Power Plant Operator Trainee III

📍 Crofton, Nebraska · 🏛 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers · 💰 $49 per hour · 🎓 WB 00 · 🧭 Electrical Power Controlling (5407) · ⏳ Closes Nov 17, 2026 · 6 days left · 🗓 Posted Nov 3, 2026
Browse: More U.S. Army Corps of Engineers jobs · More Electrical Power Controlling jobs · Federal jobs in Nebraska

Job details at a glance

AgencyU.S. Army Corps of Engineers
DepartmentDepartment of the Army
LocationCrofton, Nebraska
Salary$49 per hour
GradeWB 00
ScheduleFull-time
Occupation seriesElectrical Power Controlling (5407)
Openings1
Hiring pathsOpen to the public
PostedNov 3, 2026
Application deadlineNov 17, 2026
Telework eligibleNo
Remote jobNo
Security clearanceNot Required
Relocation expenses reimbursedYes
Promotion potential00
Apply on USAJobs (official) ↗

About this job

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 Operator Trainee III, under direct guidance, you will assist in controlling water releases and power production of six mainstem Missouri River hydroelectric power plants, consisting of 36 generating units and 37 high-voltage transmission lines.

Duties

Complete technical study and hands-on training to learn how to safely run and maintain a hydroelectric power plant and its equipment.

Receive specific assignments designed to build the skills and knowledge needed to eventually work as a journeyman operator.

Assist senior operators with opening, closing, and adjusting spillway gates to safely control river water flow and levels.

Assist senior operators with using control boards and manual switches to start, stop, and adjust power generator units.

Assist with locking out equipment, pulling electrical breakers, and hanging safety tags so maintenance crews can work safely.

Inspect the plant and switchyard to check machines, read meters, and watch or listen for any mechanical problems.

Assist with minor equipment maintenance, including cleaning machinery, restocking supplies, and keeping recording instruments ready for use.

Qualifications

Who May Apply: US Citizens 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. Minimum Qualifications (Screen Out Element): Ability to do the work of a(n) Power Plant Operator Trainee III ~ without more than normal supervision. I have the ability to perform common tasks in an industrial, technical, and/or mechanical environment. I can follow directions in a shop and use trade-related guides such as technical manuals, specifications, blueprints, etc. I 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 at least one of the Screen Out Elements above will result in an ineligible rating. 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, life 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. WORKING CONDITIONS: The principal assignment is to the powerhouse; however, the work area may include intake structures and spillway areas. Work is principally indoors in a well heated, lighted and ventilated environment, but occasional outdoor work exposes employee to usual climate extremes. Exposed to equipment and machinery noises, heights, oils, greases, confined areas, dust, dirt, water, heat and cold, odors, fumes and moving and/or energized equipment. May work in proximity to high voltages and currents. Is subject to the discomfort of safety equipment required such as hard-hats and ear plugs. 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.

Evaluations

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.

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 11/17/2026 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/13099697). 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.

Applications are handled only on the official announcement. This page is a readable copy of the public announcement data — the official version controls if anything differs.

Apply on USAJobs (official) ↗

Required documents

The documents you are required to submit vary based on whether or not you are eligible for preference in federal employment. A complete description of preference categories and the associated required documents is in the Applicant Checklist for Public 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. 1. Your resume: 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 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. 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. 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. For additional information, to include formatting tips, see: What to include in your resume. 2. Other supporting documents: Cover Letter, optional 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.

What to expect next

If you provided an email address, you will receive an email message acknowledging receipt of your application. Your application package will be used to determine your eligibility, qualifications, and quality ranking (as applicable) for this position. If you are determined to be ineligible or not qualified, your application will receive no further consideration.

Other information

Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration. You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship. 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. Direct Deposit of Pay is required. Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees. 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. This is a(n) Engineers and Scientists (Resources and Construction) Career Program position aligned under the Construction, Analysis, Science, Infrastructure & Engineers (CASIE) Career Management Directorate. Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement. When you perform a Civilian Permanent Change of Station (PCS) with the government, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers the majority of your entitlements to be taxable. Visit https://www.dfas.mil/civilianemployees/civrelo/Civilian-Moving-Expenses-Tax-Deduction.htm for more information. 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. Non-competitive promotion potential to the intervening grade of Trainee IV and the full performance grade of Senior Controller. May require employee to wear protective clothing. May require working outside in all kinds of weather. Not eligible for telework. The following incentives may be authorized: Relocation Incentive or Recruitment Incentive.

Frequently asked questions

How much does this Power Plant Operator Trainee III job pay?

The announcement lists a salary of $49 per hour (WB 00).

When is the last day to apply?

Applications close on Nov 17, 2026 — 6 days from today.

Where is this job located?

This position is located in Crofton, Nebraska with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

How do I apply?

Applications are submitted through the official announcement on USAJobs. Use the Apply button on this page to go to the official posting — this site never takes applications itself.

More jobs at U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

All U.S. Army Corps of Engineers jobs →

More Electrical Power Controlling jobs

All Electrical Power Controlling jobs →

Data: USAJobs (U.S. Office of Personnel Management), retrieved 2026-11-11 · Announcement CEDE-26-13099697-DHA · Official announcement. FederalJobs is unofficial and is not affiliated with OPM or the agency.
Power Plant Operator Trainee III
Nov 17, 2026 deadlineApply