Rate Analyst Journey

Minimum Pay Rate: $105,456.00

Maximum Pay Rate: $139,651.20

Civil Service Status: Civil Service

Apply by Date: 09/01/2026

Posting Type: Open

The Revenue Strategy team is excited to announce the opening of this position. In this role, you will be performing rate analysis, conducting research, accessing large datasets with billing data, and working closely with Load Research & Forecasting, Budget Office, Information Technology and Customer and Grid Strategy teams. Your work in this area plays a highly visible role in SMUD's Zero Carbon Plan.

This is a hybrid role with an in-office requirement Tuesday through Thursday.

We are posting this opportunity for the Journey level along with our Entry level position. The department will be filling one position at either level. If you are interested in the Entry (#3122) level position you will need to apply to the position separately.

Purpose

To perform research and comparative analysis of load, market, end-use and cost of service studies and conceptualize and design rate structures to ensure establishment of rates which meet SMUD objectives and revenue requirements and comply with Board policies.

Nature and Scope

This is the journey level within the Rate Analyst classification series and will demonstrate working knowledge of rates with minimal oversight. Under general supervision, the journey level performs difficult and more complex work than the entry level as outlined by the supervisor.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Designs, evaluates and implements firm service rates and Board-directed economic development rate options by forecasting retail revenues based on current and proposed rates to ensure proposed rates recover SMUD revenue requirements; developing, implementing, maintaining and applying sophisticated computer models to achieve design and evaluation of rate options such as net energy metering, unbundled time of use rates, contracts and feed in tariff programs, and developing and testing experimental rates for proposed programs.
• Functionalizes plant in service investment and operating expenses; classifies costs into demand and energy components and allocate costs to retail classes; evaluates the impact of alternative methodologies on the cost of service study; applies and reviews marginal cost analysis in rate design and estimation of costs.
• Supports development of class load surveys including sample design and selection, data collection and validation, and analysis to meet federally mandated requirements and support rate design; designs and implements end-use monitoring programs as mandated by the California Energy Commission (CEC).
• Represents SMUD before regulators, Board committees, management, the public, and consultants on issues regarding load research, market research, cost of service, rate design, rate processes, and related subjects.
• Organizes and conducts public workshops to inform and educate ratepayers and to solicit responses to rate proposals; establishes and maintains cooperative professional relationships with ratepayers and industry professionals.
• Interprets and evaluates the rate structures of other utilities, as required by the Board, to maintain a competitive position in all rate classes and minimize the threat of customer by-pass.
• Composes technical proposals and reports such as Chief Executive Officer and General Manager's Report and Recommendation on Rates and Services to the Board and responds to difficult or controversial issues raised by SMUD management, the public and the Board.
• Assists in the development and support of rate recommendations with accurate financial analysis and rigorous financial, rate, or economic theory. Reviews analyses, reports or other decision documents prepared by other contributors or stakeholders and provides comments or additional analyses to improve the overall quality of information provided to management.
• Assists in the development, prioritization and evaluation of strategic initiatives including rates and programs while incorporating customer feedback and ensuring all impacted parties are considered. Serves as a liaison between workgroup/business units to facilitate business needs.
• Performs other related duties as needed to include working outside of typical business hours when necessary.

Required Education

Bachelor's degree in business, economics, engineering, mathematics/statistics, or related field from an accredited college or university. If no degree, seven (7+) or more years of relevant work experience.

Required Experience Qualifications

• Three (3+) or more years of combined progressively responsible relevant work experience in financial and/or mathematical and statistical analysis, computer modeling, conducting research, and maintaining data in spreadsheets.
• Oral presentation of your work to management and/or the public.

