Welder

US Bonneville Power Administration; Vancouver (WA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Qualifications

• Experience demonstrating the ability to safely perform welding duties using templates, blueprints and guides.
• Focus on quality of experience over length of time in trade occupations.

Responsibilities

• Lay out and fabricate welded products in the shop or at other installations in the BPA system.
• Weld in positions including flat, horizontal, vertical and overhead.
• Use heavy machine tools such as plasma cutters, oxy/fuel cutters, drill presses and pipe bending machines.

Skills

Welding

Blueprint reading

Heavy machine tools operation

Safety compliance

Tools

Plasma cutting machine

Oxy/fuel cutting

Drill press

Pipe bending machines

Job description

This position is located with Bonneville Power Administration, in Specialty Services (TFHS) organization of Construction & Maintenance Services (TFH), Transmission Field Services (TF), Transmission Services (T).

A successful candidate in the Welder position will lay out and fabricate welded products in the shop or at other installations in the BPA system.

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. Your resume should demonstrate that you possess these elements and screen out. Do not provide a separate narrative written statement. Rather, you must describe in your resume how your past work experience demonstrates that you possess the elements and screen out identified 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) or who does not score at least half of the total points possible across all elements will be found ineligible.

The screen-out element for this position is: Ability to successfully perform the work of a Welder defined as safely performing the majority of the following welding duties: use templates, blueprints and other guides to repair, modify or fabricate metal items and weld metal parts and structures, weld in positions to include flat, horizontal, vertical and overhead; use various heavy machine tools, such as power saws, cut off saws, computer guided plasma & oxy/fuel cutting machine, drill press, and pipe bending machines without more then normal supervision. Failure to meet this Screen out Element will result in an ineligible rating.

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:

• Work is performed in the General Shops at the Ross Complex and at field sites.
• Work may be both indoors and outdoors anywhere in the BPA system, according to the type of work being performed.
• Work at considerable height and on precarious footing during inclement weather.
• Hazards include working around energized, high voltage electrical equipment; climbing on ladders or scaffolding; working around machinery with moving parts; exposure to fumes, smoke, gases, and falling objects.
• The Welder may be required to work at heights up to 150 feet from aerial ladders and boom truck baskets with safety harness.
• The work environment will occasionally include high noise levels or exposure to hazardous materials (i.e., acids, solvents, PCB's, etc.) requiring the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) that could, if precautions are not followed, pose a health risk.
• Approved respiratory and safety equipment shall be worn when hazardous substances are being handled (oil, acid, etc.) or when welding.

Physical Requirements:

• Able to climb in and out of aerial manlift buckets averaging 40" high. May be required to work at heights up to 100 feet from aerial ladders and boom truck baskets.
• Balancing required on narrow and slippery surfaces at heights and in varied weather conditions, as well as on uneven ground.
• Ability to stand an average of 2 hours with a maximum of 5 hours uninterrupted.
• Lifts tools and equipment. Average is 20 pounds.
• Works in cramped, awkward positions while reaching, lifting, bending and using hand and power tools, and positioning pieces.
• Shop and field work requires work with arms overhead or occasionally outstretched for extended periods of time.
• Drive 20% of time in all weather conditions.

"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.