Public Utilities Specialist

Bonneville Power Administration • Portland, OR

1d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is within Generating Assets, Generation Asset Management, Power Services, Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), and is located in Portland, Oregon. The role oversees a large annual investment portfolio supporting lifecycle asset management for the Federal Columbia River Power System, a network of 31 multipurpose hydroelectric dams and related facilities. The position leads a federal partnership involving BPA, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the Bureau of Reclamation to strengthen infrastructure practices and support reliable, carbon-free hydropower for the Pacific Northwest.

The Asset Management Program Manager serves as a strategic advisor to tri-agency executive leadership, guiding policy, funding priorities, governance, and long-term infrastructure strategies. The position leads multidisciplinary teams, promotes internationally recognized asset management standards, evaluates technologies and industry practices, and represents the partnership in national energy forums. The work supports reliable service, operational efficiency, and the long-term stewardship of critical regional energy assets.

The position requires at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 level, including experience supporting lifecycle asset management, capital investment, or operations and maintenance programs for hydropower generation facilities, switchyards, or utility infrastructure, and collaboration with multidisciplinary or interagency teams on program performance, industry benchmarking, or asset management recommendations. There are no specific education requirements or education substitutions for experience. The selectee must report in person to the official duty location and complete a confidential financial disclosure report within 30 days of employment and annually. The position requires a public trust background investigation.

Requirements

• United States citizenship.
• At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 level in the Federal service.
• Experience analyzing, planning, and supporting lifecycle asset management, capital investment, or operations and maintenance programs for hydropower generation facilities, switchyards, or utility infrastructure.
• Experience collaborating with multidisciplinary or interagency teams to evaluate program performance, benchmark industry best practices, and develop recommendations concerning asset management policies, budgets, or strategies.
• Current Federal employees must meet time-in-grade requirements by the announcement closing date.
• Must report in person to the official duty location.
• Must complete the Office of Government Ethics Standard of Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OFGE450e) within 30 days of employment and annually.
• Must undergo a preliminary background check; the position is designated as requiring a Public Trust background.
• Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the principal strategic advisor to the Executive Steering Committee and brief agency leaders on policy and funding priorities.
• Build consensus and align shared goals across BPA, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the Bureau of Reclamation.
• Lead adoption of recognized asset management standards, such as ISO 55000, and guide organizational change across the partner agencies.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams of engineers, economists, operations analysts, project managers, and facility managers.
• Develop lifecycle maintenance and reinvestment strategies for 31 major hydroelectric plants, switchyards, and auxiliary facilities.
• Lead cross-agency benchmarking and peer reviews to identify and address performance gaps.
• Evaluate emerging power technologies, smart-grid tools, and predictive maintenance solutions to reduce lifecycle costs and improve system performance.
• Assess organizational capabilities and establish tri-agency governance policies, a multi-year development roadmap, operational guidelines, decision-making processes, and training programs.
• Represent the partnership in national energy working groups and industry organizations, including the National Hydropower Association and CEATI.
• Integrate national best practices into regional operations and promote the partnership as a model for federal utility stewardship.

Benefits

• 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 employee wellness program supporting career, community, financial, physical, and social well-being.
• 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: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed