Hydropower Plant Trainee (Apprenticeship), WB-5407-00 (27735)
- WELCOME!The information seen below is a vacant job opportunity with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).Please carefully review the information and click the "Apply" button below if you would like to apply and be considered for this position.Additional USACE Career Opportunities can be explored at the USACE Job Board (<- click here).
- Position Title:
- Hydropower Plant Trainee (Apprenticeship), WB-5407-00 (27735)
- Pay Plan:
- WB
- Occupational Series:
- 5407 - Electric Power Controlling (5407)
- Grade:
- 00
- Hourly vs Salary:
- Hourly
- Job Posting Open Date:
- 06/10/2026
- Job Posting Close Date:
- 06/24/2026
- Announcement Type:
- TARP - Direct-Hire Authority (DHA)
- Position Type:
- Permanent
- High Salary:
- 68.33
- Low Salary :
- 40.90
- USACE Organization :
- South Atlantic Division (SAD) Headquarters
- Locations (City, State):
- Boydton, VA
- Buford, GA
- Camden, AL
- Chatsworth, GA
- Chattahoochee, FL
- Clarks Hill, SC
- Elberton, GA
- Fort Gaines, GA
- Hartwell, GA
- Selma, AL
- Position Overview/Duties:
Position Title: Hydropower Plant Trainee (Apprenticeship), WB-5407-00
Series/Grade: WB-5407-00
Open Period: 10 June - 24 June
Duty Location(s): Buford, GA, Chattahoochee, FL, Ft. Gaines, GA, Camden, AL, Salma, AL, Chatsworth, GA, Elberton, GA, Clarks Hill, SC, Hartwell, GA, Boydton, VA
Duties & Responsibilities:
As a Power Plant Trainee, you’ll work alongside experienced professionals and take on a variety of developmental assignments that support the daily operations of the plant. Through progressive training and real-world experience, you will:
- Learn the fundamentals of power plant operations and safety
- Assist with operational, maintenance, and monitoring activities
- Develop technical and troubleshooting skills
- Work with advanced equipment and systems
- Grow your responsibilities as your knowledge and experience expand
- Receive coaching, mentorship, and hands-on training from industry professionals
Assignments become progressively more challenging as you advance through the Trainee II, III, and IV levels, preparing you for long-term success in the field.
This position is designed as a developmental pathway to a full-performance journey-level role. Employees who demonstrate strong performance, gain the required experience, and meet qualification standards may be eligible for non-competitive promotion as they progress through the program.
- Other Conditions and Requirements:
This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DoD, Section 9905 to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.
Other Requirements:
- Applications must be submitted after 12:01 AM (EST) of the posted Job Posting Open Date and before 11:45 PM (EST) of the posted Job Posting Close Date to receive consideration.
- All positions require the applicant to be a citizen of the United States.
- Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, are required to register for Selective Service prior to appointment.
- A trial or probationary period may be required.
- Direct deposit of pay is required.
- This position requires a mobility agreement upon entry.
- This position has a Temporary Duty (TDY) or business travel requirement of 25% of the time.
- This position is subject to a pre-employment drug screening, and random testing thereafter, to include testing based on reasonable suspicion and testing due to direct involvement with an on-duty accident.
- This position requires the completion of a pre-employment Physical Examination and an annual examination thereafter to ensure the continued, required level of physical health and ability or fitness to perform the duties of the position. Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
- This position requires that the incumbent possess or obtain and maintain a valid state Driver's License in one of the 50 U.S. states or possessions to operate vehicles.
- Hiring incentives such as a recruitment/relocation bonus, service credit for leave, and student loan repayment may be authorized (subject to available budget).
- Relocation (PCS) expenses may be authorized (subject to available budget) if the selecting official determines the relocation is in the best interests of the government.
- This position requires shift work to provide coverage on evenings, weekends, holidays, or special situations.
Minimum Qualifications (Screen Out Element): Aptitude and Interest for Learning Trade Theory and Practice along with the Ability to do the work of a Power Plant Trainee I ~ Ability to work under normal supervision of a work leader or journey-level employee who observes tasks in progress and upon completion to make sure they are properly performed. - Failure to meet this Screen out Element will result in an ineligible rating.
Physical Effort- The incumbent frequently handles objects weighing 20 kilograms (45 pounds) and lifting and operating heavy and awkward hand tools. Many tasks require significant brute force. The incumbent is required to push, pull, reach, walk, stand, crawl, kneel, bend, and work in cramped positions over and under machinery of all types for sustained periods of time.
Working Conditions
- Work is primarily performed inside the power plant, outlet works, intake structures, and spillway structure where constant noise and vibration of generating equipment is present. Hazards include moving machinery, working on preheated metals, danger of injury from burns, cuts, dust, welding fumes, and flying particles of metal when performing chipping, grinding, and welding. There may be occasional exposure to electrical shock hazards. Often works in cramped quarters for extended periods of time. Subject to falls from scaffolds and ladders, hazards of paring cables or slings and overhead traveling cranes and exposure to working in cold damp areas. Appropriate protective clothing and/or equipment is provided to minimize or eliminate hazardous conditions and its use is mandatory.
- Life/Work Balance:
- Life/Work Flexibilities Determined by Specific Position
- Qualifications - Candidates will be evaluated in accordance with OPM General Schedule (GS) Qualification Standards or Federal Wage System (FWS) Qualifications and Job Elements:
- FWS Qualifications: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/federal-wage-system-qualifications/#url=Job-Elements
- Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy: The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor:
- To learn more, please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity (https://www.eeoc.gov/federal-sector/federal-employees-job-applicants).
- Reasonable Accommodation:
- Reasonable accommodation is available to qualified employees with disabilities. You can request a reasonable accommodation at any time during the application process, hiring process or while on the job. Requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
