Sr Load Forecaster-Economist

Avista•Spokane, WA

13d•$114,207 - $186,159•Hybrid

About The Position

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

Bachelor’s degree from a regionally or nationally accredited college or university in economics, engineering, finance, math, business or related field required.
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.
Demonstrated experience with statistical analyses required as well as analytical software and modeling, with forecasting and econometric theory is required.

Nice To Haves

Master's or doctorate degree in Economics, Engineering, Finance, Math, Business, or related field preferred.
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.
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.

Responsibilities

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.
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.
Developing robust modeling approaches, analyses, and forecasts in a collaborative team environment.