Public Utilities Specialist

Full Job Description

Shape the future of energy!

This Public Utilities Specialist (Rates) leads within BPA's Power Rates (PSR), under Northwest Requirements Marketing (PS), Power Services (P) at Bonneville Power Administration (BPA).

You'll be the technical authority for utility rate design, setting prices, and influencing regional electric power policy.

Lead teams, act as an expert witness, and drive strategic initiatives for critical rate-setting processes.

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) performing technical analysis to develop and recommend electric power rate designs, schedules, and pricing policies in accordance with applicable statutes and economic principles; and 2) assisting in formal rate case proceedings by preparing or contributing to technical studies, rate analyses, and testimony.

This includes experience applying laws and regulations to formulate and defend rate structures and cost recovery methods for an electric utility.

"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. Major Duties:

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! Join the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), a cornerstone of clean, affordable energy for millions.

This isn't just a job; it's a chance to be the definitive voice in electricity rate design, directly influencing the economic vitality and power landscape of the entire region.

We're seeking a visionary leader to drive critical policy, innovation, and stakeholder engagement in a role that redefines utility economics.

Organizational Structure: This position is within the Power Rates (PSR) organization of Northwest Requirements Marketing (PS), Power Services (P), at the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA).

Key Responsibilities that Spark Innovation & Impact: Pioneering Rate Design Leadership: Take the helm in conceptualizing, planning, and executing groundbreaking electricity rate designs and provisions.

Your work will be vital for BPA's financial health, regional economic stability, and the efficient use of power across the Northwest.

Renowned Technical Authority & Expert Witness: Become BPA's sole recognized authority on electricity rate design.

You will serve as the lead expert witness in formal regulatory proceedings and provide authoritative guidance to high-level government officials, including Congress and Executive Branch representatives, on critical rate matters.

Influencing Energy Policy & Strategy: Drive the development and evaluation of strategic electricity rate design policies and alternatives.

Your recommendations will directly shape decisions at the executive level, impacting regional power markets and ensuring BPA's long-term financial success.

Complex Problem-Solving & Innovation: Champion innovative approaches to rate development and design.

You will lead the charge in solving complex challenges, aligning rate structures with BPA's strategic goals and fostering forward-thinking solutions for the future of energy.

High-Impact Stakeholder Engagement: Cultivate and manage relationships with senior leaders from customer utilities, as well as internal BPA and Department of Energy (DOE) officials.

You'll expertly negotiate and persuade stakeholders to adopt policies that advance BPA's mission and regional energy objectives.

Strategic Communication & Insight: Lead the creation of compelling studies, reports, and presentations that translate intricate technical analyses of electricity rates into clear, actionable insights for policy-makers and the public, often under tight deadlines.

Autonomous Planning & Execution: Enjoy significant independence in defining project objectives and overseeing the planning, design, and execution of vital work in electricity rate determination.

Your strategic contributions will be reviewed for their impact on broad policy objectives and program goals.

Driving Business & Contractual Success: Play a pivotal role in developing, negotiating, and implementing power sales contracts.

Ensure accurate rate application and contribute directly to BPA's financial planning, revenue generation, and overall business success.