Distributed Energy Resources (DER) Analyst 6-month contract (Part-time - 30 hours per week) Portland OR PST (Remote OK) Role & Responsibilities · Assessing current cost-effectiveness inputs and methodologies, aligning them with industry best practices and regulatory requirements. This may involve developing new features for benefits tests and revising cost-effectiveness model to quantify the impacts of different DER measures and programs. Additionally, you'll play a key role in enhancing the evaluation of DER values, providing training on new methodologies, and developing strategic implementation plans. Your strong analytical skills, combined with effective communication and problem-solving abilities, will be instrumental in delivering high-quality results within the project timeline and budget constraints. The team members and hiring manager would likely have frequent and substantive interactions with this role. Given the complexity and importance of the tasks outlined, collaboration among team members and with the hiring manager would be essential for success.
· The role involves working closely with the Distributed Resource Planning (DRP) team, internal stakeholders, and potentially external partners to assess, refine, and implement methodologies related to distributed energy resource (DER) valuation and cost-effectiveness analysis. This collaboration would require regular communication to ensure alignment on objectives, methodologies, and outcomes. Additionally, the hiring manager would likely provide guidance, feedback, and support to ensure that the role effectively contributes to achieving strategic goals in the DER space. Overall, the interaction level with this role would be intensive and collaborative, reflecting the cross-functional nature of the initiatives and the importance of successful implementation for business objectives.
· The biggest challenge in this role is likely to be the need to balance multiple priorities and stakeholders' expectations effectively. Given the complex nature of distributed energy resources (DERs) and the evolving regulatory landscape, the worker must navigate various internal and external factors while enhancing the engineering and technical rigor applied to planning and valuing the Flex Load resource. This involves conducting thorough assessments of current cost-effectiveness inputs and methodologies, as well as revising and applying the cost-effectiveness model to quantify the impacts of various DER measures, programs, and portfolios. Additionally, the worker will need to collaborate closely with stakeholders to ensure alignment and consensus on new methodologies, while also managing training, feedback, and strategic implementation plans to integrate these methodologies into decision-making processes effectively. Striking the right balance between technical rigor, stakeholder engagement, and strategic alignment will be crucial for success in this role.
Requirements · Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Economics, Environmental Science, or related field (advanced degree preferred) and previous utilities experience a must
· DER Modeling Experience: The worker must possess established experience in distributed energy resource (DER) modeling, including conducting cost-benefit analysis for DERs, with a focus on flexible loads and demand response (DR) programs.
· Utility Sector Knowledge: Strong understanding of utility regulatory environments, utility business operations, and best practices in DER assessment methodologies are essential. This includes familiarity with utility regulatory constructs and associated public processes.
· Analytical and Communication Skills: Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills are crucial for assessing cost-effectiveness inputs and methodologies, as well as enhancing DER value assessment practices.
· Additionally, must have the ability to communicate complex concepts effectively to diverse stakeholders, both internally and externally, to facilitate collaboration and alignment on new methodologies and strategic implementation plans.
Nice-To-Haves · Experience in Energy Policy: Experience in energy policy, particularly related to distributed energy resources (DERs), would be beneficial. This includes familiarity with policy landscapes, regulatory frameworks, and emerging trends in the energy industry.
· Advanced Degree in Relevant Field: While a bachelor's degree is required, an advanced degree (such as a master's or higher) in Engineering, Economics, Environmental Science, or a related field would be advantageous. Advanced education can provide deeper insights and expertise in DER valuation, cost-effectiveness analysis, and utility sector dynamics.
Project Management Skills: Strong project management skills would enhance the worker's ability to manage multiple initiatives, collaborate with stakeholders, and drive projects to successful completion. This includes skills in planning, organizing, and coordinating tasks, as well as managing timelines, resources, and budgets effectively within the context of DER planning and valuation projects.
