Supervisory Hydrologist/Meteorologist

Full Job Description

This position is in Weather and Streamflow Forecasting (PGPW), Power and Operations Planning (PGP), Generation Asset Management (PG), Power Services (P), Bonneville Power Administration (BPA).

As the chief meteorologist/hydrologist for BPA, you will lead an expert team of scientists providing the critical weather and streamflow forecasts that guide our region's hydropower operations.

BASIC REQUIREMENT: 1340 Meteorology Degree: meteorology, atmospheric science, or other natural science major that included: At least 24 semester (36 quarter) hours of credit in meteorology/atmospheric science including a minimum of: Six semester hours of atmospheric dynamics and thermodynamics;* Six semester hours of analysis and prediction of weather systems (synoptic/mesoscale); Three semester hours of physical meteorology; and Two semester hours of remote sensing of the atmosphere and/or instrumentation.

Six semester hours of physics, with at least one course that includes laboratory sessions.* Three semester hours of ordinary differential equations.* At least nine semester hours of course work appropriate for a physical science major in any combination of three or more of the following: physical hydrology, statistics, chemistry, physical oceanography, physical climatology, radiative transfer, aeronomy, advanced thermodynamics, advanced electricity and magnetism, light and optics, and computer science.

* There is a prerequisite or corequisite of calculus for course work in atmospheric dynamics and thermodynamics, physics, and differential equations.

Calculus courses must be appropriate for a physical science major. or Combination of education and experience -- course work as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

1315 Hydrologist Degree in physical or natural science, or engineering that included at least 30 semester hours in any combination of courses in hydrology, the physical sciences, geophysics, chemistry, engineering science, soils, mathematics, aquatic biology, atmospheric science, meteorology, geology, oceanography, or the management or conservation of water resources.

The course work must have included at least 6 semester hours in calculus (including both differential and integral calculus), and at least 6 semester hours in physics.

Calculus and physics, as described above, are requirements for all grade levels.

or Combination of education and experience -- course work as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

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) developing and issuing complex hydrometeorological forecasts (e.g., streamflow, weather, climate) for operational decision-making in sectors like hydropower or water resource management; and 2) leading technical projects or providing authoritative scientific guidance to other scientists and stakeholders in the fields of hydrology or meteorology.

This work would involve improving models and methods to analyze hydrologic processes and communicating those findings to inform high-level planning or operational 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. 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!

Step into a vital leadership role where your scientific expertise will directly shape the future of clean energy for the Pacific Northwest.

The Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) is seeking a chief scientist and supervisor to lead the critical work of weather and streamflow forecasting.

This isn't just about predicting the weather; it's about providing the foundational intelligence that drives our region's hydropower operations, influences multi-million-dollar energy marketing strategies, and safeguards our communities.

In this position, you will be at the intersection of science, technology, and public service, ensuring the reliable, efficient, and cost-effective power supply that is the lifeblood of our region.

As the Supervisory Hydrologist/Meteorologist, you will: Lead and Direct High-Impact Forecasting: Direct all weather, streamflow, and water supply forecasting for the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), producing the official forecasts that guide critical power and transmission operations across the entire Columbia River basin.

Mentor an Elite Scientific Team: Supervise, inspire, and grow a dedicated team of expert meteorologists, hydrologists, and research analysts, fostering a culture of scientific excellence and professional development.

Advise Senior Leadership: Serve as the top subject matter expert and trusted advisor to BPA's senior executives, providing authoritative guidance on meteorology and hydrologic science to inform high-level strategic planning and policy decisions.

Represent BPA in International Coordination: Act as the final authority on behalf of BPA in critical coordination with Canadian counterparts, resolving complex streamflow forecast differences to satisfy international water treaty agreements.

Own Critical Forecasting Technology: Serve as the "Information Owner" for all weather and streamflow forecasting IT systems, ensuring the integrity of the data and the reliability of the tools that drive BPA's business operations.