Internal Operations Manager
What you'd do
This position is located with Bonneville Power Administration, in the Construction and Maintenance Services (TFH) organization of Transmission Field Services (TF), Transmission Services (T). A successful candidate in the Internal Operations Manager position will serve as the supervisor of the Internal Operations group and a member of the TFH management team with responsibility for planning, supervising, and leading programs
Major duties
Power the Pacific Northwest: Shape the Future of Clean Energy as our Internal Operations Leader The Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) is at the heart of the Pacific Northwest's clean energy lifeline, operating one of the nation's largest and most reliable high-voltage transmission grids. Behind the physical lines and substations that power millions of homes and businesses is a dedicated engine of operational excellence. As the Internal Operations Manager, you will step into a pivotal, high-visibility role as the operational "chief of staff" for our Construction and Maintenance Services division. You will lead the critical planning, budgeting, and administrative strategies that empower our field crews to execute grid-modernization projects safely, efficiently, and on schedule. If you are a strategic thinker who thrives at the intersection of team leadership, resource optimization, and high-impact project support, this is your opportunity to drive real-world impact on the future of clean energy. Key Responsibilities of the Role Here are the eight most impactful and rewarding duties of this position, redesigned to highlight your strategic influence and leadership impact: Serve as a Chief Strategic Advisor Directly partner with senior executive leadership to shape, implement, and evaluate regional grid construction and maintenance programs. In this trusted advisory role, you will provide critical data, analytical insights, and strategic recommendations that influence high-level decision-making. Lead, Mentor, and Empower a High-Performing Team Provide direct leadership and oversight to a talented team of professional and administrative experts. You will establish performance standards, foster professional growth, resolve workplace disputes, and champion a collaborative, inclusive culture built on mutual respect and shared success. Drive Multi-Million-Dollar Portfolio and Budget Planning Take ownership of long-range program planning, budgeting, and workload scheduling. You will oversee resource allocations and monitor third-party contractor portfolios to ensure critical infrastructure projects are executed on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. Build and Navigate Key Stakeholder Alliances Represent the agency in critical negotiations and collaborative efforts with executive leaders, federal and state partners, regional public and private utility providers, and manufacturing representatives. You will serve as a key broker in aligning regional interests and securing essential resources. Champion Process Innovation and Efficiency Identify and eliminate operational bottlenecks. You will foster a forward-thinking, cost-conscious, and results-oriented environment by designing and implementing modern, streamlined workflows that continuously improve operational delivery. Navigate Regulatory Compliance and Grid Modernization Interpret and apply national energy guidelines and utility performance standards (including NERC and FERC regulations). You will ensure that all planning, construction, and asset-management initiatives align with national compliance frameworks to protect grid reliability. Shape Long-Term Workforce and Contract Strategies Determine long-range staffing requirements and make high-level decisions on whether to leverage internal personnel or contract work out to private partners. You will design annual and long-range strategic work plans that align administrative resources with field operations. Champion Safety and Field Readiness Oversee and coordinate critical technical craft and safety training programs across the Pacific Northwest. You will ensure that field personnel are fully equipped, certified, and compliant with safety standards to successfully execute high-risk construction projects.
What you need to qualify
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: 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-12] in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as: 1) Providing program management and analytical advisory services to management in the areas of work planning, scheduling, budgeting, and cost analysis within a utility, construction, production, or maintenance organization; and 2) Performing lead or supervisory duties such as planning and assigning work, establishing performance standards, and resolving administrative or employee grievances. "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 considered "well qualified" you must meet all of the requirements as described in this section. You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
Before you apply
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