Student Trainee (Realty Specialist) Job

Vacancy No. 26-BPA-50125-12899720-INT Department Bonneville Power Administration
Salary $36,599.00 to $47,581.00 Grade 4 to 4
Perm/Temp Temporary FT/PT Part-time
Open Date 3/20/2026 Close Date 3/29/2026
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
Portland, ORSpokane, WA


Summary

This position is part of the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), in Transmission Student Development (TD), Transmission Services (T).

As a Student Trainee (Realty Specialist), you will be a student trainee in the realty specialist occupational field as part of a formal student employment program.

This job is open to

Students

Current students enrolled in an accredited high school, college or graduate institution.

Clarification from the agency

To be eligible for the Pathways Internship Program you must be currently enrolled in an accredited college (including 4-year colleges/universities, community colleges, and junior colleges); professional, technical, vocational, and trade school; advanced degree programs; or other qualifying educational institution pursuing a qualifying degree or certificate on at least a half-time basis.

Duties

As a Student Trainee (Realty Specialist), you will:

  • Perform a variety of tasks designed to provide familiarity with the organization's programs, projects, and functions.
  • Assist higher-level specialists in carrying out the work of the organization by performing a variety of standard duties, tasks, or assignments and resolving recurring problems.
  • Search readily available data from prescribed sources such as files, reports, or regulations and recognizes and corrects obvious discrepancies and data omissions.
  • Compile, analyze, and present data in accordance with established methods and formats.
  • Perform a variety of recordkeeping, reporting, and informational duties in support of the organization's program.
  • Communicate factual and procedural information clearly, orally and in writing.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

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.
  • Suitable for Federal employment, as determined by a background investigation.

Pathways Internship Program Requirements:
  • Must be in good academic standing (G.P.A 2.0 or higher).
  • Must be at least 16 years of age or older.
  • Must be enrolled in at least a half-time course load, as defined by your educational institution.
  • Interns will be on a trial period for the duration of the appointment.
  • A Pathways Internship Participant Agreement is required.
  • As a Pathways intern you will be expected to work during your summer, winter and spring breaks unless otherwise coordinated with your manager.
  • As a Pathways Intern you may have rotational assignments in various organizations.
  • Must submit a copy of your current transcripts and/or letter of acceptance as proof of your enrollment. If selected, official transcripts/proof of enrollment must be submitted prior to establishing a start date.

Conversion: Pathways Interns may be converted to a term or permanent position upon program completion. This is not automatic nor guaranteed; it is at the discretion of the employing office.

To be eligible for conversion, an Intern must:
  • be converted within 180 days of successful degree completion;
  • be a U.S. citizen;
  • complete at least 480 hours of work experience acquired through the Program while enrolled as a half/full-time degree/certificate-seeking student, or meet exception;
  • meet the qualification standards for the position to which converted;
  • receive a favorable recommendation by an official of the agency; and
  • meet agency-specific requirements, as specified in the Participant Agreement.
  • Perform their job successfully and be recommended by the organization to a permanent position.
  • Relocation may be authorized with conversion.

Qualifications

Eligibility: Currently enrolled in an accredited college (including 4-year colleges/universities, community colleges, and junior colleges); professional, technical, vocational, and trade school; advanced degree programs; or other qualifying educational institution pursuing a qualifying degree or certificate.

GS-04: To qualify, you must have completed 2 full academic years of post-high school study OR an associate's degree. (1 full academic year is equivalent to 30 semester hours or 45 quarter hours.)

You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Education

Education Requirements:
Your educational goals must include obtaining a professional degree.

You must submit a copy of your current transcripts with major being pursued for proof of education and enrollment. If you are not currently enrolled but have been accepted for future enrollment you must submit a copy of your acceptance letter with your application.

Education must be obtained from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. See Department of Education Accreditation Search to verify school accreditation.
Foreign education must be reviewed by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For special instructions pertaining to foreign education and a list of organizations that can evaluate foreign education, see the Department of Education website.

DO NOT email or mail in any of your application documents. Documents will not be accepted outside of the online application system.

NOTE: This Pathways Internship will have a tentative start date in May/June of 2026. If you graduate before October 2026, you will not be eligible for this Pathways Internship Program.

