Senior, Senior II or Lead Energy Economist

SPP is about more than power. We’re about the power of relationships. Our employees have the opportunity to work together to ensure electricity is delivered reliably and affordably to the millions of people living in our service territory. We have been voted one of Arkansas’ Best Places to Work by Arkansas Business and we are looking for a member of our team who is passionate about our mission to keep the lights on!

We have a core ideology here at SPP that we stand by: Do the right thing, for the right reason, in the right way.

We believe in supporting our employees through a fantastic benefits package:

• Competitive and transparent pay with bonus opportunities
• Excellent insurance package including three great medical plans to choose from, employer‑paid short‑term disability, long‑term disability, and life insurance
• Relocation bonus (if applicable)
• Hybrid working environment for positions that are eligible
• Fantastic contributions to your retirement through a 401(k) savings plan with employer‑match benefits and a pension (defined benefit plan) fully funded by SPP

PLEASE NOTE:SPP is not able to sponsor employment visas or student-work authorizations (STEM OPT) for this position. Please ensure you are eligible to work in the U.S. without sponsorship prior to applying.

COMPENSATION INFORMATION
The salary range(s) represents our good faith estimate for the role at this time. While we strive to provide competitive and transparent compensation, there may be circumstances where an offer is above or outside of the listed range. We are open to discussing salary expectations with qualified candidates considering factors such as the candidate's qualifications, skills, competencies, experience and geographic location will all be considered during the hiring process.

Lead Energy Economist Pay Range - $128,950-$167,640

Senior II Energy Economist Pay Range - $112,240-$145,810

Senior Energy Economist Pay Range - $97,580-$126,795

Overview

The Energy Economist is responsible for evaluating market rules and market performance to ensure SPP’s markets are efficient, effective, and consistent with sound economic theory. This position is also responsible for performing analysis of the SPP markets in support of monitoring for and prevention of market power abuse and market manipulation. Interaction with real-time operations requires rotating on-call responsibilities with other Monitors within the department. The multi‑disciplinary structure of the group requires effective teamwork to achieve desired results. The position interacts with SPP internal departments, senior management, regulatory staff, and market participants. Energy Economists at this level are expected to manage individual work efforts and, depending on experience, lead or contribute to team efforts in understanding the economic theory that forms the foundation for metrics, analysis, reports, and responses to inquiries from the Market Monitoring Unit (MMU). Senior‑level economists manage their own workload and support team initiatives, while Lead‑level economists independently initiate and direct complex projects, provide guidance to MMU staff, and represent the MMU in stakeholder and regulatory forums with a high degree of independence and subject matter expertise.

Core Responsibilities

(Senior & Lead):

• Evaluate market results and conditions for market inefficiency and propose changes based on sound economic theory
• Analyze and review market data for indications of market power abuse and market manipulation through the development of ad hoc analysis and routine reports
• Analyze and review market data and operational decisions for indications of market design concerns and compliance with market rules
• Coordinate and communicate with SPP RTO staff, market participants, member companies, and the FERC regarding market theory issues and potential inefficiency of market rules and outcomes while maintaining independence
• Monitor data and reports as part of the Market Monitoring on‑call rotation
• Facilitate SPP internal and external team/group meetings
• Maintain flexibility and ability to function with constantly changing and multiple priorities
• Practice good organizational skills
• Independently develop projects, analysis, and new reports
• Promote training and development activities for other staff members
• Adhere to and enforce all SPP policies and procedures

Lead‑Level Responsibilities:

• Lead highly complex market efficiency initiatives
• Identify and resolve risks to the markets monitored by the MMU
• Propose recommendations for inclusion in quarterly and annual state of the market reports
• Lead MMU staff in analysis and review of market data and operational decisions and propose solutions
• Identify the need for MMU comments in stakeholder forums and regulatory proceedings and lead development of those comments
• Serve as a role model in constructive engagement with SPP RTO staff and external stakeholders
• Develop presentation materials independently
• Respond to complex customer and external data requests
• Mentor, cross‑train, and help develop MMU staff
• Independently lead initiation and development of projects, analysis, and new reports

Qualifications

Senior Level:

• Bachelor’s Degree in economics
• 5 years of experience in market monitoring, power marketing, utility regulation or operations, RTO/ISO operations, economic analysis, data analysis, or a directly related field
  • An advanced degree may be considered toward relevant experience

Senior II Level: 

• Bachelor’s Degree in economics
• 8 years of experience in market monitoring, power marketing, utility regulation or operations, RTO/ISO operations, economic analysis, data analysis, or a directly related field
  • An advanced degree may be considered toward relevant experience

Lead Level:

• Master’s Degree in economics
• Doctoral Degree (Ph.D.) preferred
• 10 years of experience in market monitoring, power marketing, utility regulation or operations, RTO/ISO operations, economic analysis, data analysis, or a directly related field
  • An advanced degree may be considered toward relevant experience

All Levels:

• Minimal travel required (0–10%)

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in econometrics, statistical analysis, industrial organization, utility regulation or operations, RTO/ISO operations, or energy trading
• Experience with data manipulation and analysis of large data sets

Other Requirements

• Expertise in energy market theory with particular emphasis in electricity markets
• Proficient understanding of microeconomics, including the theory of competitive markets
• Knowledge of electricity market concepts and ability to apply understanding in unique analysis
• Proficient at organizing, conducting, and analyzing technical and analytical studies and communicating results to diverse stakeholders
• Ability to manage or support complex analysis projects depending on experience level
• Strong interpersonal, team‑building, and organizational skills
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Understanding of and compliance with SPP Policies and Procedures
• Flexibility and aptitude to function with constantly changing conditions and priorities
• Experience performing analysis using SAS, SQL queries, or another database analytical tool or experience programming in any comparable data‑oriented environment

SPP is an equal opportunity employer that makes employment decisions without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, veteran status, age, disability status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Further, SPP makes good faith efforts to employ and advance in employment qualified protected veterans and qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, please contact us at HR@spp.org and let us know the nature of your request. We will only respond to messages left that involve a request for reasonable accommodation in the application process.

At SPP we believe in a culture of belonging. Learn more here: Culture of Belonging – SPP.