Operations Support Specialist.

About the role

Step into a pivotal role at the heart of the Pacific Northwest's energy future with the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA). BPA is renowned for providing an abundant, efficient, and reliable power supply while championing environmental stewardship. As an Operations Support Specialist on one of our Human Resources teams, you will play a key role in hiring, developing, and supporting the people who power millions of homes and businesses throughout the Pacific Northwest. This position offers hands-on experience and a broad foundation of skills in a dynamic, supportive federal HR environment.

Responsibilities

As an Operations Support Specialist, you will serve as the operational backbone of our HR team, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of employee data. You will be assigned to a specialized team to deepen your expertise in one of the following key HR functions:

• Guardian of Data Integrity: Process a wide range of personnel actions with precision, interpreting federal guidelines to apply correct processing codes and legal justifications.
• Recruitment and Placement: Shape the workforce by preparing recruitment packages, drafting job announcements, and ensuring a smooth, compliant hiring process.
• Classification and Position Management: Help determine appropriate job titles, series, and pay grades to ensure fairness and equity across the agency.
• Benefits: Guide employees through federal benefits and retirement options, helping them plan for their future.
• Training and Development: Champion employee growth by identifying training needs, coordinating logistics for courses, and supporting New Employee Orientation.
• Employee and Labor Relations: Research and analyze employee matters, provide recommendations, and gain experience in awards and recognition programs.
• Compliance and Records Management: Participate in HR program audits, identify discrepancies, and ensure operations meet federal standards.

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.
• Applicants are encouraged to respond to four short, free-response essay questions in the questionnaire (not scored but reviewed by the hiring manager).

Qualifications

GS-05: A qualified candidate must demonstrate at least 3 years of progressively responsible experience, 1 year of which was equivalent to at least GS-4, showing the ability to:

• Analyze problems, gather pertinent data, and recognize solutions.
• Plan and organize work.
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing.

You may substitute education: A 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor’s degree or a bachelor’s degree.

GS-07: A qualified candidate must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-05, including:

• Applying organizational policies and procedures to process personnel or administrative actions.
• Providing frontline support for a human resources function (e.g., staffing, benefits, employee records, labor relations) and responding to routine inquiries.

You may substitute education: One year of graduate-level education or superior academic achievement (S.A.A.) in a qualifying bachelor’s degree program. A combination of education and experience may also qualify.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, community-based organizations).

Education

If substituting education for specialized experience, you must submit proof of qualifying education from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Foreign education must be reviewed by an approved organization.

Benefits

As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Programs supporting work/life balance and wellness (e.g., flexible work environments, Be Well program).
• Hiring incentives may be authorized for highly qualified candidates based on budget availability.

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position (full-time, part-time, or intermittent).