Become a Power Plant Electrician with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
If you are an experienced electrician looking for a career that combines technical challenge with a sense of purpose, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has an opening for you. We are currently seeking a dedicated Power Plant Electrician to support the critical operations at the Ice Harbor Project in Pasco, Washington. This is an opportunity to work at the forefront of national infrastructure, ensuring the reliability of hydroelectric power and flood control systems.
Job Responsibilities
As a Power Plant Electrician, your primary role is to ensure the continuous operation of our hydroelectric facility. Your daily responsibilities will include:
- Diagnostic Maintenance: Troubleshooting, repairing, and evaluating electrical equipment and solid-state analog systems.
- Calibration: Ensuring the accuracy of recording meters, voltage control equipment, and relays.
- Technical Documentation: Interpreting complex electrical schematics to resolve issues quickly and safely.
- Infrastructure Support: Maintaining security systems, HVAC, and internal power distribution networks.
- Specialized Tasks: Performing fiber-optic splicing and testing to keep communication systems current.
Requirements
Candidates must demonstrate journeyman-level competency in an industrial setting. You must be able to operate with minimal supervision once a task is assigned. Physical agility is a must, as you will be climbing ladders, working in tight spaces, and lifting heavy components up to 45 pounds. You must also maintain strict compliance with all occupational safety regulations.
Comparison Table: Why Choose Federal Service?
| Feature | Private Industry | Federal Service (USACE) |
|---|---|---|
| Job Security | Variable | High |
| Retirement | Varies | Exceptional Federal Programs |
| Work Impact | Profit-focused | National infrastructure & public good |
| Benefits | Varies | Comprehensive Health & Leave |
Salary Overview
This position offers a highly competitive rate of $69.15 per hour. This includes locality pay and local market supplements, ensuring your compensation reflects the specialized nature of the electrical work performed at our hydropower facility.
Benefits
Employees of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers benefit from a robust package, including health insurance, generous paid leave, and structured retirement plans. Beyond financial benefits, you will experience the professional satisfaction of working on projects that protect and serve the nation.
Application Tips
- Keep it concise: Your resume must be strictly two pages or less. Use plain language to describe your industrial experience.
- Be specific: Include your start/end dates (month/year) and the hours worked per week for every position listed.
- Quality check: Ensure you answer all questionnaire prompts thoroughly. Incomplete packages are the primary reason for non-selection.
Serving as a Power Plant Electrician at the Ice Harbor Project is more than a job—it is a vital role in our nation's power and navigation infrastructure. If you possess the electrical expertise and the dedication to work in a demanding, rewarding environment, we encourage you to apply today. Your skills can help engineer a stronger, more resilient tomorrow.
Why This Power Plant Electrician Job Matters
Power your career with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: Join the Ice Harbor Project team as a Power Plant Electrician and help engineer the future of our nation's hydroelectric infrastructure.
Power Plant Electrician Job Overview
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is seeking a skilled Power Plant Electrician to join the Ice Harbor Project in Pasco, Washington. This role is essential for the maintenance and operation of a multi-purpose facility that includes hydropower generation, navigation locks, and vital flood control systems. If you have the expertise to maintain industrial electrical equipment and want to contribute to national resilience, this is an exceptional opportunity to serve.
Requirements for Power Plant Electrician
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Ability to perform journeyman-level electrical tasks without more than normal supervision.
- Experience diagnosing and repairing power distribution, control, and communication systems in an industrial setting.
- Ability to climb ladders, work in cramped quarters, and frequently lift up to 45 pounds.
- Normal color vision and manual dexterity required for complex technical tasks.
- Must pass all required occupational health and safety screenings.
- Must be able to work in diverse environments, including outdoors and around moving machinery.
Preferred Qualifications for Power Plant Electrician
- Proven experience with fiber-optic splicing, testing, and troubleshooting.
- Expertise in calibrating meters and automatic generation control equipment.
- Proficiency in reading and interpreting complex electrical schematics and blueprints.
- Strong background in maintaining heating, ventilating, and security systems within large-scale industrial facilities.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal hourly wage
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options
- ✓Retirement planning programs
- ✓Paid vacation and sick leave
- ✓Opportunities for professional development
- ✓Potential for recruitment or relocation incentives for qualified candidates
💡 How to Apply Power Plant Electrician Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Power Plant Electrician Job
- Log in to your USAJOBS account or create a new profile.
- Review the full announcement carefully to ensure your resume is limited to two pages.
- Complete the required online questionnaire.
- Upload supporting documentation, including your resume and optional cover letter.
- Verify that your application package is complete and submitted before the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume specifically addresses the industrial experience requested.
- Avoid using acronyms or technical jargon that a layperson might not understand.
- Verify your submission status on your USAJOBS dashboard after you apply.
- Be sure to include month and year for all past employment dates.
- Double-check that all uploaded documents have cleared the system's virus scan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a security clearance required for this position?
No, this position is designated as non-sensitive and does not require a security clearance.
What is the page limit for my resume?
Your resume must be two pages or less; any resume exceeding this limit will be removed from consideration.
Can I work remotely?
No, this position is not eligible for telework or remote status, as it requires on-site maintenance of physical power plant infrastructure.
Do I need a specific license?
While no specific certification is listed as an absolute requirement, you must demonstrate journeyman-level ability in an industrial setting.
What is the application deadline?
The announcement closes on September 16, 2026.
Job from U.S. Army Corps Of Engineers
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is more than just a government agency; it is a vital engineering force that designs and maintains infrastructure essential to our national security and local communities. By joining the USACE team at Ice Harbor, you become part of a legacy that balances hydropower generation with fish facility management, navigation, and environmental stewardship.