Power Plant Mechanic

Summary

This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for certain competitive service positions to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service. About the Position: This position is located at a hydro-electric generating facility that includes hydropower, navigation, fish passage and recreational activities. Employees working at McNary Dam and living in the State of Washington are exempt from Oregon state tax.

Duties

• Performs general powerhouse mechanical equipment maintenance.
• Performs periodic and unscheduled maintenance/repair of equipment common to hydroelectric facilities including turbines, generators, governors, spillway and intake hoist equipment, pneumatic devices, HVAC equipment, etc.
• Performs machine work of varying degrees of difficulty and exactness. Work may include shaping, turning, boring, grinding, milling, layout, and assembly of finished pieces into a final product meeting all tolerance and functional requirements.
• Performs a variety of types of welding (oxygen-acetylene, shielded metal-arc, TIG, MIG), cutting (oxygen-acetylene, carbon arc), brazing, and soldering operations.
• Performs other support duties such as installing and repairing piping systems where pipefitter and plumbers' skills are required in conformance with applicable standards.
• Operates hand and power tools, jackhammers, pavement breakers, chipping hammers, vibrators and grinders.

Qualifications

Who May Apply: US Citizens In order to qualify, you must meet the experience requirements described below. 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. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document. Minimum Qualifications (Screen Out Element): Ability to do the work of a(n) POWER PLANT MECHANIC without more than normal supervision. Experience performing the common tasks of a journeyman mechanic in diagnosing, repairing, adjusting, maintaining, and lubricating bearings, gears, engines, compressors, and hydraulic equipment; operating machining tools and equipment under normal supervision and practical experience in welding or pipefitting. - Failure to meet this Screen Out Element will result in an ineligible rating. PHYSICAL EFFORT: The incumbent handles heavy parts and equipment and works in cramped quarters in tiring positions. Physical effort requires climbing stairs and ladders, and lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling and twisting objects frequently weighing up to, and occasionally over, 45 pounds. A high degree of concentrated mental and visual attention is necessary to determine cause of trouble and to plan and carry out corrective action; to interpret complex drawings; and to coordinate a high degree of manual dexterity with close visual attention for sustained periods. WORKING CONDITIONS: Work is performed in the project powerhouse, other structures, and outdoors. The employee is exposed to noise, extremes of heat or cold, dirt, oils, greases, dust, energized equipment, moving machinery, odors and fumes. Works around and over water, in damp drafty areas, and at various heights. May work with a variety of toxic or caustic materials. Required to work in concrete structures. There is a possibility of cuts, burns, falls, and electrical shock. Must wear all appropriate safety equipment and protective clothing, and successfully complete and maintain all occupational health requirements.

How to apply

To apply for this position, you must complete the online questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section above. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 09/09/2026 to receive consideration To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application (https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13048046). Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. As a reminder, your resume must be two pages or less and must support the specialized experience described in this announcement. Resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration. For additional information, refer to the 'Required Documents' section. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process. You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application. Your resume selected in USAJOBS will be included, but you must re-select other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application may be incomplete. It is your responsibility to verify that your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) is complete, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. Uploaded documents may take up to one hour to clear the virus scan. Additional information on how to complete the online application process and submit your online application may be found on the USA Staffing Applicant Resource Center. To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://www.usajobs.gov/applicant/profile/dashboard/), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to/application/status.