Energy Market Supervisor - Austin Energy (QSE)

City of Austin • Austin, TX

4d

About The Position

Under minimal direction, the Energy Market Supervisor oversees staff and functions associated with Austin Energy’s energy market and operations as a Qualified Scheduling Entity (QSE). The role supervises QSE trading and operations across day-ahead, real-time, and forward markets, and oversees staff participation in ERCOT market design, rulemaking, and development processes. The supervisor ensures compliance with ERCOT and NERC protocols, guides, and other applicable regulations, and represents Austin Energy and the City of Austin to ERCOT and industry counterparties.

The position develops policies, procedures, processes, and tools for wholesale market operations; monitors and analyzes market activity, fuel purchasing, power marketing, bids and offers, fuel forecasts, and market trends; and works to minimize costs, maximize asset and resource value, and meet operational needs. It also oversees or evaluates programs for generation dispatch and management, market analysis, risk management, fuel procurement, and power marketing; develops generation simulations and production-costing models; and evaluates the economics of renewable energy, conservation, and other projects.

The role develops technical specifications and standards and reviews related plans and documents. It manages and negotiates contracts, reviews progress reports and change orders, verifies final quantities and costs, audits as-built records, and serves as a liaison among consultants, contractors, manufacturers, suppliers, and the City of Austin. The supervisor is responsible for the full range of supervisory activities, including selection, training, evaluation, and recommendations for dismissal. The position is designated as critical and may require schedule changes or reassignment during extraordinary situations or emergencies to provide essential services.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Six years of related work experience; a master’s degree may substitute for up to one year of experience, and a Ph.D. may substitute for up to two years.
• Knowledge of supervisory and management techniques.
• Knowledge of ERCOT and NERC operating protocols and guidelines.
• Knowledge of power plant and transmission system dispatch operations and power and fuel markets.
• Knowledge of energy risk management practices.
• Skill in using, developing, or supporting software and equipment used to manage energy market operations.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Skill in analyzing data and using analytical software.
• Ability to lead, train, and supervise subordinates.
• Ability to work independently and in teams.
• Ability to explain and demonstrate that essential job functions can be performed, with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Requires a NERC Clearance.
• Requires an ERCOT Digital Certificate (EDC) and a security review to determine eligibility for issuance.

Nice To Haves

• NERC BI or RC Certification, or ability to obtain certification within six months.
• Experience tracking, approving, maintaining, and training desk processes, policies, and procedures to ensure ERCOT Protocol compliance.
• Experience with generation resource test scheduling and reporting.
• Experience preparing for and participating in compliance audits.
• Experience leading and training new employees.
• Experience reviewing ERCOT protocols.

Responsibilities

• Supervise staff and functions related to wholesale energy marketing and dispatch, energy market systems, wholesale market analysis, and energy risk management.
• Supervise QSE trading and operations, including day-ahead, real-time, and forward market activities.
• Supervise staff participation in proposed ERCOT market design, rule changes, and development processes.
• Ensure compliance with ERCOT and NERC protocols and guides and other applicable regulations.
• Represent Austin Energy and the City of Austin to ERCOT, generation partners, resource owners, energy marketers, and other industry counterparties.
• Develop and implement policies, processes, procedures, and tools to support wholesale market operations.
• Monitor and engage in wholesale market activities, including fuel purchasing and power marketing; analyze QSE bid and offer practices, fuel price forecasts, and market trends to minimize costs, maximize resource value, and meet operational needs.
• Implement and evaluate programs related to generation dispatch and management systems, wholesale market analysis, energy risk management, fuel procurement, and power marketing.
• Develop electric-system generation simulations and production-costing models.
• Evaluate the economics of renewable energy, conservation, and other projects.
• Develop technical specifications and standards and review, analyze, and interpret plans, specifications, and related documents.
• Manage and negotiate contracts; review progress reports and change orders; verify final quantities and costs; and audit as-built records.
• Serve as liaison among consultants, contractors, manufacturers, suppliers, and the City of Austin regarding energy market operations.
• Perform supervisory activities, including employee selection, training, evaluation, and recommendations for dismissal.
• Train Real Time Desk staff and ensure compliance with ERCOT protocols and NERC standards.

Benefits

• Comprehensive compensation package with generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
• Retirement benefits through the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
• Access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
• Wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
• Professional development and leadership opportunities.
• Modern workspaces designed to foster collaboration and inspiration.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager