Summary
This position is located with Bonneville Power Administration, in the Asset Management & Engineering Apps (JLST) organization of Software Development and Operations (JLS), Enterprise Shared Services (JL), Information Technology (J). A successful candidate in the IT Specialist (GIS Lead) position will serve as an IT specialist in developing and interpreting policies, procedures, and strategies governing the planning and delivery of Geographic Information System (GIS) services throughout BPA.
Responsibilities
As an IT Specialist (GIS Lead), you will: Design, configure, and scale enterprise mapping infrastructure using state-of-the-art tools (such as ArcGIS Enterprise, ArcGIS Pro, and ArcGIS Field Maps). You will shape a modern, resilient environment that connects operational field personnel with executive decision-makers. Bring software engineering and modern automation to geographic data. You will leverage Python, JavaScript, and modern scripting languages to eliminate manual processes, build interactive tools, and streamline complex spatial data transformations. Champion modern software delivery methodologies-including CI/CD pipelines, DevOps workflows, and infrastructure reliability-bringing agile, scalable, and automated engineering practices to BPA's geospatial ecosystem. Define data standards, governance models, and quality controls for BPA's mission-critical electric utility network. You will lead the acquisition, integration, and modeling of large-scale spatial, temporal, and asset engineering datasets. Tackle previously unsolved integration puzzles between legacy engineering systems, asset databases, operational power telemetry, and modern cloud platforms to ensure seamless, real-time data flow across the enterprise. Act as a trusted technical authority, translating complex geospatial intelligence into strategic recommendations for leadership and engineering executives to meet critical federal energy reliability standards (including FERC and NERC). Transform raw utility and sensor data into actionable visual products, dashboards, and digital-twin models. Your work directly empowers grid operators, engineers, and environmental scientists to manage power infrastructure safely and efficiently. Ensure all spatial applications, APIs, and data exchanges adhere to rigorous federal and utility cybersecurity architectures, safeguarding the integrity and resilience of the region's bulk electrical system.
Qualifications
BASIC REQUIREMENT: Experience must be IT related; the experience may be demonstrated by paid or unpaid experience and/or completion of specific, intensive training (for example, IT certification), as appropriate. For all positions individuals must have IT-related experience demonstrating each of the four competencies listed below. The employing agency is responsible for identifying the specific level of proficiency required for each competency at each grade level based on the requirements of the position being filled. Attention to Detail - Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail. Customer Service - Works with clients and customers (that is, any individuals who use or receive the services or products that your work unit produces, including the general public, individuals who work in the agency, other agencies, or organizations outside the Government) to assess their needs, provide information or assistance, resolve their problems, or satisfy their expectations; knows about available products and services; is committed to providing quality products and services. Oral Communication - Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately. Problem Solving - Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations. To meet this requirement, you must demonstrate proficiency in each of the four competencies listed above as follows: GS-13: Advanced - You can perform the actions associated with each of these competencies without assistance. You are recognized within your immediate organization as "a person to ask" when difficult questions arise regarding each of these competencies. Focus is on broad organizational/professional issues; You have consistently provided practical/relevant ideas and perspectives on process or practice improvements which may easily be implemented; You are capable of coaching others in the application of each of these competencies by translating complex nuances relating to each competency into easy to understand terms; You participate in senior level discussions regarding these competencies; You assist in the development of reference and resource materials in these competencies. SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: A qualified candidate's 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 is defined as experience applying comprehensive principles, concepts, and practices of geospatial information systems (GIS), information technology (IT) infrastructure, and data management to lead enterprise geospatial solutions and support operational decision-making, which includes: 1) Managing complex geospatial data, data formats, and spatial databases to support enterprise mapping, reporting, and utility or operational asset management; 2) Administering and maintaining enterprise spatial solutions, web maps, and services across platforms such as ArcGIS Enterprise, ArcGIS Online, or ArcGIS Pro; 3) Developing scripts and automation tools using languages such as Python or JavaScript to streamline geospatial workflows, integrate remote sensing and GPS data, and configure interactive spatial data interfaces; and 4) Experience as a technical authority and team lead responsible for planning, scoping, assigning, and monitoring GIS projects and daily operational tasks. "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.
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: Suitable for Federal employment, as determined by a background investigation. May be required to successfully complete a probationary period. Positions located in Information Technology may be required to be 24/7 on call.
Education
There are no specific education requirements or substitution of education for experience for this position.