Physical Scientist (Environmental)

Bonneville Power Administration • Portland, OR

6d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is with Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), in Technical Services (EPS), within Pollution, Prevention and Abatement (EP), Environment, Fish and Wildlife (E). The successful candidate provides scientific and technical expertise for pollution prevention and abatement programs, projects, and natural-resource protection and management issues, supporting Program Implementation, Regional Services, or Technical Services.

The role involves environmental sampling and assessment, technical leadership for investigations and remediation at BPA facilities, and emergency spill response. The scientist advises engineering teams, regional managers, and leadership; supports compliance with environmental statutes and regulations across Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana; and provides oversight and quality assurance for external environmental consulting, testing, and remediation contracts. Work takes place in both office and field settings and includes frequent overnight travel.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship.
• Valid state driver's license, maintained as a condition of employment, to operate leased, private, or government-owned motor vehicles.
• Meet the basic education requirement: a degree in physical science, engineering, or mathematics that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science; alternatively, an equivalent combination of education and experience with the required coursework.
• For GS-11: at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-9, including assisting with scientific field sampling and monitoring for pollution prevention and abatement, and applying environmental regulations to assist with a relevant environmental program, natural-resource issue, environmental clearance, or field implementation of requirements on construction or maintenance projects. Qualifying graduate education or a combination of education and experience may substitute as specified in the announcement.
• For GS-12: at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-11, including drafting designs and carrying out scientific field sampling and monitoring for pollution prevention and abatement, and applying environmental regulations to provide scientific and technical advice or guidance in a relevant environmental program, natural-resource issue, environmental clearance, or field implementation of requirements on construction or maintenance projects. Education cannot substitute for experience at this grade.
• Provide college transcripts documenting the required education; education must be from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Foreign education must be reviewed by a recognized evaluation organization.
• Current federal employees must meet time-in-grade requirements by the announcement closing date.
• Complete a preliminary background check before beginning work, unless an existing completed investigation means another check is not required.
• Meet Selective Service registration requirements if male.
• Report in person to the official duty location.
• Be able to perform moderate physical lifting, including lifting and positioning generators weighing up to 50 pounds, and hike BPA rights of way over very steep and uneven terrain.
• Be able to work in varied weather conditions and in settings where exposure to hazardous substances and contamination may occur; use protective clothing and respiratory equipment when appropriate.
• Be available for frequent overnight field travel (11 or more days per month).

Responsibilities

• Collect and evaluate soil, groundwater, surface-water, and concrete samples at active utility projects, and turn scientific data into environmental assessments.
• Lead technical oversight of investigations and site remediations across BPA facilities.
• Coordinate emergency on-scene responses, guide spill containment and cleanup, notify regulatory authorities, and ensure environmental restoration.
• Provide scientific counsel and technical guidance to engineering teams, regional managers, and leadership.
• Ensure regional transmission operations comply with environmental statutes, including the Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, CERCLA/Superfund, and RCRA.
• Track and analyze changes to federal, state, and local environmental regulations across Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana.
• Provide technical oversight and quality assurance for external environmental consulting, testing, and remediation contracts.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package for employees and their families, subject to eligibility and position type.
• BPA Be Well wellness program supporting career, community, financial, physical, and social well-being.
• Programs and policies intended to support work/life balance and more flexible, responsive work environments.
• Hiring incentives may be authorized for highly qualified candidates, subject to budget availability and federal regulations.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level