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IT Specialist (GIS Lead)


Job Location:

Portland, OR - USA

Yearly Salary: USD 114684 - 114684
Posted: 24 October 2026 (Yesterday)
Application Deadline: 22 January 2027
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

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.


Duties

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 BPAs geospatial ecosystem.
  • Define data standards governance models and quality controls for BPAs 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 regions bulk electrical system.

Requirements
Conditions of employment

    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.
    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.

    1. Attention to Detail - Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.
    2. 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.
    3. 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.
    4. 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 candidates 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.

    Education

    There are no specific education requirements or substitution of education for experience for this position.

    Additional information

    EEO Policy: USAJOBS Help Center Equal employment opportunity policy
    Reasonable Accommodation Policy: Employees or applicants may request Reasonable Accommodation (RA) for assistance when applying or competing for a job or performing a job due to their medical condition or to exercise their religious beliefs. If you need reasonable accommodation in the application or selection process please contact the Staffing Specialist listed on this vacancy announcement.
    USAJOBS Help Center Reasonable accommodation policy
    Reasonable Accommodation for USAHire: If you believe you have a disability (i.e. physical or mental) covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments you will be granted the opportunity to request a reasonable accommodation in your online application. Requests for Reasonable Accommodations for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for Reasonable Accommodation must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for Reasonable Accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position after notification of the adjudication of your request you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a Reasonable Accommodation please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments
    here.
    Veterans Information:
    USAJOBS Help Center - Veterans
    Veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
    Telework: Service Registration: - Who must register: 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 and positive work environment.

    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.

    Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government passionate about the ideals of our American republic and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

    A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

    Review our benefits

    Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.


    Required Experience:

    IC