Job Information
Bonneville Power Administration Public Utilities Specialist in Portland, Oregon
Summary This position is within the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), Power Services (P), Northwest (NW) Requirements Marketing (PS), Power Account Services (PSS), and Transfer Services (PSST). As a Public Utilities Specialist, you will serve as a technical expert in the acquisition of transmission capacity from third-party transmission providers. You will lead negotiations for complex energy contracts and provide critical analysis and input on policy initiatives vital to regional power access. Responsibilities The Bonneville Power Administration is at the heart of the Pacific Northwest's energy landscape, and our mission is to deliver reliable, sustainable, and affordable power across the region. But what happens when a community needs our power but isn't physically connected to our grid? That's where you come in. We are seeking a strategic and technical expert to build the commercial and contractual bridges that connect our power to those who need it most. In this vital role, you will be more than a specialist; you will be an ambassador, a strategist, and a key contributor to regional energy delivery and reliability. As a Public Utilities Specialist, you will be empowered to: Lead High-Stakes Negotiations: Spearhead the development and management of complex, high-value contracts with external energy companies. You will be the lead negotiator securing the critical access needed to deliver power throughout the region. Shape Regional Energy Policy: Serve as a recognized technical expert, providing critical analysis and input on policy initiatives. Your expertise will directly influence the rules and strategies governing how we acquire and manage power and transmission services. Drive Strategic Solutions: Identify emerging issues, analyze complex data, and develop innovative strategies to solve challenges related to power and transmission delivery. Your work will directly impact the affordability, reliability and efficiency of our service. Represent BPA in Key Forums: Act as a representative for the organization in customer meetings, regulatory forums, and regional committees. You will be a key voice for BPA, communicating our position, building consensus, and protecting the interests of the public we serve. Manage Critical Projects: Take the lead as a study manager in formal rate-setting proceedings internally and externally, developing and formulating the calculations and testimony that determine the cost of transfer services as well as analyzing and, when necessary, challenging third-party provider rates. Serve as a Central Liaison: Function as the essential link between external transmission providers and our internal teams, ensuring seamless communication and coordination to keep our customers' needs at the forefront. Resolve Complex Commercial Issues: Investigate and find solutions for intricate issues related to energy and transmission billing, system imbalances, and contractual obligations, ensuring fairness and accuracy. Evaluate Future Energy Pathways: Analyze the impact of new technologies, market changes, and proposed regulations on our operations, providing expert advice that will guide our long-term strategy for serving the Northwest. Requirements Conditions of Employment In accordance with Executive Order 14170, applicants are encouraged to respond to four short, free-response, essay questions in the questionnaire. Answer to these questions is not scored or rated. Your answers will be reviewed by the hiring manager and agency leadership if you are referred for selection consideration. When you apply you will be asked a series of questions to determine your eligibility for employment and your qualification for this position specifically. You must answer all of these questions completely and truthfully. Key Requirements: You must be a United States Citizen. This employer participates in the e-Verify program. Males must abide by Selective Service registration requirements. You will be required to report in person to the official duty location. Conditions of Employment: Selectee will be required to complete the Office of Government Ethics Standard of Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OFGE450e) within 30 days of employment and annually. Qualifications SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: A qualified candidate's online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level [GS-12] in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as: experience working directly with any of the following within either a transmission or power services organization: system operations, policies, tariffs or utility rate structures within the electrical utility industry, with some focus towards development, management or administration of contracts used to acquire transmission or power services from third-party providers. "Experience" refers to paid and unpaid experience. Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include: volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); as well as work for other community-based philanthropic and social organizations. 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. Time-in-Grade: Current Federal employees must meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement to receive consideration. CTAP/ICTAP candidates: To be considered "well qualified" you must meet all of the requirements as described in this section. You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement. Education There are no specific education requirements or substitution of education for experience for this position. Additional Information This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional similar vacancies across DOE EEO Policy: USAJOBS Help Center | Equal employment opportunity policy Reasonable Accommodation Policy: Employees or applicants may request Reasonable Accommodation (RA) for assistance, when applying or competing for a job or performing a job due to their medical condition or to exercise their religious beliefs. If you need reasonable accommodation in the application or selection process, please contact the Staffing Specialist listed on this vacancy announcement. USAJOBS Help Center | Reasonable accommodation policy Reasonable Accommodation for USAHire: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended, that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a reasonable accommodation in your online application. Requests for Reasonable Accommodations for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for Reasonable Accommodation must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for Reasonable Accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a Reasonable Accommodation, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here. Veterans Information: USAJOBS Help Center - Veterans Veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Telework: https://www.opm.gov/telework/ ?Selective Service Registration: http://www.sss.gov/ - Who must register: https://www.sss.gov/faq/#who-needs-to-register Hiring incentives may be authorized for a highly qualified candidate based on budget availability and in accordance with federal regulations. BPA strives to ensure a safe and positive work environment. We also understand the importance of work/life balance and offer a variety of programs and policies designed to create more flexible, responsive work environments supportive of commitments to community, home and family members. BPA also supports employees' overall wellness through its Be Well program, which helps employees adopt healthier lifestyles and feel better about their work/life balance. The program supports five key areas of life: career, community, financial, physical and social.