Plant Mechanic Operator

Summary

Reclamation is seeking a career professional looking for an opportunity to capitalize on his or her expertise as a Plant Mechanic/Operator. Make a difference in the West by assisting in meeting increasing water demands while protecting the environment. This position is also open to public under announcement CBVM-27-13102134-DE-VG. You must apply to each announcement separately if you wish to be considered under both recruitment methods.

Duties

This position is located within the Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, Pacific Northwest Region, Palisades Powerplant Maintenance, Palisades, Idaho. At the full performance level (BB) the major duties of this position include, but are not limited to the following: - Performs the full range of mechanical maintenance duties in a hydroelectric powerplant, dam, and related facilities. - Performs work in accordance with applicable mechanical standards, Facility Instructions, Standards and Techniques, and other nationally recognized trade practices. - Operates bridge cranes and other hoisting mechanisms for the purpose of moving, dismantling, assembling, overhauling and repairing of hydroelectric plant machinery and related equipment. - Operates and maintains lathes, shapers, milling machines, drill presses and band saws. - Skilled in the use oxyacetylene, arc, air-arc, TIG and MIG welding equipment for use on materials such as; aluminum, steel, stainless steel and cast. - As a Sub-Operator, starts and stops hydroelectric generating units and operates valves, gates, and all related electrical and mechanical-supporting equipment independently or as directed by dispatchers or supervisors. - Maintains daily, weekly, and monthly logs, records, reports, work requests, trouble reports, power generation reports, operations reports, and equipment availability records as required for plant operation. - Performs switching as required and observes all switching and safe-clearance procedures and other safe work practices. Must complete SRAO sub-operator cross training program. Required to live within 60 minute commute, as employee will be on the call-out list and provide first response in emergency situations. Major mechanical projects and maintenance would not be performed. This would also reduce the number of sub operator's for call outs which could put the Plant in danger or have issues restoring the river. Use of a government credit card is required. Must have a valid state driver's license and will be subject to periodic license checks. Must be able to drive on unimproved mountain roads. Must be able to drive on snow and ice. Must be able to drive 4-wheel all-terrain vehicles and snow machines. Salary Range Information (Per Hour): *First time hires to the federal government typically start at the beginning salary in the range for their respective grade level. Salary: $60.98 SRAO Operator Cross-Training Requirement: The selectee will be required to complete the Snake River Area Office sub-operator cross training program within one year of beginning the instructional program. Failure to successfully complete the training will result in removal from Federal service. The selectee will initially be placed at the rate of $60.98 and upon successful completion of the training program, the selectee may be promoted without further competition to a Plant Mechanic/Operator at the full performance rate of $63.42.

Qualifications

Qualifications: All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-11/18/2026-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: Ability to do the work without more than normal supervision. (Screen out) Knowledge of Materials Knowledge of equipment assembly, installation, and repair. Technical Practices (Theoretical, precise, artistic). Ability to interpret instructions, specification, etc. (includes blueprinting reading) Ability to use and maintain tools and equipment. Troubleshooting Ability to operate equipment safely. 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 for Federal Wage System (FWS) positions.