High Voltage Electrician

Summary

This position is part of the, International Boundary and Water Commission, US Section, . The incumbent will be responsible for performing electronic and maintenance services at the Amistad Power Plant, Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Division, Operations Department. The field office's primary mission is to operate and maintain water conveyance and flood control structures as part of the USIBWC's core mission of meeting numerous treaty and domestic trans-boundary management obligations.

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Duties

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• Install, maintain, and repair telemetry systems and recording and metering devices.
• Support safe operation of hydroelectric units, performing startup/shutdown, synchronization, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), clearances, and routine/emergency switching at system voltages.
• Install, test, and maintain protective relays, control circuits, excitation systems, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) interfaces, and interpret drawings and logic diagrams.
• Maintain motors, Motor Control Centers (MCCs), battery systems, grounding grids, lighting circuits, HVAC electrical systems, and perform preventive maintenance on auxiliary systems.
• Follow Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), National Fire Protection Association's (NFPA) 70E/dam safety rules; perform arc-flash assessments, hazard analyses, emergency response, and complete accurate documentation and reports.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• US Citizenship is required.
• Suitable for Federal employment, determined by background investigation.
• Direct Deposit of pay is required.
• Selective Service registration required for male applicants, unless exempt.
• Pre-employment medical and periodic medical examination
• Pre-employment drug test and pass periodic testing thereafter
• Valid class A, B, C, or D driver's License
• May be required to enter Mexico
• May require respirator fit test

Qualifications

EXPERIENCE: A specific length of training and experience is not required, but you must show evidence of training or experience of sufficient scope and quality of your ability to do the work of this position. Evidence which demonstrates you possess the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform the duties of this position must be supported by detailed descriptions of such on your resume. Applicants will be rated in accordance with the OPM Qualification Standard Handbook Federal Wage System Qualifications.

SCREEN-OUT ELEMENT: Your qualifications will first be evaluated against the prescribed screen out element. Those applicants who appear to possess at least the minimal acceptable qualification requirement are considered for further rating; those who do not are rated ineligible and are eliminated.

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:

1. Ability to do the work of the position without more than normal supervision. (SCREEN OUT) (OPM Job Element 1)

2. Knowledge of Electrical Equipment (OPM Job Element 2B)

3. Theory of Instruments (electrical, electronic) used in Shop and Trade Practices (OPM Job Element 25-D)

4. Ability to Use and Maintain Hand tools (OPM Job Element 81-B)

5. Troubleshooting (Electrical) (OPM Job Element 96A)

6. Ability to Use Electrical Drawings (OPM Job Element 75J)

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. Address your knowledge, skills and/or abilities in the areas shown in the job related factors.

Minimum qualifications for trades and labor positions are determined by evaluation of job elements. 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 in order to be considered qualified for this position.

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.

Physical Efforts and Working Conditions:

Work requires heavy physical exertion. The work involves unassisted lifting and carrying of items weighing over forty-five pounds or up to fifty pounds (i.e., tools and equipment components); pulling and pushing of two- and four-wheel carts loaded with tools and equipment weighing up to two hundred pounds; prolonged standing; recurring climbing flights of stairs; and climbing and working on ladders and scaffolding up to 254 feet. Duties also involve operating a pick-up truck, one-ton truck, and a 24,000-pound GVW bucket truck.

The position requires sufficient hearing acuity to discern equipment noises and normal visual acuity to read diagrams, technical documents, and manuals. Work is performed in physically tight spaces requiring prolonged kneeling and squatting; below ground in dam corridors to depths of up to 263 feet; on high structures including cranes on the dam up to 254 feet; and above water at the dam intake and the powerhouse transformer deck.

Works indoors and outdoors in all types of weather conditions and temperature extremes. Exposed to high and constant noise levels from diesel generators, sandblasting equipment, hydroelectric turbines, and generators.

Exposed to heat, extensive dust from sandblasting, contaminated air from diesel exhaust and welding fumes, and dangerous chemicals such as alcohol, battery acid, and cleaning solvents.

Subject to electrical burns and shock from generating and electrical distribution equipment; and to falls from slippery, wet, and uneven walking surfaces at the dam penstocks and valves. Exposed to eye hazards from dust, welding, and grinding particles; and to injury from machinery with dangerous moving parts including drills, saws, various machine shop equipment, and machinery in motion very close to the incumbent such as motor shafts, pumps, and compressors.

Requires the use of protective devices such as ear plugs, safety hats, non-conductive gloves and footwear, and similar protective gear. The occasional use of a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) or face-fitted respirator may be required following a medical examination to determine any limitations.

Work may occur below ground in dam corridors to depths of fifty feet, on high structures including cranes on the dam (up to 254 feet), and above water at the dam intake and the powerhouse transformer deck.

Education

The position does not allow substituting education for experience.

Additional information

T elework Suitability:

USIBWC has determined that the duties of this position are not suitable for telework, use agency guidance during an emergency or natural disaster.

Stipulations of Employment:

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period or 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

• Your performance and conduct;
• The needs and interests of the agency;
• Whether your continued employment would advance the organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• Whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your probationary period or trial period, your employment may be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

This position requires operation of a government vehicle, therefore, proof of possession of a valid state driver's license is required.

This position is subject to a negative drug test prior to entrance on duty, and random drug testing while you occupy the position.

If selected, you will be required to obtain, prior to entrance on duty, a physical examination by a licensed physician certifying your ability to perform the duties of this position.

Work Schedule:

May be called during emergencies (e.g., flooding or plant issues) and must work extended and/or rotating shifts as needed.

Miscellaneous:

This position is covered by the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), Local 3060.

IBWC uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit

This position is being advertised concurrently with vacancy announcement #IBWC-26-MP-13014166ND using Merit Promotion procedures. If interested, refer to that announcement to determine if you meet merit promotion requirements and can apply to that announcement. NOTE: You must apply separately to each announcement in order to be considered under both.

This vacancy announcement may be used to fill similar positions within 90 days.

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.

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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. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

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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.