Public Utilities Specialist (Contracts)

Bonneville Power Administration • Vancouver, WA

6d

About The Position

This position is with Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), within the Contract Administration organization (TPCC) of Customer Service Engineering, System Planning, Transmission Services. The Public Utilities Specialist (Contracts) manages grid connection requests and develops complex transmission agreements, supporting energy partners while safeguarding the financial integrity of the power system through regulatory compliance and streamlined processes.

The specialist serves as a commercial bridge between BPA and external energy partners, guiding new energy projects through the connection process and administering utility agreements that support safe, reliable power transmission. The role includes providing policy and regulatory advice, ensuring compliance with open-access transmission tariffs and operational guidelines, supporting internal financial controls, improving contracting procedures, and administering contracts throughout their lifecycle. The position also works collaboratively with environmental specialists, transmission planners, attorneys, engineers, financial teams, and external customers.

Requirements

• United States citizenship is required.
• At the GS-11 level, at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-09: assisting with customer interconnection requests in an electric utility, power industry, or regulatory compliance setting, and administering technical-services contracts, including tracking milestones, processing payments, and coordinating with internal and external parties.
• At the GS-11 level, qualifying specialized experience may be substituted by a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to such a degree, or a related LL.M.; qualifying combinations of education and experience may also be used.
• At the GS-12 level, at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-11: managing customer interconnection requests by interpreting and applying regulations, policies, and business practices for utility or power transmission systems; developing, implementing, and administering technical-services contracts; and providing stakeholders technical guidance on applicable industry standards and contract terms.
• Education cannot substitute for experience at the GS-12 level.
• Current federal employees must meet time-in-grade requirements by the announcement closing date.
• Applicants substituting education for experience must provide proof of qualifying education from an accredited institution; foreign education must be evaluated by a recognized organization.
• A preliminary background check must be completed before a new employee can begin work.
• The incumbent must understand internal risk management controls (OMB A-123), internal contract policies and procedures, and Standards of Conduct guidelines.
• Applicants must answer eligibility and qualification questions completely and truthfully.
• Males must comply with Selective Service registration requirements.

Nice To Haves

• Hiring incentives may be authorized for highly qualified candidates, subject to budget availability and federal regulations.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate and manage customer requests to connect new energy generation to the regional transmission system, guiding partners through the queue and addressing bottlenecks.
• Design, draft, and implement complex commercial transmission contracts covering feasibility studies, engineering, construction, equipment testing, and balancing authority transitions.
• Provide policy expertise, strategic recommendations, and regulatory guidance to BPA managers, account executives, and external customer teams.
• Lead compliance with BPA’s open-access transmission tariffs and operational guidelines, interpreting federal energy regulations and ensuring actions meet legal and commercial standards.
• Evaluate business practices and implement internal controls under federal financial management rules, including OMB Circular A-123, to protect against commercial and financial risks.
• Analyze contracting workflows, identify inefficiencies or policy gaps, and develop, communicate, and implement improved procedures.
• Administer executed contracts throughout their lifecycle, including amendments, milestone tracking, billing verification, and coordination with financial teams to create project work orders.
• Build and maintain working relationships with environmental specialists, transmission planners, lawyers, engineers, and other BPA teams.
• Represent the group on cross-agency initiative teams working to standardize utility business practices.

Benefits

• Comprehensive federal employee benefits package for employees and their families.
• Programs and policies intended to support work/life balance and flexible, responsive work environments.
• Be Well wellness program supporting career, community, financial, physical, and social well-being.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed