Senior Resource Valuation/Planning Specialist - Portland, Oregon - 109517

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PacifiCorp is seeking customer-centric candidates to grow and sustain our commitment to a culture of customer service excellence, environmental sustainability and diversity, equity and inclusion.

General Purpose

Operates and maintains optimization models used for long-term resource planning, asset valuation, production cost analytics, and resource acquisition related activities and studies. Conducts special studies and analyses, evaluates cost and risk, develops alternatives, presents recommendations to management and influences management decisions. Researches, analyzes, develops and implements new and/or improved optimization and valuation methods in response to changing internal and external conditions. Organizes data collection and maintains timely communications with internal data providers. 

Responsibilities

• Maintain and operate optimization models used to develop the integrated resource plan (IRP), asset valuation studies, production cost analytics, and resource acquisition including the following activities:
  • Ensure model assumptions are current and accurate (examples include loads, unit characteristics, fuel costs, environmental policy, transmission, resource retirements, and resource additions)
  • Document inputs and outputs.
  • Troubleshoot model errors.
  • Review forecast/model results to ensure they are reasonable and consistent with input assumptions.
• Update model data and model configuration as needed when new versions of the software are released. 
• Compile and interpret large and complex data sets to formulate model inputs.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on resource planning and valuation methods and models.
• Structure and complete ad-hoc analysis in support of resource investment, resource acquisition, and structured commercial transaction opportunities.
• Perform assignments requiring analysis, integration and creativity for which the purpose, objectives, and methods may or may not be well defined.
• Develop and provide input and recommendations for improvements to model and database processes and practices.
• Gather and organize internal data, track data deliverables, communicate with internal company data providers, and communicating status with the IRP team.
• Gather model results, complete analysis, and accurately populate data templates used for external reporting (i.e. fuel mix reports, load and resource reports, etc.) consistent with requirements established by regulators and other external parties.
• Support discovery and regulatory requests related to modeling activities.
• Identify and implement appropriate modeling methods and techniques consistent with project scope and intended deliverables.
• Prepare clear and concise deliverables that document results, risks, methods, and key assumptions.
• Develop memorandums and presentations that clearly communicate model results, assumptions, and recommendations. 
• Present recommendations supported by study results and risk analysis. 
• Work with a broad range of subject matter experts to ensure analytical assumptions, methods, and results are understood and reasonable. 

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Finance, Accounting or a related field; or the equivalent combination of education and experience.   
• A minimum of eight years of related analytical experience with two-years directly related to long-term resource planning.  
• Research and analysis skills including the ability to obtain relevant data, evaluate complex situations, develop creative alternatives, provide recommendations, and negotiate and influence outcomes. 
• Project management and leadership skills including the ability to work as a team member to maintain project timelines, resolution of issues, and deliver on commitments. 
• Communication and interpersonal skills involving the ability to establish trust, maintain confidence, and understand social behavior and interactions.
• Ability to work under limited supervision in a fast paced work environment. 
• Strong knowledge of valuation techniques and analytical methods specific to the electric utility industry. 
• Strong spreadsheet skills.
• Strong oral and written communication skills that can be leveraged to describe complex analytical methods to a broad range of audiences.
• Proficient with the use of personal computers to gather, analyze, and summarize data.  
• Ability to work in a high volume and tight deadline arena. 
• Ability to work in a team environment with a strong ability to think independently and facilitate cooperation.  
   

Preferences

• Advanced degree.
• Prior experience with optimization models, production cost analytics, forecasting power prices, and/