IT Specialist (Software Developer)

Summary

Power the future of energy systems! Join BPA's IT team in Power System Development & Support (JDP) under Application Services (JD), Information Technology (J). As an IT Specialist, you will design, build, and optimize mission-critical software and high-performance data systems that keep regional power flowing reliably. If you thrive on solving complex technical challenges, modernizing applications, and driving high-impact digital solutions, bring your software and data expertise to our team!

Duties

As an IT Specialist you stand at the intersection of modern software engineering and vital infrastructure. In this role, you won't just maintain routine systems; you will architect, engineer, and modernize the core applications and data platforms that keep the regional electric grid operating seamlessly 24/7/365. If you are a talented software engineer, systems designer, or data architect looking to solve complex technical challenges with real-world public impact, this is your opportunity to lead, innovate, and shape the future of clean energy technology. In this position, you will: Design, code, test, and deploy resilient, enterprise-scale software applications that directly support regional power operations. You will modernize source code, integrate modern frameworks, and implement dependable solutions that meet demanding performance and security benchmarks. Champion engineering excellence by establishing modern software development standards. You will build modular, reusable components and intuitive user interfaces that accelerate future development cycles and elevate software quality across the team. Partner directly with operational teams and business leaders to translate complex business needs into clean, robust system requirements. You will evaluate new technical approaches, conduct feasibility studies, and resolve intricate software and integration hurdles. Design, build, and optimize enterprise databases and data pipelines that handle high-volume power system data. You will develop data models, maintain database schemas, and ensure data integrity, availability, and seamless retrieval across multiple platforms. Monitor database health, execute performance-tuning initiatives, troubleshoot queries, and collaborate on data warehousing and advanced analytics systems. You will also help plan and execute database upgrades and migrations to modern data platforms. Provide technical guidance to developers, analysts, and project contractors. You will lead discussions on software methodologies, offer code reviews, guide junior team members through challenging programming issues, and present technical recommendations to leadership. 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!

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-12: 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-11) in the Federal service. Specialized experience is defined as experience: 1) translating business and functional requirements into technical specifications while analyzing and resolving software and system design issues; and 2) writing, testing, debugging, and maintaining software applications and databases using structured development methods, programming languages, and database query tools. "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. 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.