Hydroelectric Power Plant Operator (Senior)

Hydroelectric Power Plant Operator (Senior)

Department: Department of the Interior

Location(s): Folsom, California

Salary Range: $76.14 - $76.14 Per Hour

Job Summary: Reclamation is seeking a career professional looking for an opportunity to capitalize on their expertise as a Hydroelectric Power Plant Operator (Senior). You can make a difference in the West by assisting in meeting increasing water demands while protecting the environment. Duty Location: Folsom, California

Major Duties:

• As a Senior Hydroelectric Power Plant Operator with the California-Great Basin Region of Reclamation, major duties include: Monitoring primary and secondary communications circuits to all system plant facilities. Overseeing and directing hydroelectric power plant operations to effect changes in water releases. Performing switching and tagging operations, issuing clearances, and conducting emergency switching operations. Observing and documenting abnormal operating conditions in the plant; determining nature, cause, and corrective actions to address identified issues. Monitoring equipment indicators and conducting necessary adjustments among generation and water release structures to sustain river flow and meet municipal water requirements. Preparing technical documentation and maintaining pertinent data logs. Performing other related duties as assigned within this position classification.

Qualifications: Please limit your resume to no more than 2 pages. If more than 2 pages are submitted, only the first 2 pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications. Applicants will be rated in accordance with the OPM Qualification Standard for the WG-5400 Industrial Equipment Operation Family. Although a specific length of time and experience is not required for most blue-collar positions, you must meet any screen-out element(s) listed and 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. Emphasis of requirements is on the quality of related experience, not necessarily the length of time. Your application materials must demonstrate sufficient work experience and training to successfully perform the duties of the position. Qualifications will be determined on the basis of information submitted within your resume and responses to the technical assessment questions. For more information about qualification requirements for Federal Wage System positions, please visit OPM. Minimum qualifications for trades and labor positions are determined by an evaluation of job elements. You must meet at least 2 points on the screen-out element(s) and obtain an average of at least 2 points on all job elements to be determined as qualified for the position. 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). 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 Eligibility and Qualification requirements by 01/28/2026.

How to Apply: Applications (resume, assessment questionnaire, and supporting documentation) for this vacancy MUST be received online BEFORE midnight Eastern Time (Washington, DC time) on 01/28/2026. To apply, click the blue APPLY ONLINE button at the top of the page. Do not submit photographs with the application package. Documents with photographs may not be seen by hiring officials - applicant must remove any images from badges, licenses, etc.

Application Deadline: 2026-01-28