Position Description

Tacoma Power’s Power Management group is currently looking for a Day-Ahead Energy Trader to join their team. The Day-Ahead Energy Trader is responsible for the near-term management of Tacoma Power’s bulk power supply portfolio. This position balances the system load and resources in an economic and reliable manner, negotiating physical energy trades in the near-term market. The portfolio optimization duties require a variety of economic and market analysis and helps Tacoma Power prepare for industry changes such as Western Resource Adequacy Program and Southwest Power Pool’s Markets+. This position directly supports our mission by optimizing our resources and wholesale revenues. This position will be required to be in office 3 days per week starting January 1st, 2026.

Responsibilities Include

• Lead and help prepare Tacoma through rigorous analysis for industry changes such as the Western Resource Adequacy Program, BPA Provider of Choice and Markets+. Lead and coordinate daily stand-up meeting briefing staff regarding day-ahead trading and strategies executed.
• Develop a thorough understanding of Tacoma Power’s hydroelectric resources and their power and non-power constraints. Apply this knowledge to develop day-ahead proposals that optimize these resources while taking into account hydro and price uncertainty and other risks. Collaborate with other internal stakeholders, such as our resource operations team, to vet and enhance these plans.
• Negotiate and execute physical trades of power supply products in conformance with Tacoma Power’s trading guidelines and risk management policies.
• Create and lead new trading strategies that can optimize Tacoma’s generation portfolio. Plan and coordinate operation of generation resources and transmission facilities. Secure transmission for energy sales and purchases.
• Collaborate and strategize with operations & real-time trading staff on resource planning and market fundamentals to optimize wholesale revenues.
• Develop a thorough understanding of Tacoma Power’s hydroelectric resources and their power and non-power constraints. Apply this knowledge to develop day-ahead proposals that optimizes these resources while taking into account hydro and price uncertainty and other risks. Collaborate with other internal stakeholders, such as our resource operations team, to vet and enhances these plans.
• Develop daily and near term generation and interchange plans in accordance with established guidelines. Assure compliance with reliability standards and regulatory requirements.
• Prepare and execute Executive Presentations on industry changes and challenges to prepare Tacoma leadership teams.
  
  

Qualifications

Minimum Education*

Bachelor's degree in Business, Economics, Mathematics, Engineering or related field

Minimum Experience*

3 years of experience in wholesale energy marketing/planning, quantitative analysis or related utility operations.

• Equivalency: 1 year of experience = 1 year of education
  
  

Licensing, Certifications And Other Requirements

Washington State Driver's License

Selection Process & Supplemental Information

This recruitment is being managed by Elise Drennen. If you would like to be notified of similar opportunities or stay connected with things going on at Tacoma Public Utilities and the City of Tacoma, connect with them on LinkedIn.

City of Tacoma Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Tacoma's diversity is its greatest asset. Tacoma embraces its multi-cultural and multi-ethnic character. Communities of color and immigrant communities are fundamental to Tacoma's entrepreneurial spirit, workforce, and long-term success. In Tacoma, equity and empowerment are top priorities, meaning that all Tacoma residents must have equitable opportunities to reach their full potential and share in the benefits of community progress. One of our goals is for the City of Tacoma workforce to reflect the community it serves. We actively work to eliminate racial and other disparities and welcome candidates with diverse backgrounds and/or multicultural skill sets and experiences. Our goal is for Tacoma to be an inclusive and equitable place to live, work, and play.

The City of Tacoma is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its workplace. Applicants are considered for positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital or veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, and local laws.

Tacoma Power

Tacoma Power is an almost 100% hydroelectric, municipally-owned public power utility, located in Tacoma. We serve approximately 180,000 customers as one of the three operating divisions of Tacoma Public Utilities, alongside Tacoma Water and Tacoma Rail. As one of the most livable, walkable cities in the country, you'll find that Tacoma is a great fit for all interests with places to bike, run, hike, and explore, the perks of a big city, and the charm of a small town.

Apply

Interested individuals should apply online and attach a detailed resume and cover letter that includes job experience, major responsibilities and accomplishments related to this position.

Reference checks will be conducted on final candidates and appointment is subject to passing a background check.

Communication from the City of Tacoma

We primarily communicate via e-mail during the application process. E-mails from cityoftacoma.org and/or governmentjobs.com must be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk e-mail folders.For assistance with the NEOGOV application process, questions regarding this job announcement, or if you are experiencing complications while applying, please contact the Human Resources office at 253-591-5400 by 4:00 pm of the closing date of the job announcement. This will allow time to assist you before the job announcement closes. (For technical difficulties using the NeoGov system, call the applicant support line at 1-855-524-5627 between 6:00 AM and 5:00 PM Pacific Time.)