Power Plant Mechanic Trainee II/III
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Before you apply
LocationPickstown, South Dakota, United States
Work modeon-site
Typefull-time
SeniorityEntry
DepartmentOmaha District, Operations Division, Fort Randall Project Office
Company size10,000+ people
PostedOct 20, 2026 · 2w ago
Verified live1d ago
At a glanceSummarised by Seekless from the posting.
Ability to identify and use basic hand tools (sockets, wrenches, grease guns, impact drivers) to perform basic servicing procedures under continuous step-by-step instruction and direct oversight
Ability to disassemble, clean, and reassemble routine mechanical components under direct guidance; perform basic shop math; AND perform torch cutting or pipe threading with periodic coaching
Ability to do the work of a Power Plant Mechanic Trainee II/III without more than normal supervision
Extensive walking, standing, climbing vertical and inclined ladders and stairs, stooping, bending, kneeling, crawling, and working in awkward cramped positions for prolonged periods
Lifting and carrying tools, equipment and supplies weighing up to and over 45 pounds; operating large valves and performing other tasks requiring up to 75 pounds of pulling or turning force
US Citizenship
Good distant vision in each eye, ability to read fine calibrations
Ability to distinguish basic colors
Ability to hear the conversational voice, with or without a hearing aid
Completion of Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration (if male born after December 31, 1959)
Proof of U.S. Citizenship
1 year probationary period
Favorable suitability or fitness determination via background investigation
Direct deposit of pay
Must wear protective clothing and safety equipment; complete occupational health requirements including pulmonary capacity and medical examinations
Summary
Legal
This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DoD Workforce to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.
About the Position: As a Power Plant Trainee Mechanic, you will work under journeyman guidance to inspect, adjust, maintain, repair, test, install, and modify mechanical equipment, systems, and structures within a hydroelectric power plant, switchyard, and associated water control structures.
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.
There is no specific length of training or experience required. However, you must be able to demonstrate, through experience shown in your written application materials that you possess the sufficient knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the work of this position without more than normal supervision.
Power Plant Mechanic Trainee II Minimum Qualifications (Screen Out Element): Ability to do the work of a(n) Power Plant Mechanic Trainee II/III without more than normal supervision. I have the ability to identify and use basic hand tools (sockets, wrenches, grease guns, impact drivers) to perform basic servicing procedures under continuous step-by-step instruction and direct oversight. - Failure to meet this Screen Out Element will result in an ineligible rating.
Power Plant Mechanic Trainee III Minimum Qualifications (Screen Out Element): Ability to do the work of a(n) Power Plant Mechanic Trainee II/III without more than normal supervision. I have the ability to disassemble, clean, and reassemble routine mechanical components under direct guidance; perform basic shop math; AND perform torch cutting or pipe threading with periodic coaching. - Failure to meet this Screen Out Element will result in an ineligible rating.
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Ability To Do The Work Of The Position Without More Than Normal Supervision
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PHYSICAL EFFORT: Work requires extensive walking, standing, and climbing vertical and inclined ladders and stairs; and stooping, bending, kneeling, and crawling. Work may be done in awkward and cramped positions which may require the physical endurance to work under poor conditions for prolonged periods of time. Requires lifting and carrying tools, equipment and supplies frequently weighing up to and over 45 pounds. Required to operate large valves, apply servolocks, lift deck hatches, and perform other tasks requiring up to 75 pounds of pulling or turning force. There is danger of cuts, bruises and burns from equipment used and possible irritation or injury to eyes and spills from acids and solvents used. Must have good distant vision in each eye and be able to read fine calibrations; glasses permitted. Ability to distinguish basic colors is required. Ability to hear the conversational voice, with or without a hearing aid, is required. An amputation of arm, hand, leg or foot will normally disqualify an applicant for appointment. Any physical condition which would cause the applicant to be a hazard to his/herself or to others is disqualifying.
