Physical Scientist

Bonneville Power Administration; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 60,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Bonneville Power Administration in Portland, OR seeks a Physical Scientist to lead real-time operations across our federal hydro network. You will balance power generation, energy market trades, environmental protections, and client supply contracts in a dynamic 24/7 environment to keep the grid running sustainably.

You will translate complex data into actionable decisions, oversee modeling studies, and collaborate with engineers and operations staff to optimize river and reservoir operations

Qualifications

• Degree in physical science, engineering, or mathematics with 24 hours in physical sciences or related engineering science.
• GS-07 requires 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-05 involving analytical work, modeling, and applying physical sciences.
• GS-09 requires 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-07 involving scientific studies and computer modeling for river and reservoir operations.
• GS-11 requires 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-09 involving scientific studies and independent computer model simulations.
• Experience may be substituted with graduate education or SAAs as described in the qualification policy.

Responsibilities

• Perform real-time analyses for hydro operations across the federal network.
• Conduct computer model simulations to support river and reservoir operations.
• Balance generation, energy market trades, and environmental goals within a 24/7 operations context.

Skills

Analytical work

Model simulations

Physical sciences knowledge

Education

Physical science degree

Tools

Modeling software

Job description

This position is within Duty Scheduling (PGSD), Schedule Planning (PGS), Generation Asset Management (PG), Power Services. Make a real-world impact managing clean energy and river resources! We are seeking a Physical Scientist to lead real-time operations across our federal hydro network. You will balance power generation, energy market trades, environmental protection goals, and client supply contracts in a dynamic 24/7 environment. Join us to power the grid sustainably!

BASIC REQUIREMENT:

Degree: physical science, engineering, or mathematics that included 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science such as mechanics, dynamics, properties of materials, and electronics. or Combination of education and experience -- education equivalent to one of the majors shown in A above that included at least 24 semester hours in physical science and/or related engineering science, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

GS-07: 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-05, in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as: experience performing 1) analytical work, 2) conducting model simulations, and 3) applying principles, theories, practices, and techniques in the physical sciences. You may substitute education for specialized experience as follows: One year of graduate-level education, or superior academic achievement (S.A.A.) gained in a bachelor degree curriculum that is qualifying for the position to be filled (based on class standing, grade-point average, or honor society membership). See the following link for more information: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-policies/#url=app -OR- Combination of education and experience as described above. Less than one year of specialized experience may be combined with completed graduate education.

GS-09: 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-07, in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as experience 1) assisting with scientific studies that involve methods and techniques in interpreting findings of scientific significance, and 2) performing computer model simulation applying scientific principles for the implementation of river and reservoir operations. You may substitute education for specialized experience as follows: Two years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a master's degree, or master's, or equivalent graduate degree; your education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. -OR- Combination of graduate education and experience as described above. Less than one year of specialized experience may be combined with graduate education in excess of the amount required for the next lower grade level (i.e., credit hours beyond the first year of full-time study may be credited).

GS-11: 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-09, in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as experience 1) performing scientific studies that involve methods and techniques in interpreting findings of scientific significance, and 2) independently performing computer model simulation applying scientific principles for the implementation of river and reservoir operations. You may substitute education for specialized experience as follows: 3 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree; your education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. -OR- Combination of graduate education and experience as described above. Less than one year of specialized experience may be combined with graduate education in excess of the amount required for the next lower grade level (i.e., credit hours beyond the first year of full-time study may be credited).

"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 c