Become an Electrical Utility Carpenter with the Bonneville Power Administration
Are you a master of the trade looking for a role that combines physical craftsmanship with national importance? The Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) is looking for experienced Electrical Utility Carpenters to maintain and build the vital structures that support our electrical grid. This role offers more than just a job; it offers a career in the federal sector with a commitment to safety, professional growth, and the energy independence of the United States.
Job Responsibilities
As an Electrical Utility Carpenter, your days will be varied and demanding. You will:
- Interpret blueprints, sketches, and specifications to plan complex construction tasks.
- Fabricate wood structures including crating for high-voltage equipment.
- Install and repair concrete footings, block walls, and utility vaults.
- Operate heavy equipment and standard woodworking machinery.
- Perform environmental mitigation, such as asbestos abatement, when necessary.
Requirements
Success in this role requires a high degree of technical proficiency. Applicants must:
- Pass a pre-employment medical exam and drug screening.
- Maintain a valid driver's license.
- Demonstrate the ability to work independently.
- Maintain necessary safety certifications, including First Aid and CPR.
| Feature | Requirement Detail |
|---|---|
| Salary | $67.54 per hour |
| Travel | Up to 25% (System-wide) |
| Status | Federal Competitive Service |
| Education | None specific (Experience-based) |
Salary and Benefits
Beyond the competitive hourly rate of $67.54, employees benefit from a robust federal work environment. The 'Be Well' program ensures that employees have the support they need for physical and mental wellness, while the agency’s flexible policies help accommodate your life outside of work.
Application Tips
Your resume is the most important document in your application. Do not rely on your job titles to prove your skill set. Instead, describe your actual experience with specific carpentry tools and construction tasks. Ensure your resume explicitly covers the 'screen-out' factors listed in the official announcement.
If you are ready to apply your carpentry skills to critical energy infrastructure, the Bonneville Power Administration is waiting for you. Apply today and build a future with the DOE.
Why This Electrical Utility Carpenter Job Matters
Join the Bonneville Power Administration and power the Pacific Northwest as an Electrical Utility Carpenter—a role where your precision craftsmanship builds the infrastructure that keeps energy moving.
Electrical Utility Carpenter Job Overview
The Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), a premier agency within the Department of Energy, is seeking skilled Electrical Utility Carpenters to join our Transmission Field Services team. This role is essential to our mission, involving the construction, maintenance, and structural support of facilities across the Pacific Northwest. If you take pride in technical accuracy and want a career that makes a tangible impact on national infrastructure, this is your opportunity.
Requirements for Electrical Utility Carpenter
- U.S. Citizenship is mandatory.
- Must possess and maintain a valid U.S. state driver's license.
- Must pass a pre-employment medical examination.
- Initial drug testing is required, followed by random screening throughout employment.
- Must be able to maintain a valid First Aid/CPR card.
- Ability to obtain and maintain unescorted access to BPA facilities.
- Must meet Selective Service registration requirements (for males).
- Must be capable of wearing required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including respirators.
Preferred Qualifications for Electrical Utility Carpenter
- Demonstrated ability to perform carpentry work without close supervision.
- Proficiency in reading and interpreting blueprints, technical specifications, and sketches.
- Advanced technical skills in layout, measurement, and fabrication of wood-framed structures.
- Experience operating industrial construction equipment such as skid loaders and flatbed trucks.
- Experience in concrete formwork, foundation installation, and asbestos abatement.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal hourly pay
- ✓Health and wellness support through the 'Be Well' program
- ✓Work-life balance programs
- ✓Federal career stability
- ✓Potential for overtime during system emergencies
💡 How to Apply Electrical Utility Carpenter Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Electrical Utility Carpenter Job
- Create or sign in to your login.gov account on the USAJOBS portal.
- Review the full job announcement and prepare your two-page resume highlighting specific experience.
- Complete the online assessment questionnaire.
- Upload all necessary documentation, including your resume, transcripts (if applicable), and veteran/hiring authority documents.
- Submit your application package before the 11:59 PM (EST) deadline on November 8, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Focus your two-page resume on specific trade experience rather than just job titles.
- Detail your experience with concrete, framing, and equipment operation clearly to address the 'screen-out' criteria.
- Ensure your resume includes employer names, dates of employment, and hours worked per week.
- Check your application status frequently on the USAJOBS dashboard after submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is travel required for this position?
Yes, this position involves significant travel throughout the BPA service territory and potentially requires work during nights, weekends, or holidays for critical system outages.
What is the screen-out element for this role?
You must demonstrate the ability to perform routine site construction, foundations, and wood-framed structures without more than normal supervision.
Is this a permanent position?
Yes, this is a competitive service appointment within the federal government.
What if I don't have a degree?
There is no formal education requirement; this role is based on your professional experience and technical ability.
Job from Bonneville Power Administration
The Bonneville Power Administration is a nonprofit federal power marketing agency based in the Pacific Northwest. As a vital part of the Department of Energy, BPA manages the power generated by federal hydroelectric projects. We are consistently recognized as a top employer for veterans and those seeking a stable, purpose-driven career.