Additional information

  • This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional similar vacancies across DOE
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: https://www.opm.gov/telework/
Selective Service Registration: http://www.sss.gov/ - Who must register: https://www.sss.gov/faq/#who-needs-to-register

Hiring 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.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the eligibility and qualification requirements above.

Minimum Qualifications: Once the application process is complete, the Human Resources Offices or Subject Matter Expert (SME) will review your two-page resume, education requirements, and supporting documentation to determine whether you meet the minimum job qualifications. Preference candidates receive first consideration.

Application of Veterans' Preference: Preference eligible candidates will be referred as follows: (1) 10 percent or more compensable-disabled veterans (CP/CPS); (2) all other 10-point preference eligibles (XP); (3) 5-point preference eligibles (TP); then (4) all other candidates. CP/CPS veterans are placed at the top of the highest category for all positions except professional and scientific positions at GS-9 and higher.

The following competencies are desirable at the full performance level of this position:

  • Attention to Detail
  • Flexibility
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Learning
  • Problem Solving
  • Self-Management
  • Technology Application


You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date ( 03/29/2026) of this announcement.

To preview the Assessment Questionnaire, click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12899720

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you MUST provide a complete application package which includes:

  • Your two (2) page RESUMEshowing all relevant work experience (paid and unpaid) including: duties performed; full name and address of each employer; start and end dates (month/day/year); work schedule (part-time, full-time, number of hours if intermittent); salary; and any completed education and training (program title, subject area, number of hours completed, and completion date).
    • Information on how to create a federal resume https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to/account/documents/resume
  • Cover Letter, optional, expressing additional information not covered in your resume.
  • Transcripts, this position haseducational requirements, you must submit a copy of your current transcripts and/or letter of acceptance as proof of your enrollment. Unofficial transcripts or any report listing institution, course title, credits earned (semester or quarter hour) and final grade is acceptable. It is your responsibility to provide adequate proof that you meet the educational requirements.
  • Veterans' Preference documentation,if applicable, DD-214 Member Copy 4 showing type of discharge/character of service; current active duty members- certification of expected discharge or release from active duty under honorable conditions dated within 120 days; SF-15 Form and related documentation; VA letter. For more information visit the USAJOBS Help Center & OPM CHCOC website for VOW information.
  • Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) & Reemployment, if you are a DOE Excepted Service displaced federal employee, from a Pathways appointment, or believe you have reemployment rights at DOE based on a compensable injury, you must reach out to the agency contact listed in this announcement prior to the close date for guidance on how to receive consideration.
Failure to submit any of the above mentioned required documents may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application, to include submission of the required documentation specified in the Required Documents section. A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the announcement closing date to receive consideration.

The application process is as follows:

  1. You must have a login.gov account to sign into USAJOBS: https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to/account.
  2. To begin the application process in USAJOBS, click the Apply Online button.
  3. Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all required and supporting documentation.
  4. You must click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 pm (ET) on the announcement closing date.
You may update your application, including supporting documentation, at any time during the announcement open period by returning to your USAJOBS account, select Update Application: https://login.usajobs.gov/Account/Login. There you will find a record of your application, the application status, and an option to Edit my application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.

To verify the status of your application, during and after the announcement open period, log into your USAJOBS account at https://www.usajobs.gov. On the Home page, scroll down and locate your job application. Once the job has been located, click the "Track this application" link on the right under the application date. The page will refresh to display the Agency's Application Information page where you can scroll down and review any notifications the agency has sent you. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to/application/status.

If you need help with login.gov or USAJOBS (e.g., account access, Resume Builder) visit the USAJOBS Help Center: https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to

If you experience difficulty applying on USAJOBS, after clicking the Apply Online button, or you are experiencing a significant hardship hindering your ability to apply online, the Agency Contact listed in the announcement can assist you during normal business hours. If you receive any system error messages, take screenshots if possible, to aid technical support.

Agency contact information

Kassandra Conner
Phone
503-230-5306
Email
klconner@bpa.gov
Address
Bonneville Power Administration
P.O. Box 3621
Portland, OR 97208
US

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. The status of your application will be updated in USAJOBS as it is evaluated.

You can check the status by logging into USAJOBS. You may also sign up to receive automatic emails anytime the status of your application changes by logging into your USAJobs Account and editing the Notification Settings.

You will be contacted directly if an interview is required.