What are the responsibilities and job description for the Public Utilities Specialist. position at Bonneville Power Administration?
Duties
Power the Pacific Northwest: Champion Clean Energy Leadership as BPA's Senior Asset Management Program Manager
The Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) is the backbone of the Pacific Northwest's energy economy, marketing reliable, carbon-free hydropower across the region while stewarding the Columbia River Basin. Central to this mission is the Federal Columbia River Power System-a monumental network of 31 multipurpose hydroelectric dams that sustains millions of lives, drives commerce, and protects our environment.
We are seeking a visionary, results-oriented leader to serve as our Asset Management Program Manager. In this high-visibility role, you will stand at the helm of an unprecedented federal partnership uniting BPA, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the Bureau of Reclamation. If you are ready to apply executive-level strategy, lead large-scale infrastructure investments, and shape the future of clean energy resilience, this is your opportunity to make a lasting regional and national impact.
Key Responsibilities: What You Will Achieve
Here are the eight primary duties where your expertise will drive meaningful change:
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
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-13] in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as experience 1) analyzing, planning, and supporting lifecycle asset management, capital investment, or operations and maintenance (O&M) programs for hydropower generation facilities, switchyards, or utility infrastructure; and 2) collaborating with multi-disciplinary or interagency teams to evaluate program performance, benchmark industry best practices, and develop recommendations regarding asset management policies, budgets, or strategies.
"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
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.
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
Veterans Information
Veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Telework
Selective Service Registration:
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.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
Power the Pacific Northwest: Champion Clean Energy Leadership as BPA's Senior Asset Management Program Manager
The Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) is the backbone of the Pacific Northwest's energy economy, marketing reliable, carbon-free hydropower across the region while stewarding the Columbia River Basin. Central to this mission is the Federal Columbia River Power System-a monumental network of 31 multipurpose hydroelectric dams that sustains millions of lives, drives commerce, and protects our environment.
We are seeking a visionary, results-oriented leader to serve as our Asset Management Program Manager. In this high-visibility role, you will stand at the helm of an unprecedented federal partnership uniting BPA, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the Bureau of Reclamation. If you are ready to apply executive-level strategy, lead large-scale infrastructure investments, and shape the future of clean energy resilience, this is your opportunity to make a lasting regional and national impact.
Key Responsibilities: What You Will Achieve
Here are the eight primary duties where your expertise will drive meaningful change:
- Serve as Principal Advisor to Tri-Agency Executive Leadership Act as the authoritative strategic advisor to the Executive Steering Committee. You will brief agency leaders, build consensus on complex policy and funding priorities, and align shared goals across BPA, the Army Corps of Engineers, and the Bureau of Reclamation.
- Champion Modern Utility Standards and Cultural Transformation Spearhead the adoption of internationally recognized asset management standards (such as ISO 55000). You will guide organizational change across all three agencies, elevating work practices, risk frameworks, and sustainability models to world-class benchmarks.
- Orchestrate Multidisciplinary, High-Impact Teams Lead and inspire diverse coalitions of engineers, economists, operations analysts, project managers, and field facility managers. You will foster a culture of cross-functional collaboration, ensuring complex technical projects are delivered with precision.
- Architect Long-Term Lifecycle Strategies for 31 Major Clean Energy Facilities Establish comprehensive lifecycle maintenance and reinvestment strategies for 31 major hydroelectric plants, switchyards, and auxiliary facilities. Your vision will ensure these critical assets meet peak energy demand and maintain reliable service for decades to come.
- Drive Operational Efficiencies and Accelerate Technology Adoption Lead cross-agency benchmarking and peer reviews to eliminate performance gaps. You will actively evaluate emerging power technologies, smart-grid tools, and predictive maintenance solutions to reduce lifecycle costs and maximize system performance.
- Design the Strategic Roadmap, Policies, and Governance Framework Assess organizational capabilities, establish tri-agency governance policies, and execute a multi-year development roadmap. You will develop modern decision-making processes, operational guidelines, and specialized training programs to build long-term institutional strength.
- Represent the Pacific Northwest on National and Industry Stages Serve as a prominent ambassador with national energy working groups and respected industry bodies (such as the National Hydropower Association and CEATI). You will integrate national best practices into regional operations while positioning our partnership as a model for federal utility stewardship.
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.
- 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.
- This position has been designated as requiring a PUBLIC TRUST background. A preliminary background check must be completed before a new employee can begin work. Current Federal employees or other individuals with an existing completed background investigation may not be required to undergo another background check.
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-13] in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as experience 1) analyzing, planning, and supporting lifecycle asset management, capital investment, or operations and maintenance (O&M) programs for hydropower generation facilities, switchyards, or utility infrastructure; and 2) collaborating with multi-disciplinary or interagency teams to evaluate program performance, benchmark industry best practices, and develop recommendations regarding asset management policies, budgets, or strategies.
"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
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.
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
Veterans Information
Veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
Telework
Selective Service Registration:
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.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.