Senior Energy Market Analyst

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:

• Advanced Microsoft Excel expertise, with experience handling large datasets using SQL, Power Query, or similar tools
• Experience analyzing ERCOT wholesale markets or other nodal markets, including congestion patterns
• Familiarity with power and gas products and instruments, particularly within the context of ERCOT
• Experience with commercial energy modeling and valuation tools such as Ascend Analytics or cQuant
• Experience modeling conventional generation, renewables, load, and battery storage
• Experience analyzing trade P&L and trade strategies and forecasting Day-Ahead and Real-Time energy prices

Notes to Candidate:

The Senior Energy Market Analyst performs the analysis that optimizes Austin Energy’s generation portfolio, fuel usage, and energy purchases and sales — work that helps the utility deliver reliable, affordable power to the community it serves. This position analyzes wholesale market activity across multiple market timeframes to evaluate portfolio performance and strategy effectiveness, examining the net power supply costs, margins, and market factors that drive risk across the portfolio.

In this role, the analyst models conventional generation, renewables, load, and battery storage; conducts scenario analysis and what-if studies to evaluate portfolio performance and risk; and evaluates and recommends power and gas products and instruments to offset that risk. As a senior member of the team, the analyst is expected to translate complex market data into clear, defensible recommendations that inform how Austin Energy positions and manages its portfolio.

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

Employment Application:

• The City of Austin employment application is an official document; incomplete applications will not be considered.
• Please be sure to detail on the application all current and previous employment that you wish to be considered as part of your qualifications.
• The Employment Record should be complete with job titles, employment dates, job duties, functions, and responsibilities for each position held. Starting salary will be based on overall relevant experience from your application.
• Statements such as “see résumé” will not be accepted. You may use “N/A” for fields that are not applicable.
• Please note that Austin Energy may close the job posting at any time after 7 days from the date of the initial advertisement. Once the job posting has closed, applications cannot be changed.

If you are selected as a top candidate:

• 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.

Important Note to Applicants:
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. All application steps, including attachments and submission, must be fully completed before that time.

We also recommend that you save or print a copy of the job posting for your records. Once a posting has closed, it will no longer be viewable in the system.

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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.

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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 (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.