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WORKING CONDITIONS: The principal assignment is to the powerhouse; however the work area may include intake structures, and spillway areas. When working outside, is exposed to the usual extremes of climate. Exposed to high noise levels from equipment and machinery, and conditions of low visibility due to wearing protective devices and available light in some locations. Exposed to heights, oils, greases, confined areas, dust, dirt, water, heat and cold, odors, fumes, and moving and/or energized equipment. Occasionally works in proximity to high voltages and currents. Is subject to the discomfort of safety equipment required such as hard-hats, ear plugs, safety glasses and goggles, face masks, shields and helmets, respirators, and gloves depending on work performed and safety requirements which must be met. Must wear appropriate safety equipment and protective clothing, and successfully complete and maintain all occupational health requirements, including pulmonary capacity and other routine occupational and pre-employment medical examinations.
How you will be evaluated
Once the announcement has closed, a review of your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine whether you meet the qualification requirements listed on this announcement. Please follow all instructions carefully when applying, errors or omissions may affect your eligibility.
If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and/or experience, you may lose consideration for this position.
Veterans and Military Spouses will be considered along with all other candidates.
Required documents
The documents you are required to submit vary based on the authority you are using to apply (i.e., applying as a veteran, applying as a current permanent Federal employee, applying as a reinstatement, etc). Please review the following links to see which documents you need to provide to prove your eligibility to apply: Applicant Checklist for Internal/Merit Promotion Announcements.
As described above, your complete application includes your resume, your responses to the online questionnaire, and documents which prove your eligibility to apply. **If you fail to provide these documents, you will be marked as having an incomplete application package and you will not be considered any further.
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Your resume:**
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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.
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For each relevant work experience, make sure you include the employer’s name, job title, start and end dates (include month and year), for qualifications purposes, the number of hours worked per week, and a brief description that show you can perform the tasks at the required level listed in the job announcement. If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as incomplete, and you may not receive consideration for this position.
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Use plain language. Avoid using acronyms and terms that are not easily understood. The hiring agency will not make assumptions about what’s in your resume.
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If your resume includes a photograph or other inappropriate material or content, it will not be used to make eligibility and qualification determinations, and you may not be considered for this vacancy.
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For additional information, to include formatting tips, see: What to include in your resume.
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Other supporting documents:
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Cover Letter, optional
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Most recent Performance Appraisal, if applicable
NOTE: Documents submitted as part of the application package, to include supplemental documents, may be shared beyond the Human Resources Office. Some supplemental documents such as military orders and marriage certificates may contain personal information for someone other than you. You may sanitize these documents to remove another person’s personal information before you submit your application. You may be asked to provide an un-sanitized version of the documents if you are selected to confirm your eligibility.
How to apply
To apply for this position, you must complete the online questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.
The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 11/02/2026 to receive consideration.
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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/13083767).
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Other information
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Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
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You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
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This position requires a 1 year probationary period during which the agency evaluates your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In making this determination, the agency may consider your performance and conduct; agency needs and interests; whether your continued employment supports organizational or Government goals; and whether it promotes the efficiency of the Federal service. Continued employment requires written certification that it advances the public interest.
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Appointment is subject to the completion of a favorable suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a background investigation.
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Direct deposit of pay is required.
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This is a Logistics Career Field.
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Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees.
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If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the Reemployed Annuitant information sheet.
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Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
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Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement.
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Permanent Change of Station (PCS) allowances may be authorized, subject to the provisions of the Joint Travel Regulations and an agency determination that a PCS move is in the Government Interest.
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The following incentives may be authorized: Recruitment incentive, Relocation Incentive, Student Loan Repayment.
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Not eligible for telework.
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Requires employee to wear protective clothing.
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May require working outside in all kinds of weather.
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Management may select at any of the grade levels announced, WB-00 Trainee II or WB-00 Trainee III.
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Noncompetitive promotion potential to target grade of WB-00 Power Plant Mechanic (DR).
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