Supervisory Aircraft Specialist Job in Portland, OR

Vacancy No. 25-BPA-46939-12785013-BPA Department Bonneville Power Administration
Salary $165,176.00 to $195,200.00 Grade 15 to 15
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 9/12/2025 Close Date 9/21/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
Portland, OR


Summary

This position is located with Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), in the Aircraft Services (TAA) organization of Transmission Chief of Staff (TA) Transmission Services (T).

A successful candidate in the Supervisory Aircraft Services Specialist position will be responsible for development of the overall BPA policy for BPA's aviation program, and assurance that all operations are within the framework of FAR 61 and 91 operating specification issued by the FAA.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

This announcement is open to active Bonneville Power Administration employees with competitive status, currently on a career or career-conditional appointment. DOE/BPA employees participating in either the OPM (Fork in the Road) or DOE Deferred Resignation Program (DRP) are not eligible to apply for this announcement. DRP participants are not considered active DOE/BPA employees because they have agreed to separate from the agency.

Duties

As a Supervisory Aircraft Services Specialist, you will:

  • Serve as the Supervisor of Aircraft Services and a member of the broader Transmission Services management team.
  • Make major recommendations and decisions which have a direct and substantial effect on the organization and program elements managed.
  • Serve as a key policy formulator and decision-maker for long- and short- range strategic planning in support of the overall Bonneville aviation mission.
  • With respect to the Aircraft Services organization, determine and allocate necessary organizational resources, including staff and funds, and be solely responsible within the organization for their effective and efficient utilization in support of organizational and functional responsibilities.
  • Exercise delegated supervisory authorities and responsibilities, directing, coordinating, and overseeing the work and providing similar oversight of contractors when appropriate.
The salary is based on a Special Rate Table, Number 0764.

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:
  • First time supervisors will be required to serve a 1 year probationary period.
  • This position requires an initial drug test prior to appointment and random drug or drug and alcohol testing thereafter. Failure to test or a positive result on random drug or drug and alcohol tests conducted after appointment may result in removal from Federal employment.
  • After employment, this position may be subject to periodic physical examinations, as prescribed by competent medical authority and at BPA expense, if exposed to health hazards.
  • This position has been designated as requiring a PUBLIC TRUST background. A preliminary background check must be completed before a new employee can begin work. Current Federal employees or other individuals with an existing completed background investigation may not be required to undergo another background check.
  • Current Federal employees or other individuals with an existing completed background investigation may not be required to undergo another background check.
  • Must be able to pass an EKG (electrocardiogram) before entry into the position and annually thereafter.
  • Maintain a first-class or second-class medical certificate in accordance with FAA regulations.
  • Maintain an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate or Commercial Pilot License with appropriate ratings.

Qualifications

Specialized Experience:
At least three years supervisory or managerial experience within the last 6 years in a position that exercised operational control over any operations conducted under FAR part 91, 121 or part 135 or military equivalent - OR - at least 3 years of experience as pilot in command under FAR part 121 or part 135 or military equivalent in at least one of the categories of aircraft the certificate holder uses. If this is your first time becoming a Director of Operations, you must have accumulated this experience as pilot in command within the past 6 years.

Bonneville Power Administration applies 14 CFR Part 91 non-commercial regulations to the operation of BPA aircraft. Airplanes are maintained and operated; and pilots are trained in accordance with FAA regulation Part 91 and DOE approved Aviation Implementation Plan (AIP). Helicopters are additionally operated under FAA regulation Part 133 Rotorcraft External Load Operations.

In addition to meeting the individual occupational requirements for positions in the 2181 series, you must also meet a selective placement factor (screen-out); both requirements will be used to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for this position.

The individual occupational requirements and selective placement factor for this position are as follows:

Selective Placement Factor:
To serve as Director of Operations under 14 CFR § 119.67 for a certificate holder conducting any operations for which the pilot in command is required to hold an airline transport pilot certificate (ATP), a person must hold an ATP for large or small aircraft and:

  1. Have at least 3 years of supervisory or managerial experience within the last 6 years in large or small aircraft, in a position that exercised operational control over any operations conducted under 14 CFR part 121(Operating Requirements: Domestic, Flag, and Supplemental Operations) or 14 CFR part 135 (Operating Requirements: Commuter and on Demand Operations and Rules Governing Persons on Board Such Aircraft)
    • OR
  2. Have at least 3 years of experience as pilot in command under 14 CFR part 121(Operating Requirements: Domestic, Flag, and Supplemental Operations) or 14 CFR part 135 (Operating Requirements: Commuter and on Demand Operations and Rules Governing Persons on Board Such Aircraft) of this chapter in large or small aircraft in at least one of the categories of aircraft the certificate holder uses. If this is your first time becoming a Director of Operations, you must have accumulated this experience as pilot in command within the past 6 years.

