Substation Electrician

Substation Operator TraineeAs a Substation Operator Trainee I, you will:Operate high voltage electrical equipment in electrical power transmission system substations and on transmission lines under direct on-site supervision of a Journeyman.Gain knowledge of the various work processes, high voltage power system equipment, associated protective relays, and become proficient in the use of proper terminology.Perform switching under the direct on-site supervision and guidance of a Chief Substation Operator or journeyman Substation Operator.Learn the working processes and equipment of various BPA groups and functions.These assignment areas are, but not limited to, the following: System Dispatching, Substation Electrical Maintenance, Power Generating Facility, Transmission Line Maintenance, Test and Energization/Construction, System Protection and Control Maintenance, Power System Control Maintenance.The Substation Operator Trainee program is a formal, 20-month program consisting of five, 4-month steps (training periods 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5). The Trainee must pass oral and written reviews at the end of each step to remain in this program. Trainees will be promoted to journeyman after successfully passing the fifth step review and meeting all other requirements of the position. In addition to satisfactorily completing the on-the-job training portion of the program, the Trainee is required to complete all assigned lessons associated with periodic classroom instruction sessions and assigned coursework (correspondence, on-line, etc.) during each step of the training program.Conditions of Employment:Satisfactory completion of all aspects of each step including the correspondence course and classroom instruction is mandatory for advancement to the next step. Failure to demonstrate satisfactory progress will result in removal from the Trainee program.Work in close proximity to substances, such as acids, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), pesticides, asbestos, mercury, and solvents, etc., which may have affects on health unless prescribed handling procedures are followed. If exposed to health hazards or for use of personal protective equipment (PPE).This position requires a pre-employment medical exam, at BPA expense, prior to appointment due to the physical requirements of the position.After employment, this position may be subject to periodic physical examinations, as prescribed by competent medical authority and at BPA expense, if exposed to health hazards.Become knowledgeable with and follow the safety practices of the BPA Accident Prevention Manual (APM) and applicable safety guidelines and policies.Establish a residence in accordance with negotiated requirements that is within one hour or less commuting time under normal weather and road conditions to the duty station headquarters.Obtain and maintain an Energized Access Permit within two weeks of appointment. When determined by management, obtain and maintain continuously thereafter a Restricted Electrical Worker Permit.Possess within the first two weeks of the training program, an Energized Facilities Access Permit. This permit must be maintained until the supervisor determines that a Restricted Electrical Worker Permit is needed, usually within the first 4 months of the program. When the determination for a Restricted Electrical Worker Permit is made, the permit must be obtained within two weeks and maintained thereafter for the duration of the training program.This position requires a valid driver's license as a condition of employment. Traffic citations indicating poor driving habits may disqualify applicants, and can be cause for removal from the program.Obtain and maintain equipment operation certifications, as required, for equipment associated with substation operations.Obtain and maintain first aid and CPR card within one month of appointment and maintain continuously thereafter.Subject to call for emergency work at any time.Operate any type of motor vehicle applicable to assigned duties.As part of the job requirements, and at the discretion of the Chief Substation Operator III, the Substation Operator Trainee shall be required to apply restricted use pesticides and may be required to obtain a pesticide applicator's license. The Administration shall provide the necessary training for such a license.Obtaining a Standard Clearance Certification and Electrical Worker Permit are mandatory requirements for completion of the Trainee program and advancement to the journeyman level. These requirements must be met no later than 30-days from the successful completion of their final review evaluation.This position requires an initial drug test prior to appointment and random drug or drug and alcohol testing thereafter. Failure to test or a positive result on random drug or drug and alcohol tests conducted after appointment may result in removal from Federal employment.