Western States Energy Modeler

IMPORTANT:  This Advertiser has requested that applicants MUST be National Residents / Valid Work Permit-holders.  Other applicants need not apply.

 

UCS’s work in California and other western states has played an indispensable leading role in the creation of renewable energy and low-carbon electricity policy design over the past few years due to our investment in sophisticated modeling and analytics that underpin our policy expertise and advocacy for achieving a decarbonized electricity system. 

This position will further develop and analyze scenarios for California’s electricity grid to identify potential impacts of energy investments and to provide data and analysis for future energy decisions, and will help analyze a proposed regional electricity system.

UCS seeks an uncommon individual with:

•  modeling expertise
• deep analytical skills
• a creative and forward-thinking approach
• extensive knowledge of energy and electricity sector planning and/or dispatch models, and their application
• Programming skills and experience
• knowledge of how to run production-cost or investment optimization models

UCS offers a highly collegial work environment with staff that has a mix of mutually supportive skills. We encourage you to apply if you:

•  thrive by learning from and sharing with colleagues with diverse talents and backgrounds
• working at a high level on your own projects
• enjoy contributing to a fast-paced, impactful and super-smart team  

Responsibilities

You will participate in the planning, designing, and implementing of research activities and projects to advance clean energy development in the electricity sector at the state and federal levels, with an emphasis on California and other western states.

Other responsibilities include:

• Maintain current knowledge of analytical tools and energy technologies, policies and markets, and of evolving environmental and climate change policies, and utilize expertise in implementing research and advocacy activities.
• Gather and analyze data using spreadsheets and basic models
• Maintain regular contact with modelers and energy analysts from other organizations and government agencies to keep up to date on the latest analyses, research and model developments
• When appropriate, provide technical and strategic assistance to policymakers, opinion leaders and coalition partners.
• Respond to inquiries and comments from experts, media, members, sponsors, and general public about energy related issues; promote UCS position and objectives.
• Write and assist UCS staff in writing reports, papers, and fact sheets highlighting the results of various analyses.
• Maintain accuracy, credibility, readability and timeliness of all written material.
• Tailor style and content of materials for technical and /or general audiences, as appropriate. 

Qualifications and experience

The position requires at least 3- to 5 years of experience using energy and electricity sector models, with more experience preferred. Familiarity with and experience using PLEXOS, other production-cost models, or electricity capacity expansion and optimization models is highly desirable. A Master’s degree or higher with a significant quantitative modeling component is required.

Strong quantitative, analytical, mathematical, and research skills are required along with demonstrated ability to manage and deliver work within a budget and timeline. Proficiency with computer models, spreadsheets, word processing, and presentation software is necessary. Computer programming skills and experience required.

At UCS, comparable training and/or experience can be substituted for degrees when appropriate.

May spend extended periods at computer. Anticipated travel: 2-3 trips to East Coast per year and day trips to Sacramento about once a month.

UCS is an equal opportunity employer continually seeking to diversify its staff. In particular, we’re dedicated to broadening opportunities for individuals from demographic groups that are historically underrepresented in the sciences and in environmental advocacy. We’re also committed to building an inclusive workplace culture where talented people of widely diverse backgrounds can thrive. We've adopted this commitment because we believe the inclusion of culturally diverse perspectives will improve our work and produce better societal and environmental outcomes for all, including historically disenfranchised communities. We are actively seeking candidates who bring diverse backgrounds and perspectives to join us in this work.

Compensation, Hours and Location:

This is a full-time position based in UCS’s Oakland office. For those who meet all position requirements, the salary is around $68,000 per year. UCS offers excellent benefits and a rewarding work environment. Information about the organization is available at: http://www.ucsusa.org

To Apply: Please submit a cover letter, resume, salary requirements, how you learned about the position via email to jobs@ucsusa.org and include “Western States Energy Modeler” in the subject line. Email materials in Word or PDF format only. No phone calls please. Deadline: May 1, 2016 or until filled.