Job Information
Bonneville Power Administration Physical Scientist/Operations Research Analyst in Portland, Oregon
Summary This position is located with Bonneville Power Administration, in the Generation Scheduling organization (PGS), of Generation Asset Management (PG), Power Services (P). A successful candidate in the Physical Scientist/Operations Research Analyst position will serve as the senior technical expert for Generation Scheduling (PGS) in the area of real-time hydraulic operation of the Federal Columbia River Power System (FCRPS). Responsibilities As a Physical Scientist or Operations Research Analyst, you will: Participates in regional and national discussions regarding FCRPS generator operations. Acts as the senior BPA technical representative for real time generation scheduling and hydro operations at regional, national, and industry forums including WPP, WECC, NERC, CISO, SPP and NAESB. Participates in committees, sub-committees, task forces, work groups and standards drafting teams. Serves as the voting member for the BPA Generator segment in NERC and NAESB and for the Electric Generators segment in WECC. Serves as the senior liaison between BPA generation scheduling and Army Corps of Engineers and Bureau of Reclamation regarding issues relating to the real-time operation of the FCRPS. and participates in multi-agency coordination groups dealing with operations and regulations impacting the FCRPS. Harnesses collective PGS operational knowledge to perform technical duties involving the hydraulic relationships governing the operation of Power Systems and how those relationships are incorporated into hydro regulation models resulting in energy and capacity analysis along with the knowledge of the policies and agreements that govern the operations of Power Systems, such as the Columbia River Treaty, Federal Columbia River Power System operating criteria, the Columbia River Treaty, requirements under the Endangered Species Act. More regionally the incumbent serves as the operation contact point for the entities that implement the Vernita Bar Agreement and the MidC data sharing agreement. Serves as senior technical liaison between Generation Supply and BPA Transmission Operations (TO) on FCRPS operations having impact on, or being impacted by, the BPA transmission system. Applies working knowledge of TO systems, processes, and business practices. Develops collaborative relationships with TO management, technical, and operational staff. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards. BASIC REQUIREMENT Physical Scientist Degree: physical science, engineering, or mathematics that included 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science such as mechanics, dynamics, properties of materials, and electronics. OR Combination of education and experience -- education equivalent to one of the majors shown in A above that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience or additional education. Operation Research Analyst Degree: in operations research; or at least 24 semester hours in a combination of operations research, mathematics, probability, statistics, mathematical logic, science, or subject-matter courses requiring substantial competence in college-level mathematics or statistics. At least 3 of the 24 semester hours must have been in calculus. 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: 1) Interpreting analyses of planning studies, processes and data to achieve overall system reliability in accordance with regulatory requirements and operational objectives; and 2) knowledge of system constraints, forecasts, operational objectives, and the impact of uncertainties to provide advice on analyses related to the operations and planning of a power system or similarly complex interconnected system. "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. 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 This vacancy has a positive education requirement. In order to be rated as qualified, you must provide copies of your college transcripts. Education must be obtained from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. See Department of Education Accreditation Search to verify school accreditation. Foreign education must be reviewed by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website.DO NOT email or mail in any of your application documents. Documents will not be accepted outside of the online application system. Failure to provide copies of your college transcripts may result in a rating of "Ineligible". Additional Information This position is located in Portland, OR which boasts huge spans of amazing trees, foliage, landscape, and everywhere you look you can appreciate beautiful greenery! It is known as the most bike-friendly city in America, has a train system that greets you at the airport spanning across the city, and is home to the Portland International Rose Garden, the oldest in the country! Portland is the one place where you will find lively festivals, energetic music, mouthwatering food, and for you basketball fans, the Portland Trail Blazers are a 7 minute walk from the HQs building! There is always something new to experience in this eco-friendly town! The U.S. Department of Energy fosters a diverse and inclusive workplace and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional similar vacancies across DOE. For general information on government-wide Telework polices visit: www.telework.gov Information on how to create a federal resume https://www.usa.gov/government-jobs https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/how-to/account/documents/resume/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YX7o1PBoFk Veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For more information, please visit the links at the bottom of this page or visit the FedsHireVets website. If you believe that you are eligible for the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP), please visit the OPM ICTAP/CTAP website for more information. In order to be considered under the ICTAP program, your application must score within the pre-established "well qualified" category as stated in the Qualifications section. Some positions may require completion of a probationary period of up to 1 (one) year. Many positions require successful completion of a background investigation. All males born after December 31st 1959 must abide by laws regarding Selective Service registration. To learn more about this law, visit the Selective Service web page, Who Must Register. If you are not registered and don't have an approved exemption, you will not be eligible for employment with the Federal government. EEO Policy: USAJOBS Help Center | Equal employment opportunity policy Reasonable Accommodation Policy: USAJOBS Help Center | Reasonable accommodation policy Veterans Information: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/veterans/disabled/ Telework: www.telework.gov Selective Service Registration: http://www.sss.gov/ 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, positive, inclusive work environment, supported by Leadership Behaviors. For more information on Leadership Behaviors visit: www.bpa.gov/goto/LeadershipBehaviors 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.