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Posted: February 26, 2026 (1 day ago)

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POWER PLANT TRAINEE I

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Department of the Army

Fresh

Salary

$40.23 - $40.23

per hour

Type

Closes

March 12, 2026More Army jobs →

Job Description

Summary

This entry-level trainee position with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers prepares individuals for roles in maintaining and operating hydroelectric power plants through a structured four-year program.

Trainees start with basic on-the-job training and classroom instruction to learn the skills needed for mechanic, electrician, or operator jobs.

It's ideal for motivated beginners with some aptitude for hands-on work who are willing to follow instructions and handle physically demanding tasks in a noisy, hazardous environment.

Key Requirements

  • Aptitude and interest in learning trade theory and practice for hydroelectric power plant work
  • Ability to follow simple instructions and complete assignments with minimal supervision
  • Prior completion of a job training program or intermittent experience in a worker-trainee role
  • Willingness to perform most types of manual labor in a power plant setting
  • Physical ability to lift 45 pounds, handle heavy tools, and work in cramped, noisy, or hazardous conditions
  • Successful completion of a four-year Hydropower Training Program, including on-the-job rotations, instruction, and evaluations
  • U.S. citizenship

Full Job Description

This is a public notice flyer to notify interested applicants of anticipated vacancies. Applications will NOT be accepted through this flyer.

Interested applicants should review the "How to Apply" section of this flyer for more information on how to be considered. This flyer will be used as positions become available.

There may or may not be actual vacancies filled from this flyer.

This is an entry level position to the Power Plant Trainee I with a Target Position to the either the Journeyman Mechanic/Electrician or Shift Operator.

During tenure in the Hydropower Training Program, promotions are dependent upon successful performance, completion of required training and passing grades of satisfactory or higher on each part of the phase evaluation.

Who May Apply: US Citizens In order to qualify, you must meet the experience requirements described below.

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.

Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application.

Additional information about transcripts is in this document. 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): Aptitude and Interest for Learning Trade Theory and Practice.

The screen-out will designate that applicants have completed a job training program and/or have worked on an intermittent basis in a worker-trainee type position and am willing to do most types of work and are able to follow simple instructions to complete work assignments.

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. Major Duties:

  • Trainees will be hired to meet the future needs of USACE.
  • The program of study for the first year will be standard for all trainees and will address general knowledge required of journeymen working in a hydroelectric power plant.
  • Trainees must complete all parts of a four-year Training and Development Program for Hydroelectric Power Plant Personnel to be promoted.
  • Parts I and II of the training program consist of rotational on-the-job training, instruction, text assignments, and Plant Equipment Studies.
  • Trainees receive specific orientation, guidance and instructions on aspects of hydroelectric power station operation and maintenance through training in the craft specialty during the formal training program.
  • Classroom study and on-the-job work assignments are coordinated to relate basic theories to practical application of operation and maintenance activities of hydroelectric projects and are closely reviewed to assure satisfactory performance.
  • Trainees are responsible for meeting and maintaining standards of Federal employment, learning the study material, and having the ability to do the work required in the trade.

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Posted on USAJOBS: 2/26/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 2/27/2026

Source: USAJOBS | ID: CERL-26-12896103-DHA