Public Utilities Specialist (Contracts and Energy Services)

This Public Utilities Specialist (Contracts and Energy Services) position is with Western Area Power Administration (Department of Energy) in Phoenix, AZ. This position is part of the WAPA-DSW-Desert Southwest. As a Public Utilities Specialist (Contracts and Energy Services), the purpose of the position is to perform developmental tasks that will lead to the full performance of developing, negotiating and administration of contracts. **THIS IS NOT A REMOTE POSITION. YOU WILL HAVE TO PHYSICALLY REPORT TO ONE OF THE DUTY LOCATIONS LISTED IN THIS VACANCY.** Key duties: • As a Public Utilities Specialist (Contracts and Energy Services), some of your duties will include, but are not limited to: Prepares, reviews, analyzes, and evaluates complex studies and technical reports involving marketing criteria, integrated resource planning, system planning, operational studies, and utility economic reports, which may be used for the negotiation and administration of power sales, transmission, and facility contracts. Prepares contracts, amendments, letters of agreement, related correspondence, reports, studies, and contractual analyses for consideration and approval. Discusses issues with contractors or other agencies and entities and makes recommendations to Western management to settle disputes that arise over interpretation of contract terms and conditions, including key issues and disputes that may result in court action. Reviews and makes recommendations for approval of customer IRPs and provides technical assistance to customers in the development of IRP. Provides advice and assistance to customers in accordance with the Energy Planning and Management Program. Qualifications: Qualification requirements in the vacancy announcements are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook, which contains federal qualification standards. This handbook is available on the Office of Personnel Management's website located at: https://www.opm.gov/policy. Specialized Experience: Applicants must possess one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and responsibility to the next lower grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. The experience need not have been in the federal government. To qualify for the GS-9: Applicants must have one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience at the GS-7 grade level or equivalent pay band in the Federal service. This experience must demonstrate 3 of the 4 bullets listed below: Preparing portions of agreements and related correspondence or reports using MS Word. Researching data to support contact preparation. Reviewing contracts or documents to ensure accuracy. Participating in meetings with customers providing customer service. OR SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION: Applicants may have a Master's or equivalent graduate degree; or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree; or LL.B. or J.D., if related. OR A combination of education and experience to successfully perform the duties of the position. To qualify for the GS-11: Applicants must have one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience at the GS-9 grade level or equivalent pay band in the Federal service. This experience must demonstrate 3 of the 4 bullets listed below: Preparing complete agreements, modifications, and related reports. Analyzing data and regulations to support contract preparation. Reviewing contracts and agreements to ensure compliance and resolve errors. Leading customer meetings to resolve issues and guide them through the agreement process. OR SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION: Applicants may have a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree; or 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.M., if related. OR A combination of education and experience to successfully perform the duties of the position. To qualify for the GS-12: Applicants must have one year (52 weeks) of specialized experience at the GS-11 grade level or equivalent pay band in the Federal service. This experience must demonstrate 3 of the 4 bullets listed below: Drafting, negotiating, and finalizing complex or non-standard agreements and reports. Integrating complex data from multiple sources to support contract strategies. Performing quality assurance reviews on complex contracts to ensure compliance and mitigate risks. Advising leadership and customers to resolve difficult issues and negotiate contract terms. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work is sedentary. WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work is normally performed in an office setting. Customer service duties will require periodic site visits to meet with customers. "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. View the full announcement and apply on USAJOBS.gov.