Become a Guardian of Integrity: Program Specialist (Hotline) at BPA

Are you a detail-oriented professional with a passion for ethics, accountability, and organizational justice? The Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) is currently seeking a highly skilled Program Specialist (Hotline) to join our Oversight Organization in the beautiful city of Portland, Oregon. This is a unique opportunity to shape the ethical landscape of a federal organization that powers the Pacific Northwest.

Job Responsibilities

As the Program Specialist, you will act as a central figure in maintaining the integrity of the agency. Your primary responsibilities will include:

Leading Investigations: Independently organizing and executing complex inquiries into allegations of fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement.
Oversight Liaison: Serving as the primary contact for the Department of Energy Office of Inspector General (OIG).
Strategic Triage: Evaluating incoming reports to determine the appropriate resolution path, ensuring legal and regulatory compliance.
Outreach and Education: Developing and delivering training to promote awareness of reporting mechanisms and employee rights.
Data Analysis: Identifying complaint trends and providing executive leadership with actionable recommendations for systemic improvements.

Comparison of Key Focus Areas

Area of Responsibility	Impact	Required Expertise
Investigation	High	Fact-finding & Neutrality
Reporting	Moderate	Technical Writing
Stakeholder Liaison	High	Professional Communication
Program Advocacy	Moderate	Public Speaking/Training

Requirements

To qualify for this GS-13 level position, candidates must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level in federal service. Key requirements include:

U.S. Citizenship.
Registration with the Selective Service (if applicable).
Strong background in conducting complex workplace investigations.
The ability to maintain strict confidentiality.

Salary Overview

The position offers a competitive salary range of $114,684 to $149,091 per year, commensurate with experience and federal pay regulations.

Benefits

BPA employees enjoy a robust federal benefits package, which includes:

Generous health insurance and retirement plans.
Paid leave and federal holidays.
Work-life balance initiatives through the 'Be Well' program.
Ongoing professional development and training opportunities.

Application Tips

Resume Precision: Ensure your resume highlights the specific outcomes of your investigations. Don't just list tasks; describe the complexity of the cases you have handled.
Assessment Preparation: The USA Hire assessment is a critical component of the process. Treat it as you would an interview.
Required Documents: Double-check that your application includes all required SF-50s, transcripts, and veteran documentation to avoid disqualification.

Joining the Bonneville Power Administration as a Program Specialist (Hotline) is more than just a job; it is a chance to safeguard the integrity of a vital energy agency. Apply today to bring your investigative skills to an organization that values accountability and excellence.

Why This Program Specialist (Hotline) Job Matters

Become a guardian of integrity and drive accountability within the Pacific Northwest’s premier federal power organization.

Program Specialist (Hotline) Job Overview

The Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) is seeking a dedicated Program Specialist to oversee its Hotline and Employee Concerns program in Portland, Oregon. This vital role focuses on upholding organizational ethics by managing sensitive investigations into fraud, waste, and abuse, while serving as a primary liaison between agency leadership and external oversight bodies like the Office of Inspector General. You will play a pivotal role in shaping a culture of transparency, fairness, and operational excellence for an organization powering the future of the Northwest.

Requirements for Program Specialist (Hotline)

Must be a United States Citizen.
Must be able to report in person to the official duty location in Portland, OR.
Males born after Dec 31, 1959, must be registered for Selective Service.
Must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level.
Must maintain confidentiality and adhere to federal standards regarding investigations.

Preferred Qualifications for Program Specialist (Hotline)

Experience planning and executing complex investigations into workplace misconduct.
Proficiency in interviewing witnesses and analyzing documentary evidence.
Ability to serve as a liaison with oversight bodies such as the OIG or legal counsel.
Experience in developing training materials to promote ethical reporting mechanisms.
Strong analytical skills to identify complaint trends and draft technical reports.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance packages.
✓Federal retirement benefits including the FERS system and Thrift Savings Plan.
✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
✓Work-life balance programs, including the 'Be Well' initiative.
✓Opportunities for professional development and training.

💡 How to Apply Program Specialist (Hotline) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Program Specialist (Hotline) Job

Create or sign in to your login.gov account on the USAJOBS portal.
Submit your resume, ensuring it contains all required details including salary history and hours worked.
Complete the online application questionnaire truthfully.
Complete the mandatory online USA Hire competency assessments if prompted.
Submit your application package before the 11:59 PM EST closing date on October 29, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume is exactly two pages long and includes specific duties, employer addresses, and salary information.
Proofread your responses to the four optional essay questions, as they are reviewed by leadership.
If required to take the USA Hire assessment, set aside 3 hours and ensure you have a stable internet connection.
Check your spam or junk folder for email notifications regarding assessment invitations.
Submit your documentation early to avoid potential last-minute technical issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary focus of this role?

The role centers on the management of the employee concerns hotline, conducting thorough investigations into reports of fraud, waste, or abuse, and facilitating training on workplace ethics.

Is telework available?

The position requires reporting in person to the Portland, OR office; please review the specific telework policy once onboarded.

What documentation is required for veterans?

You must provide a DD-214 Member Copy 4, and if applicable, your SF-15 and related VA letters to confirm preference eligibility.

What is the primary location for this job?

*A: The position is based in Portland, Oregon.*

Can I update my application after I submit it?

*A: Yes, you may update your application while the announcement is open, but changes cannot be made once it closes.*

Job from Bonneville Power Administration

The Bonneville Power Administration is a nonprofit federal power marketing administration. As a part of the U.S. Department of Energy, BPA plays a critical role in providing clean, reliable energy to the region. We are not only committed to environmental stewardship but also to fostering a work environment characterized by fairness and the highest ethical standards. In 2023, the Department of Energy was recognized by Forbes as America's #1 Best Employer for Veterans, underscoring our commitment to those who have served our country.