Public Utilities Specialist
What you'd do
This position is within the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), Power Services, Bulk Marketing, Scheduling Coordination group. As the lead technical expert for BPA's power scheduling and settlement software, you will be the product owner for these critical systems. You'll drive enhancements and guide the technology that manages the region's complex energy transactions. We seek a technical visionary to solve complex challenges and advise senior leadership in this vital role.
Major duties
At the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), our mission is to provide an adequate, efficient, and reliable power supply to the Pacific Northwest. This role is a unique opportunity to be the chief technical mind behind the critical software that balances the region's power grid and manages complex energy transactions. As a public service organization, we seek a leader who can drive innovation and ensure the stability of the systems that deliver power to millions. This is more than a job; it's a chance to apply your technical expertise to a vital public service mission with a lasting regional impact. As the Public Utilities Specialist, you will: Lead with Technical Authority: Serve as the ultimate technical authority and lead expert for the critical software systems that manage BPA's power scheduling and financial settlements. You will have full technical responsibility for the entire product lifecycle. Define the Product Vision: Act as the strategic Product Owner, defining the vision and roadmap for our scheduling and data exchange systems. You will work with technical teams to prioritize new features and maximize the platform's business value. Advise Senior Leadership: Provide expert counsel and authoritative guidance directly to senior BPA executives. As the spokesperson for high-stakes technical initiatives, you will explain the impact of regulatory and commercial changes on the systems you oversee. Solve the Toughest Problems: Act as the top-tier expert for resolving the most complex real-time operational issues, stepping in when front-line support cannot solve a problem to ensure the stability of our critical energy transaction systems. Direct Cross-Functional Teams: Lead and coordinate a dedicated technical support team, working directly with BPA's IT staff, vendors, and other business units to guide all development, enhancement, and testing activities. Drive System Modernization: Serve as the functional lead working with contracting officers and vendors to define scopes of work. You will ensure our systems evolve to meet changing industry policies and business requirements. Champion Quality and Compliance: Establish the standards for software quality control, overseeing the resolution of all bugs and issues, and ensuring vendor releases meet our high standards. Bridge Business and Technology: Translate the needs of traders, schedulers, and other business partners into clear requirements for IT and vendor development teams, ensuring our technology directly supports the mission.
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 [enter grade] in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position is defined as experience (1) performing analysis, testing, and documentation for business system enhancements and maintenance including new market initiative systems work; (2) assisting in the coordination of system activities and issue resolution between business users, IT support staff, contracting officers and vendors. "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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