Job Listing
Physical Scientist
Bonneville Power Administration · Posted 14 days ago
On-site Portland, OR $54K – $105K Apply by Sep 10, 2026 General Physical Science ENTJESFJESTJISTJ Operations
Apply for this job → About the Role
This position is within Duty Scheduling (PGSD), Schedule Planning (PGS), Generation Asset Management (PG), Power Services. Make a real-world impact managing clean energy and river resources! We are seeking a Physical Scientist to lead real-time operations across our federal hydro network. You will balance power generation, energy market trades, environmental protection goals, and client supply contracts in a dynamic 24/7 environment. Join us to power the grid sustainably!
What You'll Do
- →This position is located in Portland, OR which boasts huge spans of amazing trees, foliage, landscape, and everywhere you look you can appreciate beautiful greenery!
- →It is known as the most bike-friendly city in America, has a train system that greets you at the airport spanning across the city, and is home to the Portland International Rose Garden, the oldest in the country!
- →Portland is the one place where you will find lively festivals, energetic music, mouthwatering food, and for you basketball fans, the Portland Trail Blazers are a 7 minute walk from the HQs building!
- →There is always something new to experience in this eco-friendly town!
- →Power the Pacific Northwest: Lead the Clean Energy Transition at the Bonneville Power Administration At the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), our mission is to power the Pacific Northwest with clean, reliable, and affordable hydroelectricity while championing environmental stewardship and fish and wildlife restoration across the region.
- →As a Physical Scientist within Duty Scheduling, you will stand on the front lines of this mission-serving as a real-time decision-maker behind one of the largest renewable energy assets in North America, the Federal Columbia River Power System.
- →In this dynamic role, you will apply physical science principles, mathematical modeling, and operational strategy to orchestrate river flow, balance high-stakes clean energy markets, and protect vital biological ecosystems.
- →Key Responsibilities & Duties Direct Real-Time Hydropower & Reservoir Operations Oversee dynamic, round-the-clock reservoir and dam operations to continuously balance electrical grid power generation with non-power priorities such as flood risk management, recreation, and water storage.
- →Lead Multi-Agency River System Coordination Collaborate directly with federal water management partners (including the U.S.
- →Army Corps of Engineers and Bureau of Reclamation) and regional energy organizations to synchronize daily plant operations, maintenance schedules, and flow requirements.
- →Drive Real-Time Energy Market Strategy & Grid Reliability Act as the primary technical authority within the regional energy market, adapting power generation schedules on the fly to support grid stability, meet real-time energy demands, and maximize system efficiency.
- →Utilize Advanced Computer Simulation & Hydraulic Modeling Apply scientific principles and state-of-the-art predictive computer models to simulate river behavior, calculate real-time water capacity, and optimize complex operational strategies under changing environmental conditions.
- →Champion Environmental Protection & Fishery Mandates Translate biological protection requirements and fishery restoration programs into practical hydro-scheduling decisions, safeguarding wildlife habitats while fulfilling clean energy commitments.
- →Manage High-Value Clean Energy Supply Contracts Maintain high-precision model simulations to administer specialized energy contracts, dynamically calculating and communicating real-time capacity and energy allocation rights to regional power utility partners.
Requirements
- ✓This vacancy has a positive education requirement.
- ✓In order to be rated as qualified, you must provide copies of your college transcripts.
- ✓Failure to provide copies of your college transcripts may result in a rating of "Ineligible".
Personality Fit
Job ID: 6ae3f723-8e0e-4fc1-b44a-3430219eccea
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