SXʷNQ̓EʔELS L SUW̓EČM / KSUKZIZMUMAZ ADJAZMUKWAGITS
ENERGY KEEPERS, INC.
ASSET OPTIMIZATION MANAGER
Position:
Asset Optimization Manager
Salary:
Negotiable depending on training, education, and experience
Location:
Energy Keepers, Inc. Corporate Headquarters, Polson, MT
Employment Status:
Full time position with full benefits to be offered at time of
employment
Supervised By:
Energy Keepers, Inc. Director of Power Management
GENERAL SUMMARY
Performs hydro operations modeling to support Power Management activities. Closely
coordinates with Hydro Operations & Maintenance personnel as well as marketing personnel at
EKI and TSI for both near-term operations and longer-term forecasts. Undertakes efforts to
capture the most value out of Kerr Dam and Flathead Lake operations flexibility. Identifies new
commercial opportunities or additional revenue sources based on market design or market rules.
Provides back-up to key Company personnel. Serves as the corporate expert on asset
optimization (possibly including transmission), and market design (including EIM and SCED
efforts).
PRIMARY DUTIES
Perform Flathead Basin and Pacific Northwest Coordination Agreement modeling activities as
required to create and evaluate strategies to maximize the value of the Company’s resources
and contracts utilizing stream flow forecasts, forward price curves, regional load forecasts, and
unit outages. Provides fundamentals based points of view on regional generation supply and
transmission system operations and outages. This includes modeling of the Flathead River and
Columbia River system, regional energy market conditions (both electric markets and natural
gas), and regional grid operations.
Duties also include supporting the process and data needed to determine Kerr headwaters
benefits under the PNCA as well as the monthly and annual planning regulations and
submittals. Track and analyze all Water Resource Management matters, including current
conditions, forecasts, and projected requirements. Responsible for implantation and
coordination of the Drought Management Plan.
Utilize and maintain hydro project operation models and other technological systems for the
Power Management department. This includes maintenance of in house software, as well as
interfacing this software to external entities such as the power marketing contractor and
others. Undertake studies examining strategies to best address Kerr operations and revenue in
light of current environmental and transmission constraints and make recommendations for
possible changes or investments and involvement with appropriate stakeholders.
Participate in the design, development, implementation, and user support of power system
operation and risk management models as required to evaluate power resource development
and acquisition, marketing, contracting, risk management, and operations strategies and
alternatives. Undertake studies and or lead initiatives related to power resource (generation,
fuel supply, transmission, etc.) development or acquisition as directed by management.
During the period leading to the takeover of Kerr, will be responsible to assure the appropriate
hardware and software linkages are established between Kerr’s operational control system
(control system and dispatch control, etc.) and the power marketing systems.
Ensure compliance with provisions of all contracts, Kerr Project license requirements, the
Company hedging strategy, and perform required data submittals. Coordinate as necessary
with CSKT NRD and DOI personnel on FERC license compliance.
Support the Budget planning and development process.
SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY
Operates under general direction. Decisions are made within prescribed operating guidelines and
policy constraints. Makes recommendations and executes water management actions and
reports in conjunction with the direction set by the Director of Power Management. Job
encounters new and varied work situations, involving a high degree of complexity. Contacts are
normally made with others inside and outside the Company including the Risk Manager, power
marketing contractor, market participants, regulatory agencies, and the general public. Contacts
are normally made on own initiative requiring explanation, discussion, interpretation or
approvals.
SPECIFIC SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
Computer modeling / programming Excel skills is preferred.
Technical knowledge of Pacific Northwest electric and natural gas commodities markets is
preferred.
General knowledge of power scheduling practices, with special focus on NorthWestern Energy
is preferred.
Knowledge of Pacific Northwest generation, utility practices, and electricity markets is
preferred.
Advanced analytical thinking skills and strong communication and presentation skills are
required.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelor’s Degree from a four-year college or university. Advance degree preferred. Five or
more years of experience in the electric industry, including experience preparing analysis of
hydro operations, energy transactions, market fundamentals, and structured energy products.
WORK CONDITIONS
Normal working hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Position may require
extended working hours with the possibility of weekend and holiday work, as required by
schedules and work load.
Some travel may be required to meet project requirements. Normal work will be within the
Corporate Offices, but some work may be at the plant or an industrial environment, requiring
protective clothing and equipment.
All employees will participate in the Fitness for Duty Program. This program includes pre/post
employment physical examinations and drug screening. All employees are required to
successfully complete a background check.
Energy Keepers, Incorporated, is an Indian Preference Employer. Energy Keepers, Incorporated is
a federally chartered corporation, wholly-owned by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes
that operates and maintains hydropower facilities and sells the electricity generated thereby.
The statements contained in this job description are not all-inclusive; additional duties may be
assigned and requirements may vary from time to time.