Energy Market Analyst

City of Austin; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Austin is seeking a technical expert to optimize energy market operations, including energy purchases, scheduling, and data analysis for wholesale power and fuel flows. The role emphasizes building and securing RESTful web services, managing Windows and Linux systems, and leveraging SQL for reporting, with ERCOT market operations experience highly valued.

Candidate will work with cross‑functional teams to ensure 24/7 operations readiness and compliance with ERCOT/ NERC requirements,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field plus 3 years of experience.
• Master's or PhD can substitute for experience as noted.

Responsibilities

• Projects short- and long-term electric energy and fuel requirements.
• Forecast wholesale power and fuel prices and market trends.
• Optimize purchases among multiple supply/transport options.

Skills

RESTful Web Services

Windows & Linux systems

SQL & data analysis

Java/JSP

Python/VBA

ERCOT Market Operations

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree substitute for up to 1 year experience

PhD substitute for up to 2 years experience

Job description

About This Position

Under general direction, this position performs a variety of tasks related to the optimization, nomination, balancing, and invoicing of fuel and electrical energy sales, purchases and transportation.

• Projects short- and long-term electric energy and fuel requirements.
• Assists with forecasting daily wholesale power and fuel prices and market trends.
• Optimizes power and fuel purchases among multiple supply and transportation options.
• Allocates wholesale power and fuel purchases in accordance with contractual obligations.
• Assists with daily, monthly, and other purchases of wholesale power and fuel; the execution of energy risk management transactions, the planning and designing of energy risk management strategies: wholesale power and fuel contracts and agreements.
• Nominates and schedules daily wholesale power and natural gas purchase and transportation volumes.
• Monitors daily natural gas consumption and re-nominates as needed.
• Monitors and controls natural gas transportation imbalance accounts.
• Performs Qualified Scheduling Entity (QSE) bidding and scheduling functions.
• Monitors Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) transmission congestion and determines impacts to Austin Energy (AE) energy schedules.
• Issues generating unit dispatch and commitment orders to the power plants.
• Monitors and coordinates generating unit status and performance among affected parties.
• Supports ERCOT market design and development process.
• Analyzes monthly wholesale power and fuel purchases, sales, and risk activity reports.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation with a Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university, plus three (3) years of experience in a related field.
• Graduation with a Master's degree with major course work in a field related to the job may substitute for experience up to one (1) year.
• Graduation with a PhD. with major course work in a field related to the job may substitute for experience up to two (2) years.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experienced in designing and developing RESTful Web Service applications or other APIs and their security feature.
• Experienced in managing, scripting and troubleshooting Windows and Linux based systems.
• Proficient with SQL or other database query language, database management, and clean, prepare, explore, analyze data and provide visualization and reporting.
• Proficient with Java/Jsp, Python, VBA or other coding languages and experienced in development of software applications.
• Experience with ERCOT Market Operations.

Notes to Candidate

This position will serve as technical expert in designing, development and maintenance of energy market operation market system servers for data hosting and data analytics functions. The position will interact regularly with internal and external stakeholders to support front office, middle office and back office personnel and provide technical support using ERCOT market operation knowledge with software application and data support. This position requires 24 x 7 technical support for real time and day ahead operators to provide essential job duty and other functions as needed. This position has been designated as a Critical Employee position. Critical Employees are considered necessary and vital and supports activities that impact City or department operations. This work can be done while at a designated work site or while working at an alternate work location. Critical employees who are able to work at an alternative work location are required to do so. Schedules may be modified, and employees may be reassigned to another area during extraordinary situations or emergency conditions to provide essential services.

Work Location

4815 Mueller Blvd., Austin, TX 78723

Work Hours

Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. May work evenings, weekends or holiday to support the 24-hour Utility operations.

Salary

Based on experience and approved City of Austin pay scales/ranges

Job Requirements

Verification of your education (which may include high school graduation or GED, undergraduate and/or graduate degrees) will be required. You must provide proof of education from an accredited organization/institution.

You must also provide proof of your professional licenses or certifications. If you are identified as a top candidate and are in the military or a veteran, you will need to provide a copy of your DD-214 prior to confirming a start date.

This position requires a criminal background investigation.

NERC: This position will require a NERC Clearance.

ERCOT: This position requires the use of an ERCOT Digital Certificate (EDC) and therefore will require a Security Review to determine if the candidate meets all the requirements for issuance of the EDC.

Join the City of Austin Team

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – that anchor our delivery of services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
• Value and Innovation: Work in an environment where employees are valued and innovation thrives.
• Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
• Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
• Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
• Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
• Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
• Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

EEO Statement for City of Austin

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk. City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call [phone] or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.