Public Utilities Specialist (Contracts)

This position is located with Bonneville Power Administration, within the Contract Administration organization (TPCC) of Customer Service Engineering, System Planning, Transmission Services. A successful candidate in the Public Utilities Specialist (Contracts) position will manage grid connection requests and create complex transmission agreements.

Support our energy partners and safeguard the financial integrity of our power system by ensuring regulatory compliance and streamlining processes.

Power the Future: Be the Connection Point for the Pacific Northwest's Power Grid At the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), we're at the center of the nation's energy transition. We're seeking a pivotal expert to join our team-someone who can navigate the complex world of energy contracts and regulations to ensure a reliable, affordable, and accessible power grid for millions.

This isn't just a contracts job; it's your chance to play a key role in shaping the future of energy transmission by connecting new resources to the grid. We are seeking a Public Utilities Specialist (Contracts) to join us. In this vital role, you will be the commercial bridge between BPA and our external energy partners.

You won't just manage paperwork-you will directly drive regional progress by steering new energy projects through the pipeline and managing high-stakes utility agreements that keep power flowing safely and reliably. Here are the key opportunities and duties where you will make a lasting impact: Navigate Grid Connections for Energy Partners

• Facilitate and manage customer requests to connect new energy generation to our regional transmission system. You will guide energy partners through the queue, resolving bottlenecks and ensuring fair, timely, and compliant process progression. Develop and Execute High-Value Transmission Contracts
• Design, draft, and implement complex commercial contracts. You will manage agreements covering everything from initial feasibility studies and engineering to construction, equipment testing, and balancing authority transitions. Serve as a Trusted Advisor to Key Leaders
• Act as a central policy expert and consultant. You will provide strategic recommendations and regulatory guidance to BPA managers, account executives, and external customer teams, helping them navigate complex contracting rules. Champion Regulatory Compliance
• Serve as the program lead to ensure BPA's open-access transmission tariffs and operational guidelines are strictly followed. You will interpret evolving federal energy regulations and ensure all actions align with legal and commercial standards. Govern Financial Risks and Internal Safeguards
• Act as a key technical resource for federal financial management rules (such as OMB Circular A-123). You will evaluate business practices and implement robust internal controls to protect BPA from commercial and financial risks. Spearhead Process and Operational Improvements
• Proactively analyze current contracting workflows to identify inefficiencies or policy gaps. You will design, communicate, and implement streamlined procedures that accelerate project delivery and improve customer satisfaction. Deliver End-to-End Contract Administration
• Oversee the entire lifecycle of executed contracts. This includes managing amendments, tracking milestones, verifying billing accuracy, and coordinating with financial teams to create project work orders. Build Collaborative, Cross-Organizational Alliances
• Build and maintain powerful working relationships across diverse BPA teams, including environmental specialists, transmission planners, lawyers, and engineers. You will also represent your group on cross-agency initiative teams to standardize modern utility business practices.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: GS-11: 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-09] in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as assisting in the management of customer interconnection requests within an electric utility, power industry, or regulatory compliance framework; and administer contracts for technical services, including tasks like tracking milestones, processing payments, and coordinating with internal and external parties.

You may substitute education for specialized experience as follows: Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree; or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree; or a LL.M., if related; your education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. -OR- Combination of education and experience as described above.

Less than one year of specialized experience may be combined with graduate education in excess of the amount required for the next lower grade level (i.e., credit hours beyond the first two years of full-time study may be credited). One academic year of graduate education is considered to be the number of credits hours the graduate school has determined to represent one academic year of full-time study.

If the graduate school's definition of one year of graduate study is not available, 18 semester hours (or 27 quarter hours) is used. When crediting education that requires specific course work the number of hours of related courses required, as a proportion of the total education, is prorated. GS-12: 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-11] in the Federal service.

Specialized experience for this position is defined as managing customer interconnection requests by interpreting and applying regulations, policies, and business practices related to utility or power transmission systems; and developing, implementing, and administering a variety of contracts for technical services (e.

g., engineering studies, construction projects, or facility upgrades); and providing technical guidance to stakeholders to ensure compliance with applicable industry standards and contract terms. There is no substitution of education for experience at the GS-12 level. "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 Ameri. Corps); 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. You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

If substituting education for specialized experience you must submit proof of your qualifying education.

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 college transcripts may result in a rating of 'Ineligible'.