Policy Specialist

Summary This position is located with Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), in Transmission Commercial Policy and Implementation (TSB), Transmission Marketing and Sales (TS), Transmission Services (T). A successful candidate will serve as a senior Policy Specialist responsible for providing technical expertise in the areas of FERC transmission policy, OATT requirements and business practices, transmission product development, and impacts of transmission policy decisions. Responsibilities As a Policy Specialist, you will: Provide expert knowledge in areas such as Open Access Transmission Tariff, ATC Methodologies, Network Integration Transmission Service, Point-to-Point Transmission Service, Network Open Season, and business practices related to the OATT. Lead cross-agency teams to develop recommendations on key policy issues, business practices and procedures. Present recommendations on key policy issues, business practices and procedures to staff, management and executives. Serve on TSB Leadership Team to assist and advise Manager in monitoring and recommending project assignments based on staff expertise and developmental needs. Study and analyze Transmission Services' requirements on FERC orders, NERC regulations, North America Standards Board's (NAESB) initiatives and commercial rules with input from relevant organizations. Represent and negotiate on behalf of Transmission Services and BPA at external and internal meetings, working groups, and task forces involving a wide range of substantive issues, including BPA, regional and national transmission policy and business practice development. Provide service to Transmission Account Executives on an ongoing basis for specific transmission contract issues and transmission service/engineering projects issues. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications 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: Experience in providing technical authority in Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) transmission policy, Open Access Transmission Tariff (OATT) requirements, and business practices implementing the OATT to 1) modify, adapt, or refine broader guidelines that have wide-ranging cross-agency or customer impacts; 2) develop new methods and criteria; and 3) resolve issues and propose new policies and procedures. There is no substitution of education for experience at the GS-13 grade level. "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. Physical Demands: The work is sedentary, although some slight physical effort may be required in stooping, kneeling, bending, etc. Work Environment: Work is typically performed in an adequately lighted and climate controlled office. May require occasional travel. 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. Education There are no specific education requirements or substitution of education for experience for this position. Additional Information About the Position - Vancouver This position is located in Vancouver, WA, a splendid place to live because of its picturesque downtown area full of trendy shops, delicious restaurants, and exclusive breweries. There are several breathtaking nature parks, miles of bike trails, and amazing panoramic mountain views! Vancouver is the perfect place for anyone who loves to be outdoors and really enjoys nature! The U.S. Department of Energy fosters a diverse and inclusive workplace and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional similar vacancies across DOE. For general information on government-wide Telework polices visit: Information on how to create a federal resume Veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For more information, please visit the links at the bottom of this page or visit the FedsHireVets website. If you believe that you are eligible for the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP), please visit the OPM ICTAP/CTAP website for more information. In order to be considered under the ICTAP program, your application must score within the pre-established "well qualified" category as stated in the Qualifications section. Some positions may require completion of a probationary period of up to 1 (one) year. Many positions require successful completion of a background investigation. All males born after December 31st 1959 must abide by laws regarding Selective Service registration. To learn more about this law, visit the Selective Service web page, Who Must Register. If you are not registered and don't have an approved exemption, you will not be eligible for employment with the Federal government. EEO Policy: USAJOBS Help Center | Equal employment opportunity policy Reasonable Accommodation Policy: USAJOBS Help Center | Reasonable accommodation policy Veterans Information: Telework: Selective Service Registration: Hiring incentives may be authorized for a highly qualified candidate based on budget availability and in accordance with federal regulations. BPA strives to ensure a safe, positive, inclusive work environment, supported by Leadership Behaviors. For more information on Leadership Behaviors visit: We also understand the importance of work/life balance and offer a variety of programs and policies designed to create more flexible, responsive work environments supportive of commitments to community, home and family members. BPA also supports employees' overall wellness through its Be Well program, which helps employees adopt healthier lifestyles and feel better about their work/life balance. The program supports five key areas of life: career, community, financial, physical and social.