Individual Occupational Requirements:

  • Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) fixed wing or helicopter certificate or Commercial Pilot License (CPL) with fixed wing or rotorcraft helicopter ratings and/or appropriate military rating.
  • Minimum Flight Hour Requirements:
    1. 1500 Total Flight Hours (as pilot-in-command or copilot in an aircraft of any weight or category (1,125 for eligible current federal employees)).
    2. 250 flight hours as Pilot-in-Command.
    3. 75 Night Flying (25 hours may be waived for eligible current federal employees).
    4. 100 Flying Time in the Last 12 Months (50 hrs for eligible current federal employees).

Note: The FAA requirement for Bonneville to operate as a Federal Air Regulation 91 will require civil flight certificates with appropriate type ratings where required, and will not accept the military ratings without the appropriate civil certifications.

Your resume and/or supporting documents (license, logbooks) MUST include the following information to be rated qualified for this position:

  • Current Licensures with ratings
  • Total Flight Hours
  • PIC Hours
  • Night Hours
  • Recent Hours (within the last 12 months)
  • Heavy Multi-engine Hours (if qualifying with ATP certificate)
  • Instrument Hours (if qualifying with CPL)
  • Dates of employment with identification of full-time or part-time schedule. Any part-time work must include hours per week or month to receive credit.
If any of the above required information is missing from your application you will be rated not qualified for this position.

Time-in-Grade: Current Federal employees must meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement to receive consideration.

CTAP 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.

Limit your resume to no more than two (2) pages. If more than two pages are submitted, only the first two pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility and qualifications. Your full resume will be made available to the hiring manager if you are referred.

Education

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

Additional information

  • The salary is based on a Special Rate Table, Number 0764: https://apps.opm.gov/SpecialRates/
  • 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
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.

Benefits

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. Once the announcement closes, we will conduct a review of your application package to verify your eligibility and qualifications. If you are found qualified, your application will move forward to additional phases of the review process.

Minimum Qualifications: Once the application process is complete, the Human Resources Offices or Subject Matter Expert (SME) will review the first two pages of your resume and supporting documentation to determine whether you meet the minimum job qualifications.

Selection will be based on skills and competencies, not educational credentials or self-reported experience.

Merit Promotion & VEOA Procedures: If you are minimally qualified for this job, your will be assessed and evaluated to determine if you are a best qualified candidate. Federal employees must meet time-in-grade requirements and current employees must have at least a fully successful or equivalent performance rating to receive consideration.

Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):

  • Accountability
  • Influencing/Negotiating
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Managing Human Resources
  • Technical Competence


Career Transition Assistance Programs: To receive selection priority for this position, you must: 1) meet the eligibility criteria; and 2) be rated "well-qualified", which is defined as having a score of 85 or better.

You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date (09/21/2025) of this announcement.

To preview the Assessment Questionnaire, click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12785013

Structured Resume Review: After it has been determined that you meet the minimum qualifications, Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) will review the first two pages of your resume to rate your technical qualifications for this position based on the required competencies. Scores from all reviewers will be compiled and factored into the overall evaluation. Your final score will reflect how well your qualifications and skills align with the position requirements. Additional documentation (e.g., cover letter, links embedded in your resume) may not be considered.

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).
  • Cover Letter, optional, expressing additional information not covered in your resume.
  • Transcripts, if specific educational requirements are indicated in this job announcement. 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.
Submit one or more of the following to support your eligibility(s) to apply to this job announcement:
  • SF-50, "Notification of Personnel Action" (current/former federal employees): Most recent Promotion, Within Rate Increase (WRI/WGI), or Appointment/Conversion SF-50 or Notification of Personnel Action showing you are/were in the competitive service and the highest grade or promotion potential held.
  • Career Transition Assistance Program/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program documentation, if applicable(e.g., Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal.) For more information see the OPM Guide to Career Transition.
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 selected for the position you MUST submit: A copy of your most recent performance appraisal/evaluation and incentive awards, you received in the last 5 years. The assigned HR Specialist will verify review this documentation to ensure selectee has at least a satisfactory performance rating before setting the entrance on duty date. If you do not have your most recent performance appraisal/evaluation, you will be asked to submit a statement as to why it is not available.

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. 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; applications will appear on the Welcome screen. 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

Matthew Nobles
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.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.