Market Analyst Journey

SMUD•Sacramento, CA

4d•$110,802 - $146,786•Hybrid

About The Position

SMUD is hiring a journey-level Market Analyst for its Distributed Energy Strategy team. The role provides analysis and technical support for customer, load, and demand forecasts; load research and related assessments; and program evaluations. The analyst applies data, modeling, and analytical techniques to inform business cases and strategy for distributed energy solutions, including virtual power plants, building and transportation electrification, managed charging and vehicle-to-grid, non-wires solutions, and distributed solar. The work supports customer programs, electrification planning, grid investment, affordability, reliability, and environmental responsibility. The position is part of a four-level classification series. The journey level independently performs the full scope of the job with the required skills and knowledge. The role requires sound judgment, curiosity, and the ability to work independently through ambiguity, connect data to real-world outcomes, collaborate across teams, and communicate findings as clear, actionable recommendations. It is a regular full-time position; the posting may also establish an eligibility list for future regular full-time and limited-term vacancies. The position may be eligible for SMUD's remote-work benefit, with the schedule determined by the successful candidate and hiring manager; business needs may require onsite work part-time or full-time. The initial hiring salary range is $110,801.60 to $146,785.60. Applicants must answer an application question about using operational data to identify a trend or opportunity that influenced a business, program, or planning decision. The response limit is 2,000 characters, and “Refer to resume” responses are not accepted.

Requirements

At least three years of progressively responsible relevant work experience conducting load research, load modeling, forecasting, modeling, and/or economic analysis.
Knowledge of methods for planning, organizing, directing, and controlling work activities; applicable policies and standards; budget administration; strategic planning; report writing; public speaking; cost control and project scheduling; project and budget management; economic analysis; analytical approaches; cost-benefit analysis; complex mathematics and statistics; finance and accounting; utility financial planning and forecasting; and development of forecasting models.
Ability to interpret and apply SMUD policies, procedures, applicable memoranda of understanding, and other special agreements.
Ability to participate with upper management in establishing corporate strategic plans and objectives; plan, organize, direct, control, and review others' work; and compile technical, statistical, and analytical reports and presentations.
Ability to deliver oral presentations, explain complex or controversial information, and communicate clearly in writing and speech to internal and external audiences.
Ability to monitor, manage, prioritize, schedule, and organize projects; evaluate complex issues and implement resolution alternatives; and assess potential long-term outcomes of operational changes.
Ability to gather data from appropriate sources, identify relevant factors, develop viable alternatives, and organize complex or conflicting information for different audiences.
Ability to prepare business cases weighing potential costs and benefits; assist with customer, load, and demand forecasts using sophisticated computer programs; and assist with load and financial evaluations.
Ability to assess advanced research and forecasting techniques and develop techniques to address unique problems.
Ability to establish and maintain effective internal and external working relationships.
Applicants must be able to perform the essential job functions with or without a reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Economics, Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, Data Science, or a related field, or equivalent experience. If no degree, at least seven years of relevant experience is required.
Experience working with Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) data and related grid-connectivity datasets.
Strong programming skills with tools including Python, SAS, R, SQL, and Databricks for data analysis and modeling.
Familiarity with distributed energy resource technologies, including virtual power plants, managed charging, and smart home systems.
Knowledge of emerging energy technologies, electricity grid components, and grid services.
Strong statistical analysis and modeling capabilities.
Proven ability to lead or contribute to cross-functional projects with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Experience using or managing forecasting, load research, and economic modeling tools.

Responsibilities

Develop long-term customer, load, and demand forecasts, program evaluations, and load analyses.
Design and develop databases to support load research and analysis.
Evaluate, procure, and coordinate analytical modeling tools for modeling and evaluation activities.
Support administration of internal and external projects, including identifying objectives and project teams; assisting with requests for proposals and project plans; monitoring progress, schedules, scope, expenditures, and assignments; reviewing work products; resolving discrepancies; maintaining records; and reviewing results and recommending next steps.
Conduct technical analyses for other departments to support operations planning and power scheduling, contract negotiations, supply- and demand-side resource assessment, rate design, and financial planning.
Support financial and market assessments of new products and services.
Independently analyze projects requiring significant capital commitments and provide recommendations.
Review and oversee consultant contract work on certain special projects.
Develop and deliver technical and verbal reports to staff, peers, management, and the general public.
Perform other related duties as needed, including working outside typical business hours when necessary.