Become a High Voltage Electrician with the Western Area Power Administration

Are you looking to take your electrical career to the next level? The Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) is currently recruiting for High Voltage Electrician positions across multiple locations. This is an exceptional opportunity to join a vital federal agency responsible for delivering clean, reliable hydroelectric power to millions of customers across 15 states. If you have the technical expertise to maintain critical power infrastructure and the drive to work in a dynamic, mission-critical environment, this role could be your next great career move.

Job Responsibilities

As a High Voltage Electrician, you will serve as a key member of a technical crew. Your daily responsibilities will include:

Infrastructure Maintenance: Installing, testing, and repairing equipment in high-voltage switchyards, substations, and communication facilities.
Power Systems Work: Managing station service systems, grounding systems, and AC/DC control wiring.
Cable Management: Splicing and terminating high-voltage cables up to 34.5 kV.
Heavy Equipment Operation: Utilizing cranes, aerial man lifts, trenchers, and other specialized equipment.
Technical Leadership: Providing guidance and mentoring to apprentices and junior staff.
Safety Operations: Performing switching in high-voltage environments and ensuring all work adheres to strict safety protocols.

Requirements

To be considered for this position, candidates must meet specific professional criteria established by the Office of Personnel Management.

Requirement	Description
Citizenship	Must be a U.S. Citizen or National
Core Experience	Journeyman-level work on 69kV+ systems
Testing	Demonstrated power factor testing experience
Licensing	Ability to obtain a Class A CDL within 120 days
Physicals	Must pass pre-appointment and annual medical exams

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive hourly wage, ranging from $59.81 to $85.36 per hour. Exact pay is dependent on the specific geographic location of the duty station and the candidate's level of experience.

Benefits

Working for the federal government provides a comprehensive compensation package, including:

Health and Wellness: Access to federal health insurance programs.
Retirement: Defined benefit pension plans and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Leave: Generous annual and sick leave accrual policies.
Stability: A career path within a secure federal agency with opportunities for training and development.

Application Tips

Be Specific: Detail your high-voltage experience in your resume. Use concrete examples of the systems you have maintained.
Don't Forget the Screen-Outs: Your application must demonstrate your ability to handle 69kV systems and power factor testing without extra supervision, or you will be disqualified.
Climbing Readiness: Since this job involves climbing 65-foot structures, ensure your resume implies your comfort with heights and manual labor.

Serving as a High Voltage Electrician with WAPA is more than just a job; it is a commitment to keeping the lights on for millions of people. If you are prepared to bring your technical skills to a challenging and rewarding career, we encourage you to review the full job announcement and submit your application today. Join us in powering the future of the American West.

Why This High Voltage Electrician (Journeyman) Job Matters

Power the West: Join the Western Area Power Administration as a High Voltage Electrician and maintain the critical infrastructure that keeps millions connected.

High Voltage Electrician (Journeyman) Job Overview

The Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) is seeking skilled High Voltage Electricians for multiple locations across the Western United States. This journeyman-level role focuses on the installation, maintenance, and operation of high-voltage substations, transmission lines, and associated power infrastructure. You will work within a crew-based environment to ensure the safe and efficient delivery of federal hydroelectric power. This is an open and continuous announcement, establishing a standing register of qualified candidates for various locations.

Requirements for High Voltage Electrician (Journeyman)

Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
Must be at least 18 years of age.
Registration with Selective Service (for males born after 12/31/1959).
Ability to perform journeyman-level electrical work on high voltage power systems (69kV and higher).
Documented experience in power factor testing on 69kV or higher equipment.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) within 120 days.
Ability to pass a pre-employment and annual physical exam.
Must be able to climb structures averaging 65 feet in height (weight limits apply).
Willingness to undergo random drug and alcohol testing.

Preferred Qualifications for High Voltage Electrician (Journeyman)

Extensive experience in substation construction and commissioning.
Proficiency in operating heavy equipment such as cranes, trenchers, and aerial man lifts.
Advanced knowledge of electrical drawings and complex power system troubleshooting.
Experience with oil processing equipment and high-voltage cable splicing up to 34.5 kV.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive hourly salary.
✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options.
✓Robust retirement and pension plans.
✓Paid annual and sick leave.
✓Opportunity for annual leave accrual based on prior federal or related service.
✓Professional training and career development programs.
✓Work-life balance with defined schedules.

💡 How to Apply High Voltage Electrician (Journeyman) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for High Voltage Electrician (Journeyman) Job

Create an account on login.gov to access your USAJOBS profile.
Review the full position announcement details and requirements thoroughly.
Prepare a detailed resume that includes specific duties, employer addresses, dates of employment, and salary information.
Click the Apply Online button in the USAJOBS portal.
Complete the online assessment questionnaire.
Attach all required documentation, including career transition forms if applicable.
Submit your application before the final closing date of November 27, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Focus on describing the 'quality' of your experience rather than just the duration.
Explicitly address the screen-out factors in your resume; avoid relying on job titles alone.
Ensure your resume includes unpaid volunteer work if it demonstrates relevant electrical experience.
Set up email notifications in your USAJOBS account to track the status of your application.
Double-check that all required supporting documents (like an SF-50 if a current federal employee) are uploaded before submitting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary role of a High Voltage Electrician at WAPA?

You will be responsible for the construction, installation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of high-voltage power substations and transmission equipment to ensure consistent, reliable electricity delivery.

Is travel required for this position?

Yes, this role may require significant travel, including overnight stays, and potentially travel via helicopter or fixed-wing aircraft to reach remote work sites.

Are there physical requirements for this job?

The role requires active climbing, lifting over 50 pounds, working in extreme weather conditions, and maintaining specific weight limits for climbing safety (not to exceed 310 lbs with gear).

Job from Western Area Power Administration

The Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) is a power marketing administration within the U.S. Department of Energy. Operating a sprawling network of over 17,000 miles of transmission lines, WAPA is at the heart of the Western grid. Our mission, "Power Forward 2030," reflects our commitment to innovation, renewable energy integration, and maintaining the highest safety standards in the industry. As a federal employee at WAPA, you become part of a community that values diversity, professional growth, and the vital role of energy in the modern economy.