Knowledge Of

Retail electric rates and related utility standards; market research techniques, including data validation and correction; business policies and procedures; interrelationships between business operations and relevant external entities; federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations affecting financial practices; accounting and financing; budget practices; fundamentals and practices of various analytical approaches; techniques and practices for cost benefit analyses; fundamentals of statistics; project management techniques; methods and techniques to manage cross-functional teams; methods and techniques for report preparation and writing; techniques and strategies for public speaking; techniques related to customer relations and public interaction on sensitive issues; safety policies, practices and procedures; English grammar, punctuation and vocabulary standards; Microsoft Office Suite applications, databases, Data Governance, documentation, file organization, and Adobe Acrobat.

Skills To

Develop and maintain spreadsheets; develop and maintain sophisticated computer models in various computer environments; develop and maintain analysis using financial or statistical information, access data using various database tools and software packages; compile and analyze complex financial operating and statistical data on one's own; interpret, evaluate and apply pertinent policies, procedures, regulations and requirements; gather data from appropriate sources and identify relevant factors; evaluate complex issues and develop/implement resolution alternatives; compile and prepare technical, statistical and/or analytical reports and presentations; summarize and present analysis results in charts and graphs using presentation software; collaborate with cross-functional teams on sensitive issues; develop and conduct oral presentations to internal/external audiences; explain complex and/or controversial policies, regulations, procedures and/or activities internally/externally; work under close public scrutiny; communicate effectively orally and in writing internally/externally; establish and maintain effective working relationships internally/externally.

Desirable Qualifications

• Master's degree from an accredited college or university majoring in Economics, Business, Mathematics, orrelated field.
• Knowledge of SMUD policies; operations related to generating, transmission and distribution resources.
• Advanced Excel skills.

Physical Requirements

Applicants must be able to perform the essential job functions with or without a reasonable accommodation.

Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) - Who We Are

As the nation's sixth-largest community-owned electric service provider, we're proud of our reputation as one of the best places to work in Sacramento. Our employees tell us in our engagement surveys they're "Happy, satisfied and engaged" which helps create a workplace that best serves our customers. Sacramento was named as the 2nd happiest place to work in America by Forbes Magazine. Lake Tahoe, San Francisco and the world-renowned Napa Valley are within easy driving distance of our locations.

Our Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

SMUD celebrates diversity, and inspires an inclusive culture based on trust and respect to create belonging and connection among our employees, customers, and communities. By working together, we are powering positive, equitable opportunities for all. We aspire to be a workplace where you can be yourself, achieve your best, and thrive together.

An example of our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging is when SMUD signed the California Equal Pay Pledge in 2020. This requires equal pay for employees who perform “substantially similar work,” when viewed as a composite of skill, effort, and responsibility at the time those employees started within that classification. As such, initial hiring salary range is not subject to negotiation and salaries will vary over time based on performance.

SMUD is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of race, color, religion, gender (including pregnancy), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, veteran status, or any other applicable legally protected characteristic. All employment decisions are made on the basis of individual qualifications, merit, and business needs and interests.

Why Sacramento, California?

The capitol of California, Sacramento is the state's sixth-largest city, and the 35th largest in the U.S. Local universities include California State University, University of the Pacific's McGeorge School of Law, and the University of California, Davis and several competitive community colleges. The UC Davis Medical Center, a world-renowned research hospital, is one of more than a dozen hospitals and shared services centers in the Sacramento region. Part of the agriculturally-rich Central Valley, Sacramento is at the forefront of the farm-to-fork food movement. Northern California is home to some of the country's top technology companies, including Google and LinkedIn, and a multitude of startups in many industries. Sacramento is home to the NBA Kings, the River Cats (AAA baseball), the Republic FC (soccer) and the San Francisco Giants, NBA Warriors and NFL 49er's aren't far away. Sacramento offers an affluent liberal arts community with Broadway, Mondavi Center, Crocker Museum and summer musical theater to name a few.

Hybrid Work

This position may be eligible for SMUD's hybrid (office/home) 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. We value the strong working relationships we develop with our colleagues. Our approach to hybrid 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. This program helps provide financial security both during your career and after retirement. To learn more about CalPERS and the benefits it offers, please visit