Administrative Intern (Power Supply)

Administrative Intern

The City of Pasadena's Water and Power Department (PWP), within the Power Supply Division, is seeking a graduate or upper-division undergraduate student to serve as an Administrative Intern. PWP provides electricity to more than 65,000 customers in Pasadena and supplies water to nearly 38,000 homes and businesses in Pasadena and nearby San Gabriel Valley communities. Under direct supervision, the Administrative Intern may be assigned to a variety of projects across the Power Supply Division, including regulatory and legislative affairs, power resource planning, long-term procurement, short-term energy and gas trading and scheduling, and power plant operations.

This is a limited-term, full-time, 40-hour per week position and is expected to last (1) one year and may be extended up to (2) two years.

The ideal candidate is a recent college graduate (within the past (3) three years) or a current upper-class standing student in an accredited college or university, who is interested in starting a career in the electric utility industry. This individual will perform analytical work to support the Power Supply Division's energy and fuel procurement activities. The candidate should be able to think critically and evaluate information logically, communicate effectively, and collaborate with a diverse team. Responsibilities may include reviewing contracts and proposals, conducting market research on power resource technologies, compiling and analyzing data in spreadsheets, assisting Energy Traders with power and gas market information, and completing special projects such as improving website content. The ideal candidate is also well-organized and able to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively.

Essential Functions

The major responsibilities of this position are listed below. For more detailed information, please review the job description.

• Provides administrative and/or technical staff support.
• Assists in performing research and analysis on administrative, fiscal and operational matters as directed including energy industry trends, policy developments and market fundamentals. Analyzes consultant reports and market data, identify emerging patters; gathers, compiles and organizes data; prepares reports to summarize findings.
• Collect, organize and maintain market inputs including fuel prices, load forecasts, capacity trends, policy drivers, and technology outlooks.
• Assists in the preparation and/or revisions of manuals, written reports, proposals, procedures, and memoranda.
• Assists in developing and making presentations.
• Performs file maintenance and generates computer reports; may initiate or prepare correspondence in the performance of assigned tasks.
• May assist with a variety of upcoming Pasadena Water and Power projects/initiatives, such as:
• 2028 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) development
• Power Supply pilot projects (e.g. micro wind turbines, long-duration energy storage, distributed energy resources, and battery storage)
• Implementation of the Optimized Strategic Plan Action Plan
• Development of cost modeling tools for resource planning.

Qualification Guidelines

COMPETENCIES The following list represents the core competencies needed for success in the position.

• Communication- the art of effectively sharing information with others, typically with goals of building relationships, informing decision processes and coordinating group action.
• Analytical & Quantitative Reasoning- the ability to detect patterns in information and to break down problems into logical sections or steps in order to solve them more effectively.
• Handling Setbacks- one's tendency to maintain composure and positivity, and to continue productive behaviors, in the face of adversity and conflict.
• Focus- one's skill at directing and maintaining attention on those tasks that are most important, meaningful and beneficial.
• Critical Thinking- the process of evaluating information, situations and assumptions in order to ensure sound judgment and appropriate responses.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Must be a recent graduate (within the last (3) three years) or currently enrolled as an upper-division student at an accredited college or university, with an expected graduation date by Spring 2026 with completion of coursework in economics, finance, business, law, engineering, or a related field of study.

Special Requirements

Possession of or ability to obtain a valid Class C California driver's license and a satisfactory driving record may be required for some assignments.