Physical Scientist
Agency
Bonneville Power Administration
Location
Portland, Oregon, Oregon
Salary
$53,831 - $85,598 Per Year
Open & closing dates
Posted: September 29, 2025
Closes: October 8, 2025 (3 days left)
Job Description
This position is located with Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), in Duty Scheduling (PGSD), Schedule Planning (PGS), Generation Asset Management (PG), a division of the Power Services (P). A successful candidate in the Physical Scientist position will provide 24-hour direct control of the hydraulic operation of the FCRPS in the EIM, which includes meeting generation reliability and Biological Opinion objectives, as well as ensuring the multipurpose use of the river.
Qualifications
BASIC REQUIREMENT: 1. 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- 2. 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-7: 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-5] 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 at the GS-7 level as follows: 1 year of graduate-level education or superior academic achievement -or- 1 year equivalent to at least GS-5. 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 Department of Education Accreditation Search to verify school accreditation. GS-9: 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-7 ] 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 at the GS-9 level as follows: 2 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a master's degree or master's or equivalent graduate degree -or- 1 year equivalent to at least GS-7. 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 Department of Education Accreditation Search to verify school accreditation. "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.
Required Documents
To apply for this position, you MUST provide a complete application package which includes: Your two (2) page RESUME showing all relevant work experience (paid and unpaid) including: duties performed; full name and address of each employer; start and end dates (month/day/year); work schedule (part-time, full-time, number of hours if intermittent); salary; and any completed education and training (program title, subject area, number of hours completed, and completion date). Information on how to create a federal resume https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to/account/documents/resume Cover Letter, optional, expressing additional information not covered in your resume. Transcripts, if specific educational requirements are indicated in this job announcement. Unofficial transcripts or any report listing institution, course title, credits earned (semester or quarter hour) and final grade is acceptable. It is your responsibility to provide adequate proof that you meet the educational requirements. Veterans' Preference documentation, if applicable, DD-214 Member Copy 4 showing type of discharge/character of service; current active duty members- certification of expected discharge or release from active duty under honorable conditions dated within 120 days; SF-15 Form and related documentation; VA letter. For more information visit the USAJOBS Help Center & OPM CHCOC website for VOW information. Career Transition Assistance Program/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program documentation, if applicable (e.g., Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal.) For more information see the OPM Guide to Career Transition. Failure to submit any of the above mentioned required documents may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.
Department Information
Agency
Bonneville Power Administration
Department
Department of Energy
Location
Portland, Oregon, Oregon, United States