Day-Ahead Energy Trader

Tacoma Public Utilities; Tacoma (WA); On-site; USD 141,000 - 199,000; Full time

Job summary

Tacoma Power, part of Tacoma Public Utilities, seeks a Day-Ahead Energy Trader to optimize the bulk power supply and negotiate near‑term energy trades.

You will analyze hydro resources, manage risk, and collaborate with operations teams to prepare for day‑ahead markets and industry changes while supporting wholesale revenue growth. In-office 3 days/week, with evolving schedules.

Strong quantitative skills and experience in wholesale energy markets are essential for success in this role.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, economics, mathematics, engineering or related field.
• 3 years of experience in wholesale energy marketing/planning, quantitative analysis or related utility operations.

Responsibilities

• Develop a thorough understanding of Tacoma Power’s hydroelectric resources and their power and non‑power constraints. Apply this knowledge to develop day‑ahead proposals that optimize these resources while taking into account hydro and price uncertainty and other risks.
• Negotiate and execute physical trades of power supply products in conformance with Tacoma Power’s trading guidelines and risk management policies.
• Lead and help prepare Tacoma through rigorous analysis for industry changes such as the Western Resource Adequacy Program, BPA Provider of Choice and Organized Day Ahead Markets. Lead and coordinate daily stand‑up meeting briefing staff regarding day‑ahead trading and strategies executed.
• Create and lead new trading strategies that can optimize Tacoma’s generation portfolio. Plan and coordinate operation of generation resources and transmission facilities. Secure transmission for energy sales and purchases. Collaborate with policy analysts to develop strategies for Tacoma’s carbon‑free resources in compliance with State programs.
• Collaborate and strategize with operations & real‑time trading staff on resource planning and market fundamentals to optimize wholesale revenues.
• Develop daily and near‑term generation and interchange plans in accordance with established guidelines. Assure compliance with reliability standards and regulatory requirements.
• Prepare and execute Executive Presentations on industry changes and challenges to prepare Tacoma leadership teams.

Education

Bachelor's degree in business, economics, mathematics, engineering or related field

Job description

Position Description

Tacoma Power’s Power Management group is currently looking for a Day-Ahead Energy Trader to join their team. The Day-Ahead Energy Trader is responsible for the near‑term management of Tacoma Power’s bulk power supply portfolio. This position balances the system load and resources in an economic and reliable manner, negotiating physical energy trades in the near‑term market. The portfolio optimization duties require a variety of economic and market analysis and helps Tacoma Power prepare for industry changes such as Western Resource Adequacy Program and Southwest Power Pool’s Markets+. This position directly supports our mission by optimizing our resources and wholesale revenues. As Tacoma prepares for Organized Day Ahead Markets, there could be a possibility for job responsibilities 7 days a week. This position is required to be in office 3 days per week. Bilateral trading for Tacoma begins at 5:00 A.M.

Responsibilities Include

• Develop a thorough understanding of Tacoma Power’s hydroelectric resources and their power and non‑power constraints. Apply this knowledge to develop day‑ahead proposals that optimize these resources while taking into account hydro and price uncertainty and other risks. Collaborate with other internal stakeholders, such as our resource operations team, to vet and enhance these plans.
• Negotiate and execute physical trades of power supply products in conformance with Tacoma Power’s trading guidelines and risk management policies.
• Lead and help prepare Tacoma through rigorous analysis for industry changes such as the Western Resource Adequacy Program, BPA Provider of Choice and Organized Day Ahead Markets. Lead and coordinate daily stand‑up meeting briefing staff regarding day‑ahead trading and strategies executed.
• Create and lead new trading strategies that can optimize Tacoma’s generation portfolio. Plan and coordinate operation of generation resources and transmission facilities. Secure transmission for energy sales and purchases. Collaborate with policy analysts to develop strategies for Tacoma’s carbon‑free resources in compliance with State programs.
• Collaborate and strategize with operations & real‑time trading staff on resource planning and market fundamentals to optimize wholesale revenues.
• Develop daily and near‑term generation and interchange plans in accordance with established guidelines. Assure compliance with reliability standards and regulatory requirements.
• Prepare and execute Executive Presentations on industry changes and challenges to prepare Tacoma leadership teams.

Qualifications

Minimum Education

Bachelor's degree in business, economics, mathematics, engineering or related field

Minimum Experience

3 years of experience in wholesale energy marketing/planning, quantitative analysis or related utility operations

• Relevant education and experience may substitute for one another on a year‑for‑year basis

A Commitment to Equity & Diversity

At the City of Tacoma, we're on a mission to make our workforce as diverse and inclusive as the community we serve. We actively seek out candidates from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. Join our team at the City of Tacoma and help us build a more vibrant, inclusive, and equitable community for all.

If you have a less traditional background, we want to hear about your transferrable skills and experience. We value a variety of perspectives and are excited to see what you bring to the table.

Tacoma Power

Tacoma Power is an almost 100% hydroelectric, municipally‑owned public power utility, located in Tacoma. We serve approximately 180,000 customers as one of the three operating divisions of Tacoma Public Utilities, alongside Tacoma Water and Tacoma Rail. As one of the most livable, walkable cities in the country, you'll find that Tacoma is a great fit for all interests with places to bike, run, hike, and explore, the perks of a big city, and the charm of a small town.

Compensation & Benefits

Pay Details:

Annual Salary: $141,107.20 - $198,660.80

Employee Benefits | City of Tacoma