Sr Load Forecaster-Economist

Avista Corporation; Spokane (WA); Hybrid; USD 114,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare options

401(k) match

Paid time off

Life Insurance

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Avista Corporation seeks an experienced professional to advance energy forecasting and methodologies to support the integrated planning process. This role leads the medium- and long-term load forecast for gas and electric, supporting financial planning, procurement, and strategic initiatives.

The team collaborates to develop robust modeling approaches and forecasts while communicating drivers of growth to diverse audiences including management and regulators.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in forecasting, economics, or related field.
• Strong communication skills for diverse audiences.
• Ability to build relationships across the organization and influence stakeholders.
• Excellent problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities.
• Broad understanding of electric and/or gas utility operations and forecasting methods.
• Experience with statistical analyses and analytical modeling.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead Avista's medium- and long-term load forecast for gas and electric.
• Articulate forecast drivers to management, regulators, and public groups.
• Collaborate with teams to refine modeling approaches and forecasts.

Skills

Forecasting

Communication

Stakeholder management

Problem solving

Industry knowledge

Econometric theory

Tools

Forecasting software

Econometric software

Job description

Avista seeks an experienced professional who will advance long-term energy forecasting and methodologies as necessary to support optimization of our integrated planning process. This position is responsible and accountable for developing and leading Avista's medium-term and long-term load forecast for both gas and electric businesses as it supports the integrated system plan, financial plan, energy supply procurement, and other strategies. This position will be responsible for effectively articulating Avista’s load forecast to internal management, state utility commissions, and public interest groups explaining drivers of customer growth and energy consumption trends to a wide variety of audiences.

This position is part of a highly collaborative team that works together to develop robust modeling approaches, analyses, and forecasts.

Requirements

• Seven (7)+ years of progressively responsible experience required in forecasting, economics, utility planning, qualitative analysis, or related field.
• Effective, adaptable, and exceptional communication skills are essential for communication with wide variety of audiences internally and externally.
• Ability to successfully develop and manage relationships at all levels of the organization and influence a variety of stakeholders.
• Demonstrated excellence with creative problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities.
• Ideal candidate will have a broad and deep understanding of electric and/or gas utility business operations with a mastery of advanced forecasting tools and methods.
• Demonstrated experience with statistical analyses required as well as analytical software and modeling, with forecasting and econometric theory is required.
• Experience with modeling frameworks used for long-term load forecasting preferred.
• Experience as an expert witness and/or ability to effectively represent Avista with outside organizations and regulatory processes preferred.

Other combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Closes

November 1, 2026

Hiring Range: $114,207 to $150,183

Hybrid work options are available for this role. The successful candidate will be required to work at our Spokane office at least 3 days per week including Mondays and Tuesdays with additional day(s) determined by the manager.

Total Rewards

At Avista, our employees are the foundation of our success. Their dedication drives the value we deliver to our customers and communities. That’s why we prioritize the physical, mental, and financial well-being of our team members and their families.

• Affordable healthcare options including medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Retirement benefits with an enhanced 401(k) match
• Incentive programs rewarding performance and contributions
• Competitive paid time off including holidays, personal days, and vacation
• Life and disability insurance for added peace of mind
• Wellness resources supporting mental and physical health
• Education and development support including tuition assistance
• Community giving programs encouraging employee engagement and impact
• Other optional benefits from Legal insurance, Pet insurance, and more (Eligibility subject to Bargaining Unit affiliation)

To learn more, please visit our benefits website at https://avistabenefits.com/ .

We are committed to maintaining a competitive and equitable total rewards package that attracts and retains a diverse, skilled, and engaged workforce.

In compliance with state laws, we provide the full salary range for each position, along with the typical hiring range based on qualifications, experience, and internal equity. The full salary range for this position is $114,207 to $186,159. Questions regarding compliance with this requirement can be directed to [e-mail] .

Pre-employment screening requirements

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a drug test, background check and motor vehicle records review.

Avista’s Commitment to Equal Opportunity

Avista is a safe, inclusive workplace for people of all backgrounds, and we are committed to Equal Opportunity Employment. All qualified applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, age, sensory, mental or physical disability (unless based upon a bona fide occupational qualification), Veteran status or any other classification protected by nondiscrimination laws.

Please view Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP here . Prior to the next step in the recruiting process, we welcome you to inform us confidentially if you require any special accommodations to participate fully in our recruitment process. Avista will make reasonable accommodation to assist a qualified person with a disability in the job application, interview process, and to perform the essential functions of the job whenever possible, where undue hardship would not be created for Avista. Please contact us at [e-mail] if you would like assistance.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.