure to meet this Screen Out Element will result in an ineligible rating.

• Ability To Do The Work Of The Position Without More Than Normal Supervision
• PHYSICAL EFFORT: Work requires extensive walking, standing, and climbing vertical and inclined ladders and stairs; and 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 and carrying tools, equipment and supplies frequently weighing up to and over 45 pounds. Required to operate large valves, apply servolocks, lift deck hatches, and perform other tasks requiring up to 75 pounds of pulling or turning force. There is danger of cuts, bruises and burns from equipment used and possible irritation or injury to eyes and spills from acids and solvents used. 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 intake structures, and spillway areas. When working outside, is exposed to the usual extremes of climate. Exposed to high noise levels from equipment and machinery, and conditions of low visibility due to wearing protective devices and available light in some locations. Exposed to 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, ear plugs, safety glasses and goggles, face masks, shields and helmets, respirators, and gloves depending on work performed and safety requirements which must be met. Must wear appropriate safety equipment and protective clothing, and successfully complete and maintain all occupational health requirements, including pulmonary capacity and other routine occupational and pre-employment medical examinations.

Additional information

• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
• You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
• This position requires a 1 year probationary period during which the agency evaluates your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In making this determination, the agency may consider your performance and conduct; agency needs and interests; whether your continued employment supports organizational or Government goals; and whether it promotes the efficiency of the Federal service. Continued employment requires written certification that it advances the public interest.
• Appointment is subject to the completion of a favorable suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a background investigation.
• Direct deposit of pay is required.
• This is a Logistics Career Field.
• Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees.
• If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the
• Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
• Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement.
• Permanent Change of Station (PCS) allowances may be authorized, subject to the provisions of the Joint Travel Regulations and an agency determination that a PCS move is in the Government Interest.
• The following incentives may be authorized: Recruitment incentive, Relocation Incentive, Student Loan Repayment.
• Not eligible for telework.
• Requires employee to wear protective clothing.
• May require working outside in all kinds of weather.
• Management may select at any of the grade levels announced, WB-00 Trainee II or WB-00 Trainee III.
• Noncompetitive promotion potential to target grade of WB-00 Power Plant Mechanic (DR).

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.

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.