HIGH VOLTAGE ELECTRICIAN

Summary

Click on "Learn more about this agency" button below to view Eligibilities being considered and other IMPORTANT information. The primary purpose of this position is to install, modify, test, troubleshoot, maintain, and repair electric power controlling equipment and/or distribution lines.

Duties

- Installs, modifies, tests, repairs, and maintains transformers, converters, regulators, cables, switches, circuit breakers, mechanical and electronic systems, and other circuit elements found in substations. Adjusts relays and control equipment to obtain specified voltage, current, time delay, and other characteristics for appropriate holding, tripping, or other operational functions. - Installs, modifies, connects, inspects, and repairs overhead and underground electrical distribution lines. Services lines, breakers, disconnect switches, transformers, insulators, grounding systems, fuses, poles (metal and wood), relays, meters, lightning arresters, cathodic protection systems, traffic lights, street and floodlight systems, airfield lighting systems, and power supplies. - Troubleshoots distribution circuits and generating and controlling equipment. Makes emergency repairs and substitutions of power lines and equipment, sometimes working on distribution systems when they are energized. Troubleshoots overhead and underground cable systems to locate shorts, opens, grounds, electrolysis damages, capacitance imbalances, or cable breaks. - Utilizes safety practices and procedures following established safety rules and regulations and maintains a safe and clean work environment. Frequently works on high voltage electrical systems when they are "hot," using necessary safety equipment, methods, and precautions. Uses and assures proper fit of required safety equipment and clothing. - Uses and maintains various hand and power tools and test equipment such as oscillators, meggers, phase sticks, phase rotation meters, digital test equipment, and cable locating and fault finding equipment. Uses block and tackle, hoists, winches, or other lifting and pulling equipment as necessary.

Qualifications

In order to qualify, you must meet the quality level of experience requirements described in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook X-118C. QUALIFICATIONS: Applicants will be rated in accordance with the OPM Qualification Standard Handbook X-118C for the WG-2800 Electrical Installation and Maintenance Family. Although a specific length of time and experience is not required for most blue-collar positions, you must meet any screen-out element listed, and 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. The screen out element for this position is the ability to do the work of a HIGH VOLTAGE ELECTRICIAN without more than normal supervision. JOB ELEMENTS: Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas: 1. Knowledge of technical practices in order to plan, layout, and complete maintenance or repair work needed for high voltage equipment and lines; and of high voltage electrical equipment and distribution lines such as transformers, switches, circuit breakers, recording instruments, control systems, series and parallel, circuits, line loading, line losses. 2. Knowledge of electrical and electronic theory, instruments used in shop, and trade practices; and of troubleshooting and locating defects and trouble spots. 3. Knowledge of safety regulations, procedures, and practices. 4. Skill in using and maintaining electrical tools and test equipment such as oscillators, phase sticks and rotation meters, digital test equipment, fault finding equipment, ampmeters, voltmeters, meggers, graphic recorders, dressing tools, wire tongs, wire tong supports, insulated tension links, tie sticks, and insulated hoods/covers and tools. 5. Ability to use electrical drawings, blueprints, circuit diagrams, and electronic schematics. 6. Ability to install, modify, test, repair, troubleshoot, and maintain high voltage electric power-controlling equipment and/or distribution lines without more than normal supervision. PHYSICAL EFFORT: The employee frequently performs moderately heavy lifting, pulling, and carrying of equipment and material weighing up to 18 kilograms (40 pounds) and occasionally, lifts or pulls heavy cables and equipment weighing more than 23 kilograms (50 pounds) with the help of weight handling equipment or with assistance from other workers. Work aloft on poles, at ground level, and in ground trenches or manholes. Work requi.res bending, stooping, climbing, and standing for long periods. Must be able to distinguish colors and shades of colors. At times, works in awkward positions and restricted spaces where coordination of hands, legs, and body are needed to perform tasks. WORKING CONDITIONS: Works indoors and outdoors. Exposed to danger from explosions of equipment and cables in manholes and vaults, as well as danger from high voltage electrical shock, burns from solder, broken bones, cuts, and bruises. Exposed to heat and noise when working in substations, to extremes of weather when working outdoors, and to unpleasant odors and wet slippery surfaces when working in manholes. Subject to electrical burns while working around high voltage electrical lines, broken bones from falls from poles, and strains from awkward work positions. Also exposed to chemicals such as insulating oil from transformers and oil switches. Use protective devices such as earplugs, safety hats, and nonconductive gloves and footwear. PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week. VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.