Interdisciplinary - Physical Scientist-Operations Research Analyst
What you'd do
This position is within Bonneville Power Administration's Power Services, Generation Asset Management, Schedule Planning, Power Generation Support. Take the next step in your career! As a primary technical resource, you will optimize and evolve Plant Information (PI) and Automatic Generation Control (AGC) system displays and analytics to support Hydro operations. Your work will inform critical operational strategies and make a significant impact on the Federal Columbia River Power System.
Major duties
Ready for Your Next Challenge at BPA? Help Shape the Energy Future of the Northwest. This is your opportunity to leverage your institutional knowledge and analytical expertise to take on a highly consequential role within Power Services (P). As a Senior Technical Specialist on the Power Generation Support (PGST) team, you will become a go-to expert, driving the analytical strategy for the Federal Columbia River Power System (FCRPS) and influencing decisions that ripple across the agency and the region. If you are ready to deepen your impact and solve some of our most complex challenges, we encourage you to apply. In this role, you will have the opportunity to: Spearhead complex technical analyses from start to finish, tackling novel challenges in FCRPS resource planning and hydraulic operations. Serve as a recognized technical authority, leading project teams and coordinating the work of fellow experts to meet critical assignment objectives. Provide essential assessments of energy inventory and river operations plans that directly inform strategies for the BPA Trading Floor, the Resource Program, Slice Product, and Columbia River Treaty operations. Develop and champion new analytical models and methods to resolve obscure problems and advance Power Services' operational practices and policies. Analyze and describe the costs and revenue impacts of various operational alternatives, clarifying the trade-offs between hydroelectric constraints, operational objectives, and power demand for our stakeholders. Translate your complex findings into persuasive briefings and reports for program managers and senior decision-makers across BPA, influencing key strategic choices. Act as a primary analyst evaluating alternative FCRPS hydrological operations, modifying existing models or developing new ones to provide innovative, impactful recommendations. Use your judgment and resourcefulness to adapt and refine guidelines, resolving intricate issues where precedents are limited and shaping the path forward for your functional area.
What you need to qualify
BASIC REQUIREMENT: Physical Scientist: 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. Operation Research Analyst Degree: in operations research; or at least 24 semester hours in a combination of operations research, mathematics, probability, statistics, mathematical logic, science, or subject-matter courses requiring substantial competence in college-level mathematics or statistics. At least 3 of the 24 semester hours must have been in calculus. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS A qualified candidate's 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 experience: 1) applying mathematical, statistical, or scientific modeling and analysis to complex operational systems (such as electrical power grids, water resources, or similar large-scale infrastructure); and 2) analyzing complex datasets to evaluate the impacts of operational alternatives, assess risks associated with uncertainties, and recommend solutions to systemic problems. "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 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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