Utility Rate Analyst, Senior (Economist, Senior)

Sr. Utility Rate Analyst (Senior Economist)

Priority review will be given to applications received before May 26th.

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is one of the region's most highly respected and innovative public utilities. With an annual budget of over $1 billion, SPU is a dynamic and multi-faceted, rate payer funded utility. Our promise focuses on what's important to residential and business customers. Our mission is to provide efficient, forward-looking utility services that keep Seattle the best place to live. SPU is committed to the delivery of a high-quality water supply, essential wastewater, storm water, and solid waste services to more than 1.5 million customers we serve in the greater Seattle metropolitan area.

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is seeking a Sr. Utility Rate Analyst (Senior Economist) to manage all aspects of financial planning for one of Seattle's utilities (Drainage and Wastewater, Solid Waste, or Water) within the Rates & Financial Planning group. This position is part of a team that reports to the Rates Manager in the Finance Division of the Finance, Administration, and Risk Services Branch.

About Seattle Public Utilities (SPU): Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is a Community Centered Utility whose mission is to foster healthy people, environment, and economy by partnering with our community to equitably manage water and waste resources for today and future generations. We deliver high quality, vital services, across four major lines of business: providing water, solid waste, drainage and wastewater services for Seattle residents and businesses. In addition, SPU provides drinking water for 1.5 million regional customers in Seattle and other municipalities. Our customers depend on us to deliver high quality, reliable, and cost-conscious utility services and to achieve the highest benefits possible for every investment we make.

SPU commits to Our City Values and Race and Social Justice as core principles that guide our work. We actively take steps to dismantle systemic racism and increase service equity. We value diverse life experiences and strive to create a workplace that is welcoming to all. We take steps to be inclusive and equitable in our recruiting, hiring, and promotional opportunities.

Why join us? We know work isn't only about what you do, it's also about who you work for and with! SPU provides a fun and family-friendly work environment that supports a work life balance, including:

• Family-friendly and multicultural work environment
• Generous benefits package
• Free public transportation options
• City pension plan with employer/employee contributions
• Growth potential and advancement opportunities

Job Responsibilities:

• Lead the financial and rate impacts of a Fund's programs and policies, including:
• Prepare regular utility rate studies, including proactively identifying and analyzing issues.
• Develop recommendations on financial and rate setting policies.
• Develop ongoing rate forecasts to show financial impacts of business practices, programs and investment choices, and utility policy alternatives.
• Present results of modeling, forecasting and analysis to senior management, interdepartmental teams, citizens' committees and elected officials.
• Manage the ongoing finances of a Fund, including independently identifying and analyzing items that may impact the Fund, preparing monthly financial reports, and monitoring of Fund overall financial performance.
• Maintain the Fund's financial forecasting and cost allocation models and develop and test new model features as required.
• Provide direction/guidance to interdepartmental groups on issues that impact rates and financial performance.
• Act as the SPU utility lead in the issuance of revenue bonds for the Fund, including recommendation of timing/size of issues and forecast of financial impacts.
• Present financial projections to rating agencies.
• Coordinate with the City's law and finance departments, and financial consultants in the development of information for potential investors and rating agencies.
• Lead efforts and direct teams, as required, related to rates or other financial policy initiatives, including coordination with other SPU teams, City departments, and external stakeholders.
• Work effectively within a multicultural workforce serving a diverse customer base.

Qualifications:

Experience: Requires three (3) years' professional experience in economic and financial research and analysis, and a baccalaureate degree with one year of graduate study in Economics, Finance, Engineering or other field involving extensive course work in economic and financial theory and analysis. The year of graduate study may be replaced by two years of related professional experience. Other combinations of education and experience will be evaluated on an individual basis for comparability.

Education: A Bachelor's degree with one year of graduate study in Economics, Finance, Engineering or other field involving extensive course work in economic and financial theory and analysis. The year of graduate study may be replaced by two years of related professional experience. Experience and Education Equivalency: Other combinations of education and experience will be evaluated on an individual basis for comparability.

Work Environment/Physical Demands:

• Most work is performed in a normal City work/office environment.

Desired Qualifications:

• High proficiency with large volume data analysis and ability to create queries, ad hoc analysis and reporting.
• Background in finance and financial analysis with exposure to accounting treatments, interpretation of accounting guidelines and financial ratios.
• Experience in independently applying a variety of analytic and modeling methods to different problems.
• Excellent oral, written and interpersonal communication skills, including presenting information to a variety of audiences.
• Self-starter with demonstrated ability to accomplish work tasks independently, but in close coordination with a team.
• Demonstrated leadership skills, including supervising or directing others and experience working collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
• Experience working with elected officials and the general public with diverging opinions and viewpoints.
• Experience with policy analysis and interpretation of legislation and/or regulations.
• Ability to work within the organizational framework of SPU Workplace Expectations including our values on Safety, Respect, Diversity, Trust, Humor, Productivity, Integrity, Innovation, Partnership and Accountability.
• Ability to communicate and work effectively within a multi-cultural workforce serving a diverse customer base.

Additional Information:

How to Apply: In addition to fully completing the online application, please attach your resume and cover letter addressing the Desired Qualifications. These are required to be considered for this position. Your cover letter should also include your general knowledge and experience related to the position.

Work Schedule: This position allows for the flexibility of a hybrid work schedule. Employees are required to come into the office three times a week. Individual schedules will be agreed upon by the employee and their supervisor.

Salary: The full salary range for this position is $60.55 - $70.40 per hour.

Benefits: The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holidays, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at:

Who may apply: The City of Seattle encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experience. This position is open to all qualified candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

If you have any questions, please contact Charles Gilmore at View email address on click.appcast.io

Learn more about Seattle Public Utilities at our web page