Energy Market Analyst Senior - Market Systems

City of Austin; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 100,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Austin is seeking a senior analyst to optimize energy generation, fuel usage, and energy purchases. The role focuses on forecasting, market analysis, and developing tools for wholesale power and hedging transactions.

Responsibilities include designing generation schedules, evaluating economics of projects, and providing analytics for AE's system load and market opportunities. Strong ERCOT knowledge and data skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree plus five years of related experience.
• Master’s degree may substitute for up to one year of experience.
• PhD may substitute for up to two years of experience.

Responsibilities

• Determine optimal short- and long-term generation capacity.
• Forecast load and design/implement forecasting systems.
• Develop software to support wholesale power, fuel and hedging.
• Hedge transmission congestion risk and analyze market impacts.
• Support ERCOT QSE functions including scheduling and settlement.

Skills

Load forecasting

Hedging strategies

ERCOT market knowledge

Data analysis

Communication skills

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Master’s degree substitution for experience

PhD substitution for experience

Tools

RESTful APIs

SQL

Java/JSP

VBA

Job description

About This Position

This position performs a variety of tasks related to the optimization of electric power generation, fuel usage and energy purchases and sales.

Job Description: Duties, Functions and Responsibilities

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following.

Other related duties may be assigned.

• Determines optimum solutions for short-term and long-term generating capacity requirements.
• Designs, develops and implements complex load forecasting systems (based on unique time horizons) for use in Fuel and Electric Operations Planning.
• Designs, develops and implements software and solutions to facilitate wholesale power, fuel and hedging transactions.
• Develops and recommends optimum strategies to hedge transmission congestion risk.
• Designs, develops and implements solutions to facilitate Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) Qualified Scheduling Entity (QSE) functions including scheduling, bidding, settlement and market monitoring .
• Provides technical expertise and participates in the ERCOT market design and development process.
• Determines unit commitment schedules for generating resources using generation simulation software.
• Determines dispatch schedules for generating resources using generation simulation software.
• Projects short-term and long-term energy consumption, energy cost, and generation requirements to serve Austin Energy (AE) system load.
• Performs quantitative analysis of the financial impacts of various power, fuel and hedging transaction opportunities.
• Procures, administers and utilizes AE's Electric System Generation Simulation/Production Costing models.
• Evaluates economics of projects related to Conservation, Renewable Energy and other projects that support AE's Strategic Plan.
• Provides the analytics for determining the sales of excess generation capacity and energy.
• Analyzes and validates generating unit heat rate curves and performance data.
• Conducts research and provides technical expertise regarding weather impacts to customer demand and power requirements.

Responsibilities – Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised

• May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training, and guidance to others.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.
• Knowledge of AE's wholesale fuel and energy requirements.
• Knowledge of the impacts of recent deregulation trends in the fuel and energy markets.
• Knowledge of applicable processes, techniques, and methods.
• Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws and ordinances governing fuel and energy markets.
• Skill in communicating effectively both orally and in writing to convey information in a clear and concise manner.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks in a fast pace environment.
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
• Skill in analyzing complex data and solving problems.
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
• Ability to quickly recognize and analyze irregular events.
• Ability to cross train in related areas.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, plus five (5) years of experience in a related field
• Graduation with a Master's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in a field related to the job may substitute for experience up to one (1) year
• Graduation with a PhD. from an accredited college or university with major course work in a field related to the job may substitute for experience up to two (2) years

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in energy market operations or its related area.
• Experience designing or developing RESTful Web Service applications or other APIs and the security handling feature.
• Familiar with SQL or other database query language and clean, prepare, explore, analyze data and provide visualization and reporting.
• Familiar with Java/Jsp, VBA or other coding languages and experienced in development of software applications.

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.

The position is an senior level role and will require training, mentoring and supervision of junior level analysts.

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.

Location and Working Hours

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

Eligibility and Compliance

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.

Important Notes

Please be aware that the Job Posting Close Date reflects the final day to apply, but the posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the date listed.

Once a posting has closed, it will no longer be viewable in the system.

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.