Physical Scientist

Created at: September 30, 2025 00:38

Company: Bonneville Power Administration

Location: Portland, OR, 97201

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.
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. 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. Limit your resume to no more than two (2) pages. If more than two pages are submitted, only the first two pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility and qualifications. Your full resume will be made available to the hiring manager if you are referred.
As a Physical Scientist, you will: Meet generation reliability and Biological Opinion objectives, as well as ensuring the multipurpose use of the river. In a developmental capacity, control reservoir operations, including coordinating plant operations and maintenance with the Corps of Engineers, the Bureau of Reclamation, and other agencies and organizations to meet both power and non-power requirements. Assist in developing operational strategies that continue past the current shift, and ensuring that the strategies are effectively briefed and passed on to the subsequent shift. Apply scientific principles for operational implementation of new and/or anticipated fishery programs, hydraulic constraints and objectives, transmission limitations, scheduling and operating procedures, contracts, etc. Represent the interests of Generation Supply in operational situations encountered during shift assignments. Collaborate and then negotiate for the resolution of after-the-fact operational discrepancies or disagreements with utilities.


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