Industry Economist
Bonneville Power Administration
Posted: April 15, 2026 (0 days ago)
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Bonneville Power Administration
Department of Energy
Location
Portland, Oregon
Salary
$114,684 - $149,091
per year
Type
Full-Time
More Science & Research jobs →Closes
Base salary range: $74,441 - $96,770
Typical requirements: 1 year specialized experience at GS-11. Advanced degree + significant experience.
Note: Actual salary includes locality pay (15-40%+ depending on location).
This job involves creating advanced computer models to predict energy market trends, analyze power systems, and support decisions on pricing and operations for clean energy in the Pacific Northwest.
You'll work on forecasting electricity prices, optimizing costs, and handling uncertainties from renewable sources like hydro and wind to ensure reliable and affordable power.
It's ideal for someone with a strong math background and experience in data analysis who enjoys solving complex problems that impact regional energy policy and economics.
This position is within Power Services (P), Bulk Marketing (PT), Market Analysis and Pricing (PTM), and the Market Analysis & CAISO Settlements (PTMA) / Market Policy and Pricing (PTMP) team.
Ready to shape the future of Northwest energy? We are seeking a senior analyst to build pioneering computer models that forecast market behavior and guide critical power marketing strategies.
Your expert analysis will directly influence high-stakes economic and policy decisions for the entire region.
Qualifications: 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 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 1) developing and utilizing computer models to analyze factors affecting electrical power systems, such as market fundamentals, resource operations, or price forecasting; 2) providing data-driven reports and recommendations to management or subject matter experts; and 3) conducting economic/financial analysis using industry standard metrics of cost levelization and time value of money.
"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. Major Duties:
As a public service organization, the Bonneville Power Administration's mission is to deliver reliable, economical, and clean energy to the Pacific Northwest.
In this vital role as a Senior Operations Research Analyst, you won't just analyze the future of our energy markets-you will build the tools that define it.
We are seeking an innovative leader to develop unprecedented computer models that guide BPA's power operations and marketing strategies, ensuring economic prosperity and environmental sustainability for the entire region.
As a key member of our team, you will: Lead pioneering research into energy market fundamentals and policy initiatives to address the region's most pressing economic and strategic questions.
Design and develop groundbreaking computer simulations and mathematical models to predict the effects of complex variables on our power marketing and operations.
Construct sophisticated forecasting models for short-term electricity prices across the Western U.S. power grid.
Model and analyze the uncertainties of renewable resources, such as hydro and wind power, to ensure system reliability and cost-effectiveness.
Create and implement advanced optimization tools to determine the lowest possible costs for our power portfolio, directly impacting ratepayers.
Lead in-depth analyses of past operational strategies and market conditions to guide future policy and decision-making for complex energy contracts and agreements.
Serve as a subject matter expert, communicating your findings and representing Power Services in high-level discussions, technical workshops, and public proceedings.
Develop new standards and methodologies for analyzing and testing emerging technologies and novel strategies, ensuring BPA remains at the forefront of the energy industry.
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