Summary All hourly jobs are considered as open for bid on a continuous basis. Any BPA employee on a competitive career or career-conditional appointment may, at any time, submit an application for permanent promotions, reassignments, or change of duty stations. In order to assure all interested employees are considered, candidates are solicited annually through a Continuous Vacancy Announcement - Hourly Jobs (Bid List) identifying those jobs and duty locations, for which they wish to be considered. Responsibilities As an Aircraft Patrol Observer, you will: Patrol from the air, via a helicopter or fixed-wing aircraft, BPA transmission lines, rights-of-way, access roads, and other areas or facilities to observe damage to structures, insulators, hardware, etc. Observe damage to structures, insulators, hardware, conductors, and facilities. Observes conditions on or bordering the right-of-way, including encroachments, danger trees, access roads, brush, slides, erosion, etc Make inspections of questionable situations by landing and observing from the ground. Analyze defects observed and determines whether they require routine or emergency maintenance. In emergency situations, reports and makes recommendations via radio or telephone to effect immediate repairs. Operate heat-emission detection devices and performs low-level photography for transmission line monitoring. Assist the pilot in pushing and/or pulling the helicopter into and out of storage facilities. Complete associated documentation required of the above listed tasks. Requirements Conditions of Employment Position is subject to initial pre-employment Drug Testing and random drug testing thereafter. This position requires a pre-employment medical exam, at BPA expense, prior to appointment due to the physical requirements of the position. After employment, this position may be subject to periodic physical examinations, as prescribed by competent medical authority and at BPA expense, if exposed to health hazards. When you apply you will be asked a series of questions to determine your eligibility for employment and your qualification for this position specifically. You must answer all of these questions completely and truthfully. Apprentices in the last year of the program are encouraged to submit an application to indicate duty locations for which they want to be considered for permanent placement. Establish a residence in accordance with negotiated requirements that is within one hour or less commuting time under normal weather and road conditions, to the duty station headquarters. Become familiar with and follow the safety practices of the "Helicopter Operation and Patrol Standard" and the BPA Accident Prevention Manual. Have an eye examination before entry on duty and annually thereafter. Possess valid commercial driver's license with all endorsements that are required to operate TLM equipment from state of residence. Possess a U.S. Motor Vehicle Operator Authorization or obtain within 30 days after appointment. Traffic citations indicating poor driving habits may disqualify applicants. Possess a valid First Aid Card, CPR Card, and an electrical worker's permit or obtain such permits within 30 days after appointment. As part of the job requirements, the Aircraft Patrol Observer shall be required to apply restricted use pesticides and, at the discretion of the Supervisory Aircraft Pilot, may be required to obtain a pesticide applicator's permit. The Administration shall provide the necessary training for such a permit. Obtain certification on the equipment associated with line maintenance if assigned to use or operate. Operate motor vehicles and equipment normally used in line maintenance and construction. Qualifications Applicants must pass a performance test which involves performing patrol flight operations and preparing aircraft patrol work sheets for a minimum of 2 days. The test will measure applicants' ability to determine, by visual observation, damage, deterioration and decay problems, and other conditions on and bordering transmission line rights-of-way. The test will also verify applicants' ability to tolerate low-level flying. Candidates will be evaluated on the following: air sickness adaptability visual alertness and understanding of conditions observed legibility of reports completeness of reports. Failure of this test will result in a return to original duty position. In order to qualify for this position, your resume must provide sufficient experience and/or education, knowledge, skills, and abilities, to perform the duties of the specific position for which you are being considered. Your resume is the key means we have for evaluating your skills, knowledge, and abilities, as they relate to this position. Therefore, we encourage you to submit a thorough resume that directly relates to this position. Applicants must meet the requirements of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Job Qualification System for Trades and Labor Occupations (X-118C).Although a specific length of time and experience is not required for most trade and labor occupations, you must show through experience and training that you possess the quality level of knowledge and skill necessary to perform the duties of the position at the level for which you are applying. Qualification requirements emphasis is on the quality of experience, not necessarily the length of time. Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the job elements and screen out listed below. This job has a screen-out factors which will be used to determine minimum eligibility for this job. Applicants who do not receive a minimum of two points on this screen-out element(s) will be found ineligible. The screen-out element for this position is: The ability to do the work of the position without more than normal supervision performing patrols from the air, via a helicopter or fixed-wing aircraft, transmission lines, rights-of-way, access roads, and other areas or facilities to observe damage to structures, insulators, hardware, etc. In addition to the screen-out element you will be evaluated on the following Job Elements through your resume and responses to the on-line assessment questionnaire: Ability To Do The Work Of The Position Without More Than Normal Supervision Ability To Use and Maintain Hand Tools (Electrical Work) Ability To Use Electrical Drawings Knowledge of Electrical Equipment Technical Practices (theoretical, precise, artistic) Theory and Instruments (Electrical, Electronic) Used in Shop and Trade Practices Trouble shooting (electrical) If your knowledge and ability in the SCREEN OUT factor above is not sufficient, you will receive no further consideration. In preparing your application, describe in detail the experience and training which you have had that specifically prepared you for this job and to perform the duties described for this job. Experience should be clearly described and documented in your resume. The qualifications reviewer will not assume performance of such duties by Job Titles alone. WORKING CONDITIONS: An Aircraft Patrol Observer normally works in aircraft, usually a helicopter, under low-level flight conditions and close to energized high voltage transmission lines. The Observer may work for long periods of time under marginal flight conditions in emergency situations. The employee is subject to the nervous tension and physical strain of complete concentration during flight at 40 miles or more per hour while observing objects. There is seldom opportunity for rest periods or relaxation for several hours at a time. Occasionally, in order to make ground inspections, the Aircraft Patrol Observer must walk or climb for short distances over steep or rough terrain. The employee may climb structures in excess of 500 feet above ground level for detailed inspection. The employee works daily in close contact with the pilot. The work environment will include high noise levels and/or occasional exposure to hazardous substances (i.e., solvents, PCB'S, chemicals, etc.) that could, if precautions are not followed, pose a health risk. Approved respiratory and safety equipment shall be worn when hazardous substances are being handled. Emergencies, critical system conditions, or outage limitations may require that work be done at night and/or under time restraints. System priorities may require extended periods of overtime including working weekends. PHYSICAL CONDITIONS: Incumbents must be physically and mentally able to efficiently perform the duties of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation, without hazard to themselves or others. "Experience" refers to paid and unpaid experience. Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include: volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); as well as work for other community-based philanthropic and social organizations. Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills; and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement. Education There is no substitution of education for experience for Federal Wage Grade (WG) positions. Additional Information The U.S. Department of Energy fosters a diverse and inclusive workplace and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. More than one selection may be made from this vacancy announcement. Many positions require successful completion of a background investigation. EEO Policy: http://www.usajobs.gov/eeo Reasonable Accommodation Policy: http://www.usajobs.gov/raps BPA strives to ensure a safe, positive, inclusive work environment, supported by Leadership Behaviors. For more information on Leadership Behaviors visit: www.bpa.gov/goto/LeadershipBehaviors Hiring incentives may be authorized for a highly qualified candidate based on budget availability and in accordance with federal regulations.