Public Utilities Specialist (Contracts).

Bonneville Power Administration; Vancouver (WA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Bonneville Power Administration in Vancouver, WA seeks a Public Utilities Specialist (Contracts) to manage energy interconnection requests, develop complex transmission contracts, and guide stakeholders through regulatory frameworks. This role blends policy expertise with contract administration to ensure reliable, affordable grid operations across the Pacific Northwest.

Responsibilities include lifecycle contract oversight, risk assessment, and cross-team collaboration with engineers, lawyers,

Qualifications

• Assisting in the management of customer interconnection requests within energy contexts.
• Administer contracts for technical services including milestones and payments.
• Provide technical guidance to stakeholders to ensure compliance with terms.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the management of customer interconnection requests within an electric utility or regulatory framework.
• Develop and administer a variety of contracts for technical services (engineering studies, construction, upgrades).
• Provide guidance to stakeholders to ensure compliance with industry standards and contract terms.
• Interpret regulations to ensure compliance with federal energy rules.

Skills

Contract management

Regulatory compliance

Policy guidance

Stakeholder communication

Education

Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree

Graduate education (1 academic year)

LL.M., if related

Job description

Duties

Power the Future: Be the Connection Point for the Pacific Northwest's Power Grid

At the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), we're at the center of the nation's energy transition. We're seeking a pivotal expert to join our team-someone who can navigate the complex world of energy contracts and regulations to ensure a reliable, affordable, and accessible power grid for millions. This isn't just a contracts job; it's your chance to play a key role in shaping the future of energy transmission by connecting new resources to the grid.

Public Utilities Specialist (Contracts)

In this vital role, you will be the commercial bridge between BPA and our external energy partners. You won't just manage paperwork—you will directly drive regional progress by steering new energy projects through the pipeline and managing high-stakes utility agreements that keep power flowing safely and reliably.

Here are the key opportunities and duties where you will make a lasting impact:

• Navigate Grid Connections for Energy Partners - Facilitate and manage customer requests to connect new energy generation to our regional transmission system. You will guide energy partners through the queue, resolving bottlenecks and ensuring fair, timely, and compliant process progression.
• Develop and Execute High-Value Transmission Contracts - Design, draft, and implement complex commercial contracts. You will manage agreements covering everything from initial feasibility studies and engineering to construction, equipment testing, and balancing authority transitions.
• Serve as a Trusted Advisor to Key Leaders - Act as a central policy expert and consultant. You will provide strategic recommendations and regulatory guidance to BPA managers, account executives, and external customer teams, helping them navigate complex contracting rules.
• Champion Regulatory Compliance - Serve as the program lead to ensure BPA's open-access transmission tariffs and operational guidelines are strictly followed. You will interpret evolving federal energy regulations and ensure all actions align with legal and commercial standards.
• Govern Financial Risks and Internal Safeguards - Act as a key technical resource for federal financial management rules (such as OMB Circular A-123). You will evaluate business practices and implement robust internal controls to protect BPA from commercial and financial risks.
• Spearhead Process and Operational Improvements - Proactively analyze current contracting workflows to identify inefficiencies or policy gaps. You will design, communicate, and implement streamlined procedures that accelerate project delivery and improve customer satisfaction.
• Deliver End-to-End Contract Administration - Oversee the entire lifecycle of executed contracts. This includes managing amendments, tracking milestones, verifying billing accuracy, and coordinating with financial teams to create project work orders.
• Build Collaborative, Cross-Organizational Alliances - Build and maintain powerful working relationships across diverse BPA teams, including environmental specialists, transmission planners, lawyers, and engineers. You will also represent your group on cross-agency initiative teams to standardize modern utility business practices.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

Key Requirements

• You must be a United States Citizen.
• This employer participates in the e-Verify program.
• Males must abide by Selective Service registration requirements.
• You will be required to report in person to the official duty location.

Conditions of Employment:

• A preliminary background check must be completed before a new employee can begin work. Current Federal employees or other individuals with an existing completed background investigation may not be required to undergo another background check.
• Since this function will provide for and support the needs of both Power and Transmission, the incumbent will need to fully understand internal risk management controls (OMB A-123), internal contract policies and procedures, and Standards of Conduct (SOC) guidelines.

Qualifications

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 assisting in the management of customer interconnection requests within an electric utility, power industry, or regulatory compliance framework; and administer contracts for technical services, including tasks like tracking milestones, processing payments, and coordinating with internal and external parties.

You May Substitute Education For Specialized Experience As Follows

• Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree; or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree; or a LL.M., if related; your education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. -OR-
• Combination of 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 two years of full-time study may be credited). One academic year of graduate education is considered to be the number of credits hours the graduate school has determined to represent one academic year of full-time study. If the graduate school's definition of one year of graduate study is not available, 18 semester hours (or 27 quarter hours) is used. When crediting education that requires specific course work the number of hours of related courses required, as a proportion of the total education, is prorated.

GS-12:

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-11] in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as managing customer interconnection requests by interpreting and applying regulations, policies, and business practices related to utility or power transmission systems; and developing, implementing, and administering a variety of contracts for technical services (e.g., engineering studies, construction projects, or facility upgrades); and providing technical guidance to stakeholders to ensure compliance with applicable industry standards and contract terms.

There is no substitution of education for experience at the GS-12 level.

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.

You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Education

If substituting education for specialized experience you must submit proof of your qualifying education. Education must be obtained from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. See

Foreign education must be reviewed by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see

Failure to provide college transcripts may result in a rating of 'Ineligible'.

Additional information

• This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional similar vacancies across DOE

EEO Policy

Reasonable Accommodation Policy

Employees or applicants may request Reasonable Accommodation (RA) for assistance, when applying or competing for a job or performing a job due to their medical condition or to exercise their religious beliefs. If you need reasonable accommodation in the application or selection process, please contact the Staffing Specialist listed on this vacancy announcement.

Reasonable Accommodation for USAHire: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended, that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a reasonable accommodation in your online application. Requests for Reasonable Accommodation for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for Reasonable Accommodation must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for Reasonable Accommodation are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a Reasonable Accommodation, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments.

Veterans Information

Veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Telework

Selective Service Registration

Hiring incentives may be authorized for a highly qualified candidate based on budget availability and in accordance with federal regulations.

Remote Work

BPA strives to ensure a safe and positive work environment.

We also understand the importance of work/life balance and offer a variety of programs and policies designed to create more flexible responsive work environments supportive of commitments to community, home and family members. BPA also supports employees' overall wellness through its Be Well program, which helps employees adopt healthier lifestyles and feel better about their work/life balance. The program supports five key areas of life: career, community, financial, physical and social.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.