Public Utilities Specialist (Contracts)

This position is located with Bonneville Power Administration, within the Contract Administration organization (TPCC) of Customer Service Engineering, System Planning, Transmission Services. A successful candidate in the Public Utilities Specialist (Contracts) position will manage grid connection requests and create complex transmission agreements. Support our energy partners and safeguard the financial integrity of our power system by ensuring regulatory compliance and streamlining processes. Major duties: Power the Future: Be the Connection Point for the Pacific Northwest's Power Grid At the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), we're at the center of the nation's energy transition. We're seeking a pivotal expert to join our team-someone who can navigate the complex world of energy contracts and regulations to ensure a reliable, affordable, and accessible power grid for millions. This isn't just a contracts job; it's your chance to play a key role in shaping the future of energy transmission by connecting new resources to the grid. We are seeking a Public Utilities Specialist (Contracts) to join us. In this vital role, you will be the commercial bridge between BPA and our external energy partners. You won't just manage paperwork-you will directly drive regional progress by steering new energy projects through the pipeline and managing high-stakes utility agreements that keep power flowing safely and reliably. Here are the key opportunities and duties where you will make a lasting impact: Navigate Grid Connections for Energy Partners - Facilitate and manage customer requests to connect new energy generation to our regional transmission system. You will guide energy partners through the queue, resolving bottlenecks and ensuring fair, timely, and compliant process progression. Develop and Execute High-Value Transmission Contracts - Design, draft, and implement complex commercial contracts. You will manage agreements covering everything from initial feasibility studies and engineering to construction, equipment testing, and balancing authority transitions. Serve as a Trusted Advisor to Key Leaders - Act as a central policy expert and consultant. You will provide strategic recommendations and regulatory guidance to BPA managers, account executives, and external customer teams, helping them navigate complex contracting rules. Champion Regulatory Compliance - Serve as the program lead to ensure BPA's open-access transmission tariffs and operational guidelines are strictly followed. You will interpret evolving federal energy regulations and ensure all actions align with legal and commercial standards. Govern Financial Risks and Internal Safeguards - Act as a key technical resource for federal financial management rules (such as OMB Circular A-123). You will evaluate business practices and implement robust internal controls to protect BPA from commercial and financial risks. Spearhead Process and Operational Improvements - Proactively analyze current contracting workflows to identify inefficiencies or policy gaps. You will design, communicate, and implement streamlined procedures that accelerate project delivery and improve customer satisfaction. Deliver End-to-End Contract Administration - Oversee the entire lifecycle of executed contracts. This includes managing amendments, tracking milestones, verifying billing accuracy, and coordinating with financial teams to create project work orders. Build Collaborative, Cross-Organizational Alliances - Build and maintain powerful working relationships across diverse BPA teams, including environmental specialists, transmission planners, lawyers, and engineers. You will also represent your group on cross-agency initiative teams to standardize modern utility business practices. Requirements: In accordance with Executive Order 14170, applicants are encouraged to respond to four short, free-response, essay questions in the questionnaire. Answer to these questions is not scored or rated. Your answers will be reviewed by the hiring manager and agency leadership if you are referred for selection consideration. When you apply you will be asked a series of questions to determine your eligibility for employment and your qualification for this position specifically. You must answer all of these questions completely and truthfully. Key Requirements: You must be a United States Citizen. This employer participates in the e-Verify program. Males must abide by Selective Service registration requirements. You will be required to report in person to the official duty location. Conditions of Employment: A preliminary background check must be completed before a new employee can begin work. Current Federal employees or other individuals with an existing completed background investigation may not be required to undergo another background check. Since this function will provide for and support the needs of both Power and Transmission, the incumbent will need to fully understand internal risk management controls (OMB A-123), internal contract policies and procedures, and Standards of Conduct (SOC) guidelines.