Utilities Economist, Senior

Tacoma Power - City of Tacoma
Tacoma - United States
S: $87,006.40 - $111,550.40

Tacoma Power is a load serving municipal utility in the Pacific Northwest. Tacoma Power is an innovative, citizen-owned electric utility that generates, transmits and distributes electricity and provides energy and telecommunication services. We are committed to provide high-value, competitively priced products and services to our customers through the quality of our employees, and the responsiveness that results from local ownership. Learn more about Tacoma Power at www.tacomapower.com.

Tacoma Power has a robust and active conservation program. This Senior Economist position ensures that the measures comprising the conservation program are cost-effective and implemented in an efficient manner. This position manages Tacoma Power's energy conservation evaluation efforts. This includes conducting independent market research, managing the work of contractors, and interacting with stakeholders. This position requires knowledge of statistical and economic analysis as well as research methodologies. Judgment is exercised on study designs and methodologies, evaluation procedures, statistical techniques, analysis and database designs. This position prepares written reports and presents quantitative, economic, and business analysis to senior management, stakeholders and occasionally the public. Tacoma Power uses evaluation to plan conservation activities, including decisions on allocation of utility resources and whether to modify and/or continue programs.

In addition to evaluating conservation activities, approximately 25 percent time will be spent providing economic analysis in support of other Power Management activities including: forecasting wholesale prices, evaluating individual major resource acquisition opportunities, assessing the impact of regulations and other exogenous factors on wholesale markets, and looking for market opportunities.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Equivalent combination to: Graduation from a college or university with a major in business, mathematics, economics, statistics, social sciences, engineering or similarly related field and at least five years' experience performing economic, financial and/or market analysis. An advance degree (MA/MS) and two years' experience in a relevant field may substitute. Candidates with a bachelor's degree and no experience are encouraged to apply and may be considered for a position as an Associate Utilities Economist.

Training/education concentration in evaluation on performance measurement; knowledge of utilities, energy efficiency in residential/commercial/industrial sectors, and certified measurement & verification professional is desired.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES TO:

Analysis Abilities
•Competency in economic analysis and natural resource valuation.
•Knowledge of applied statistics, analysis techniques, survey design, sample design, data collection, and monitoring systems.
•Ability to combine scientific and engineering data to perform complex statistical analysis.
•To use statistics to form accurate and well-reasoned conclusions.
•Perform economic analysis in a transparent and careful way that supports recommendations and decisions.
•Design and manage large multi-faceted cross-organizational research projects.

Business Skills•Well-developed communication skills: strong writing skills (e.g., report writing, developing support documentation and technical writing); presentation skills (e.g., PowerPoint development); and oral skills.
•Firm understanding of business concepts, theories, practices, business case development, work plan development, request for proposal development, manage contract, and budgeting.
•Effective project management skills, ability to resolve and adapt to evolving issues throughout a project.
•Well-developed interpersonal skills: ability to work constructively with diverse individuals/groups with divergent perspectives and interests; willingness to take direction and work in a hierarchal environment.
•Computer applications including word processing, spreadsheets, statistical modeling, and data management tracking systems.
Energy and Energy Efficiency Knowledge•Familiarity with energy conservation measures and measurement best practices.
•Knowledge of fundamental practices for electrical utility operations, wholesale resource theory, resource portfolio management and how energy efficiency is integrated into a portfolio.
•Knowledge of federal, state and local laws, codes, standards, regulations, policies, technology, terminology and procedures applicable to energy and conservation.

SELECTION PROCESS & SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
Interested individuals should apply online and attach a resume and cover letter. Applicants who have the strongest backgrounds related to the responsibilities of this position may be invited to participate in an interview. Appointment is subject to passing a background check.

If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact Rodney Croston in Human Resources at 253-502-8323.

APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED ONLINE ONLY AT:
www.cityoftacoma.org/jobs

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