Markets & Optimization Coordinator

Markets & Optimization Coordinator

Work Location: Butte, MT; Huron or Sioux Falls, SD

Pay range: $66,600 to $143,300 per year

Employment Status: Regular Full-time

About this position:

The Markets and Optimization Coordinator is responsible for the optimization of NorthWestern Energy's electric and natural gas assets and creating value for ratepayers and shareholders. The company's membership in the Southwest Power Pool ("SPP"), The Western Resource Adequacy Program (WRAP), and its participation in WEIM, EDAM or Markets+, and the bilateral markets are all areas of focus for this position.

This position will work within a team environment and require a strong understanding of energy markets, regulatory requirements, and asset operations for the company's South Dakota and Montana operations. The Coordinator will act as the primary contact for NorthWestern Energy's activities related to its membership in SPP.

We offer great benefits:

NorthWestern Energy is a fully regulated electric and natural gas utility serving Montana, South Dakota and Nebraska. We employ over 1,600 amazing people and serve over 800,000 customers who are our neighbors in our communities. We are a top employer and offer competitive benefits, including:

• 401K with company match up to 4% and non-elective contribution up to 7%
• Healthcare and wellbeing programs, including dental and vision for you, your spouse and dependents, Health Savings Account (HSA), healthcare and dependent care flexible spending account (FSA)
• Employee Assistance Programs (Offering up to six free counseling sessions, per person, per issue, per year for employees, spouses and dependents to include financial health)
• Life Insurance (Company pays basic employee policy; spouse, dependent insurance also available)
• Continuing education reimbursement
• Competitive pay (Scheduled performance-based wage increases and annual incentive opportunities.)
• Paid company endorsed volunteer opportunities
• Paid parental leave
• Paid bereavement leave
• Paid training opportunities
• Paid time off starting on your first day, plus 11 paid holidays

Benefits may vary by position or as negotiated as part of a collective bargaining agreement.

About this job:

• Act as Energy Supply's primary point of contact with SPP
• Coordinate activities related to membership in SPP
• Develop understanding of SPP market and identify issues that may affect NorthWestern Energy
• Monitor SPP committee activity, initiatives, and news for issues relevant to NorthWestern Energy and coordinate engagement by appropriate NorthWestern Energy personnel
• Develop and maintain monthly, quarterly and annual reporting related to SPP activity
• Develop strong working relationships with SPP staff
• Perform weekly, monthly, quarterly and yearly settlements activity
• Work with members of the Generation, Marketing Operations, Supply Planning, Transmission, Regulatory Affairs, Legal, and Compliance groups to develop protocols to implement strategies for South Dakota and Montana
• Coordinate and manage other projects and processes as required
• Understand and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements in both regions
• Assist in the development and support of regulatory cases in all applicable jurisdictions involving Energy Supply
• Develop and perform analysis as needed for other aspects of Energy Supply
• Assist in the development of asset optimization strategies for Montana and South Dakota resources to efficiently meet customer needs
• Assist in NorthWestern Energy's participation in the Western Energy Imbalance Market (WEIM), the Enhanced Day-Ahead Market (EDAM), and Markets+
• Assist in NorthWestern Energy's development of and participation in a WRAP (Western Resource Adequacy Program) in the WECC
• The ability to maintain regular, reliable, and punctual attendance is an essential function of this position, consistent with applicable laws and reasonable accommodation requirements
• All NorthWestern Energy employees are required to adhere to company safety standards and the Code of Business Conduct & Ethics
• Ensure all actions are consistent with NorthWestern Energy's values, mission, and strategic business objective

Am I right for this job? Here's the success profile:

• Demonstrate and maintain a good safety record
• Must possess strong interpersonal communication skills
• Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, or comparable field
• Minimum of two years' experience in electricity markets, utility operations, or related field; experience in SPP a plus
• Project management experience and/or training a plus
• Ability to show initiative and work independently without close supervision
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Strong computer skills and experience with Microsoft Office products
• Ability to read, interpret, and apply complex operating agreements, standards, and procedures
• Ability to work effectively with groups and teams to accomplish organizational goals
• Demonstrated ability to represent NorthWestern Energy appropriately in public meetings and processes
• Get Into Energy - Energy Industry Fundamental 2.0 certification is a plus (click the link to certify at no cost)