Summary All hourly jobs are considered as open for bid on a continuous basis. Any BPA employee on a competitive career or career-conditional appointment may, at any time, submit an application for permanent promotions, reassignments, or change of duty stations. In order to assure all interested employees are considered, candidates are solicited annually through a Continuous Vacancy Announcement - Hourly Jobs (Bid List) identifying those jobs and duty locations, for which they wish to be considered. Responsibilities As a High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) System Protection & Control Craftsman, you will: The HVDC System Protection & Control Craftsman sets up and operates test equipment which is needed to perform the following tasks without immediate supervision: Acceptance tests, maintenance tests, repairs, adjustment, and final accuracy tests on Programmable Logic Controllers, protection systems, relays, energy meters, indication meters, plant controls, telemetering, and other equipment necessary for operation of the DC Converter Station, along with SVC and TCSC equipment in other districts. Prepares test data sheets and preliminary reports documenting the tests performed including instrument readings, data tolerance checks, electrical diagrams, and other pertinent information. Makes and/or assists with test setups to perform any of the above. Keeps test equipment and test circuits in good safe working order. Uses technical documentation as required, for maintenance and troubleshooting of equipment. Operates precision standards and unique instrumentation to evaluate the performance and/or quality of the equipment. Performs special assignments related to system protection and control work such as developing automated test programs, developing and assembling special test circuits, performing novel tests, and developing trouble-shooting instructions. Assists in training of HVDC System Protection & Control Craftsman Trainees. Collects and performs basic analysis of sequential event records and fault recordings showing high voltage DC Convertor Station control signals, high voltage DC transmission line signals, and high voltage AC power system signals. Maintains tools, equipment, and supplies related to support of the System Protection and Control function at the Celilo Converter Station, SVC and TCSC Stations. Orders spare parts, tools, and other supplies as needed. Coordinates yearly calibration of SPC test equipment used at the station. Tasks with more direct supervision: Perform intricate equipment evaluation and testing by measuring the performance characteristics of complex equipment when operated in both normal and unusual electrical or environmental conditions. Prepares test data sheets and reports for documentation of tests performed showing relevant instrument readings, data analysis, test configuration drawings and other pertinent information. Modify or fabricate equipment in accordance with written or oral instructions, brief sketches, or ideas consistent with the results desired. Performs evaluation tests to verify that the equipment meets specifications and prepares a preliminary report of the work accomplished and test results. Perform special assignments related to DC Protection and Control work such as developing automated control programs, developing and assembling special test circuits, performing novel tests, and developing trouble-shooting instructions. The incumbent makes suggestions for changes to improve quality, suitability, and maintainability of the equipment. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications In 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 successfully perform the work of a High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) System Protection and Control Craftsman is defined as performing acceptance and maintenance tests, repairs, adjustment, and final accuracy tests on Programmable Logic Controllers, protection systems, relays, energy meters, indication meters, plant controls, telemetering, and other equipment necessary for the operation of the DC Converter Station, along with Static Var Compensator (SVC) and Thyristor-controlled Series Capacitors (TCSC) equipment in other districts 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: Work is performed primarily indoors at the high voltage Celilo DC Converter Station, and SVC and TCSC Stations in other field locations. Work may be performed outside in adverse weather conditions, in energized substations. Some overnight travel may be required. The employee may be exposed to electrical hazards of all voltages existing in the BPA system and is expected to work occasionally on substation equipment at heights 40 feet above the ground. Some test sites require walking over uneven terrain but most locations are accessible by mobile equipment. At times, work may be physically demanding. Test voltages up to several thousand volts may be present in some types of equipment. The work environment will occasionally include high noise levels or exposure to toxic or hazardous substances (acids, solvents, mercury, PCB's, etc.) that could, if precautions are not followed, pose a health risk. Proper respiratory and safety equipment shall be worn when hazardous substances are being handled. Emergencies, critical system conditions, or outage limitations may require that work be done at night or under serious time pressures. System priorities may require extended periods of overtime including working weekends and holidays. 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 Policy: http://www.usajobs.gov/eeo Reasonable Accommodation Policy: http://www.usajobs.gov/raps BPA strives to ensure a safe, positive, inclusive work environment, supported by Leadership Behaviors. For more information on Leadership Behaviors visit: www.bpa.gov/goto/LeadershipBehaviors Hiring incentives may be authorized for a highly qualified candidate based on budget availability and in accordance with federal regulations.