Entry Resource Optimization Specialist

Title Entry Resource Optimization Specialist Department Resource Optimization Location Sacramento, CA, US, 95817-1899 Apply By Date 05/31/2026 Posting Type Open Category Limited Term Position: No SMUD is currently recruiting for a Resource Optimization Specialist (Entry) within the Energy Trading & Contracts Resource Optimization team. This team focuses on production cost modeling for the economic planning of SMUD's resource portfolio mix. Qualified individuals will possess a strong financial and mathematic background. Experience in data analytics, statistical analysis and data science is highly preferred. Purpose To play a key role within the Energy Trading & Contracts Department, optimizing SMUD's resource portfolio to enhance efficiency and performance. Routinely assess optimization results and market data and provide insights that inform strategic decisions, ensuring SMUD effectively meets its energy supply and demand needs. Nature and Scope There are five (5) levels in this job classification series that have similar job content but with progressively more challenging degrees and levels of skill, responsibility, knowledge, experience and qualification requirements. Flex classifications permit progression from lower-level classes to higher level classes without examination based upon assessment of an individual’s experience and performance. Non‑Flex classifications promote from lower-level classes to higher level classes and require an examination, such as an interview, based upon individual experience and performance. Classification Levels Entry: Incumbent acquires knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the tasks associated within the series but are not yet demonstrating these at the Journey level. Intermediate: Incumbent continues to acquire the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the tasks associated within the series but are not yet demonstrating these at the Journey level. Journey: Incumbent is demonstrating the required skills and knowledge to independently perform the full scope of the job. Senior: Advanced journey level resource who is responsible for advanced assignments, as dictated by the work needing to be performed; may serve in a lead/supervisory capacity. Principal: Subject matter expert/lead/supervisory level and is responsible for leading the most advanced work, as dictated by the work needing to be performed. Entry/Intermediate to Journey: Incumbents at the entry (or intermediate) level are required to successfully “progress” to the journey level within 60 months of appointment to remain within the job series. Seniors and Principals must be hired through a promotional process and do not automatically progress from lower levels in the series. Duties and Responsibilities Modeling & Optimization Learn about quantitative models to optimize the portfolio mix based on various parameters, such as risk tolerance, market conditions and strategic objectives. Assist in various analysis of multiple horizon optimization of infrastructure and long‑term resource opportunities. Assist in ensuring all modeling inputs, including resource conditions, attributes, forecast weather, runoff, and solar are accurate and producing reasonable results for trading operations. Learn the management of hydro reservoir levels and forecast inflows to ensure economic dispatch in adherence to FERC Licensing and operational constraints for the purpose of maximizing assets’ value. Learn about asset pricing signals for fuel and energy limited resources for the economic dispatch in ISO regulated markets. Review CAISO Generator Resource Data Template, Default Energy Bids, major maintenance adders, and CAISO Market participation system configuration for trading software development. Assist with all underlying assumptions of the market portfolio optimization tools and develop new functionality around trading interfaces for model interpretation and implementation. Monitor resource outage conditions for the reliably economic dispatch of portfolio resources. Data Analysis & Performance Assessment Assist in tracking and evaluating the performance of investments or assets within the portfolio, providing regular reports, and suggesting adjustments as needed. Verify resources modeled are optimized to meet NERC/WECC reliability criteria during all operating conditions. Review historical data for resource market and reliability performance for determination of market participation benefits. Recommend, when necessary, adjustments for optimizing and balancing schedules to account for system outages. Assess large sets of financial and operational data to determine portfolio performance and identify trends. Learn to assess all forecasting tools, including but not limited to price, solar, weather, and load for significant variance and economic contract viability. Conduct economic assessment of current resource options and market opportunities, utilizing historical and forecast data. Additional Duties and Responsibilities Market Research & Leadership Grow a high-level understanding about integrated power system operations, NERC, WECC, FERC, and CAISO policies and procedures. Communicate and maintain harmonious relationships with other SMUD and external stakeholders. Review instructions for optimization, modeling and software processes. Assist in the implementation of SMUD’s trading guidelines and management directives. Assist as a liaison for SMUD with outside organizations on issues impacting SMUD generation portfolio, including but not limited to Upper American River Project and/or Chili Bar Hydroelectric Project interest groups. Perform other related duties as needed; schedules, hours and locations may fluctuate based on business needs. Required Education Bachelor’s degree majoring in Public or Business Administration/Management, Economics, Computer Information Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, or a related field from an accredited college or university. 4 years of additional related experience required without a degree. Required Experience Qualifications At least one (1+) year of equivalent professional experience in a similar position or related area, such as, but not limited to, Portfolio Optimization, Energy Trading, Resource Planning, System Operations, Risk Management, Finance, Information Systems, Contracting, Regulatory, or a field that would provide the applicable knowledge and skills, or at least six (6+) months internship at SMUD or an electrical industry related employer. 5 years of related experience required without a degree. Knowledge Of Normal business practices and ethical behavior. Contract fundamentals, accounting and financial statements, operations, maintenance, and capital budgeting fundamentals. Qualitative statistical and economic analysis fundamentals. Computers and Microsoft product suite, as well as analytical software fundamentals. Basic electrical engineering. Skills To Effectively communicate verbally and in writing internally and externally. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Utilize a personal computer and/or computer terminal, systems and software relevant to the job duties. Ability to prioritize work on multiple projects with multiple deadlines. Interpret and apply industry and business policies and regulations. Evaluate large data sets related to resource capacity, energy supply and demand, transmission and related transactions. Perform quantitative and qualitative analysis to support portfolio decisions and evaluate economic impacts. Implement relevant trading directives from Management. Desirable Qualifications Bachelor’s Degree or higher from an accredited college or university majoring in Economics, Statistics, Mathematics, Engineering, Business finance or a related field is preferred. Major coursework or experience using programming, such as Python, R or SQL. Coursework or experience with data analytics, data sciences, or electrical or mechanical engineering. Hybrid Work This position may be eligible for SMUD's remote work employee benefit, the schedule of which will be determined by the successful candidate and the Hiring Manager. SMUD takes pride in powering the Sacramento region community where we live and work. Our approach to remote work will continue to evolve. Please be aware that should SMUD’s business needs change, emergencies occur, or various other reasons arise, you may be required to report onsite on a part‑time or full‑time basis. CalPERS SMUD is a CalPERS agency. As a member of the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS), SMUD offers eligible employees access to a defined benefit pension plan along with other valuable retirement and health benefits. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement SMUD provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. SMUD complies with applicable state and local laws governing non‑discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. SMUD expressly prohibits any form of unlawful employee harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of SMUD employees to perform their expected job duties is absolutely not tolerated. #J-18808-Ljbffr Sacramento-Municipal-Utility-District