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.
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.
There is no substitution of education for experience for Federal Wage System (FWS) positions.
This position is with Bureau of Reclamation, Department of the Interior.
The posted pay range is $60.98 – $63.42/hr.
This position is eligible for telework.
Applications close on 2026-11-18.
This position is open under the 'Fed Transition' hiring path.
Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government · Retrieved 2026-11-05 · Not affiliated with or endorsed by OPM or USAJOBS.gov
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