Bureau of Reclamation

Established in 1902, the Bureau of Reclamation is best known for the dams, powerplants, and canals it constructed in the 17 western states. These water projects led to homesteading and promoted the economic development of the West. Reclamation has constructed more than 600 dams and reservoirs including Hoover Dam on the Colorado River and Grand Coulee on the Columbia River. Today, we are the largest wholesaler of water in the country. We bring water to more than 31 million people, and provide one out of five Western farmers (140,000) with irrigation water for 10 million acres of farmland that produce 60% of the nation's vegetables and 25% of its fruits and nuts. Reclamation is also the second largest producer of hydroelectric power in the United States. Our 53 powerplants annually provide more than 40 billion kilowatt hours generating nearly a billion dollars in power revenues and produce enough electricity to serve 3.5 million homes.

Powerplant Mechanic/Operator: This is a journey-level Plant Mechanic for high voltage power systems and is an occupation for which a 4-year (8,000 hour) apprenticeship program has been established between the Bureau of Reclamation, Upper Colorado Region, and the Department of Labor. Applicants should have completed a formal apprentice program in plant mechanics, or equivalent apprentice program; or possess journey-level plant mechanic experience in power generating systems supplemented by formal training and college level/technical course work (military or technical trade schools) which provided knowledge of and competency in plant mechanic trade practices. As a Power Plant Mechanic, the incumbent performs normal power plant mechanic duties which include the following:· Repairs and maintains equipment that includes turbines, generators, motors, pumps, educators, valves, pipes, penstocks, fire extinguisher systems and associated equipment. Much of the equipment is large and heavy, yet work must be held to close tolerances, which requires the use of precision measuring instruments.· Erects scaffolds, platforms, hoisting frames and devices.· Performs rigging and operates cranes and hoists, incidental to lifting, moving, dismantling, assembling, overhauling or repairing of hydroelectric plant machinery and related equipment.· Performs maintenance of mechanical machinery and equipment in office complex, consisting of electrical heating and cooling facilities, water system pumps and motors.· Operates high voltage switches and related devices in connection with the work and as set by safe clearance procedures.· Observes established safety practices. This position will be filled as a Power Plant Mechanic. The incumbent will be required to undergo an on-the-job training program and upon demonstrating journeyman level skill as a Power Plant Operator, he/she will be reassigned to the position of Power Plant Mechanic/Operator. After demonstrating appropriate knowledge, in addition to the duties listed above, the incumbent will be required to perform other duties normally expected of a journeyman operator such as:· Starts and stops on generators, making load and voltage changes to meet system requirements, operating the auxiliary equipment, calculating hydraulic discharge and generation, executing switching programs, and making plant inspections.· Coordinates switching the power plant and transmission system and performs emergency switching in accordance with Standing Operating Procedures.· Assists with maintenance and repairs of all facility equipment.

Physical Requirements: Must be physically able to frequently work at elevated positions such as from ladders, scaffolds, and mobile platforms up to heights of approximately 30 feet; work in close quarters requiring stooping, bending, or kneeling positions for moderate time periods; and conditions involving standing, climbing, and bending, occasionally in cramped and awkward positions. Physical effort involves pulling and/or pushing of forces up to approximately 100 pounds; continually handling objects weighing up to 50 pounds and occasionally lifting materials and/or equipment weighing up to approximately 100 pounds.