Public Utilities Specialist

This position is within Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) > Power Services (P) > Generation Assets Management (PG) > Fish Operations Policy and Planning (PGB).

Be a key leader in environmental analysis for hydropower operations, ensuring compliance and shaping policy. Collaborate with diverse experts and external partners to manage complex studies, resolve critical issues, and engage the public on vital river system management. Drive sustainable energy and environmental stewardship.

Qualifications:

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

A qualified candidate's 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 is defined as: Conducting or contributing toward analytical studies and cost-benefit analyses to identify solutions and accomplish long-range, utility business goals.

"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 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.

Responsibilities:

Join the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) and take on a mission-critical role at the heart of the Pacific Northwest's economy and environment. We are looking for a visionary Public Utilities Specialist to lead complex analyses that balance the immense value of the Federal Columbia River Power System with our vital responsibility to protect the region's fish and wildlife. This is more than a job; it is a chance to directly influence landscape-scale energy and environmental policy, leaving a lasting impact on our region's future.

In this role, you will:

• Lead Strategic Initiatives: Direct and manage comprehensive studies to shape the future of hydropower operations. You will define project goals, evaluate risks, and develop innovative strategies to balance clean energy production with environmental stewardship.
• Influence Senior Leadership: Provide expert analysis and strategic briefings directly to senior executives and the BPA Administrator. Your insights will shape their understanding and guide their decisions on complex operational and environmental issues.
• Negotiate and Shape Policy: Act as a key representative and negotiator in high-stakes policy forums. You will work to resolve disagreements and build consensus with utilities, government agencies, and other partners to shape the future of regional energy systems.
• Pioneer New Solutions: Drive innovation by developing new analytical methods and creative approaches to solve complex and often unprecedented challenges at the intersection of energy production and environmental science.
• Guide Expert Teams: Lead and coordinate the work of specialized analysts and subject matter experts. Your leadership will guide sophisticated technical studies that directly inform how the hydropower system is operated and regulated.
• Build Critical Relationships: Serve as a primary liaison to build and maintain crucial relationships with federal partners, state and Tribal governments, and the public, ensuring seamless coordination and robust stakeholder engagement.
• Drive Integrated Strategies: Collaborate with a diverse team of in-house experts, including legal and environmental specialists, to create integrated, forward-thinking strategies for managing the river system's vital resources.
• Deliver Measurable Impact: See the direct results of your work. Your analyses and recommendations will have a tangible effect, improving the efficiency of mission-critical programs and shaping long-range goals for one of the nation's most important power systems.

Salary : $114,684