Job Description

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF CLASS

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This is professional-level work related to acquiring natural gas supply and oil for Lakeland Electric's power plants. Requires advanced technical skills to perform energy analysis using electric modeling software to evaluate data and make recommendations. Work is performed with independent judgment and decision-making using established policies and procedures under the general direction of the Fuels Manager. The manager evaluates work upon completing written reports and overall results.

This position is for an Energy Trader Analyst however; it may be filled at the level of an Electric Utility Analyst.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

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Purchases, sells, and trades natural gas cost-effectively for consumption at Lakeland Electric's generating plants to meet supply objectives for short and long-term needs. Manages fuel inventory for oil and maintains it within established policy levels. Nominates natural gas using FGT, Transco, and Gulfstream pipeline websites. Controls the flow of natural gas for the generating units using the Delta-V software. Schedules transportation for trucking oil. In addition, acts as a liaison between our power plants and transportation personnel. Takes appropriate steps to avoid penalties on pipeline alert days, reducing cost impact to ratepayers. Represents LE before the Florida Municipal Power Pool (FMPP) by participating daily on the morning call and projecting natural gas dispatch prices, imbalance projections, natural gas burn forecasts, and any adjustments needed for intraday transactions should they arise. Performs analysis activities for FMPP Fuels Committee to identify opportunities to improve economic operation resources. Performs modeling studies using specialized software for short and long-range forecasts directly and indirectly related to fuel, solar, and energy contracts. Conducts energy analysis comparing solar meter reading to ensure compliance with purchase power contracts. Provides support to the Power Resources Department. Makes recommendations from statistical modeling to analyze the best generation mix for rates. Maintains pipeline monthly compliance imbalance reporting and cash out/book out activities. Reviews vendor billing for compliance with fuel contracts. Develops and prepares reports and statistical information for governmental agencies for compliance reporting and Fuel Department records. Generates analysis for fuel-related areas and makes recommendations to the Fuels Manager. Monitors industry activities and trends and keeps current on regulatory developments. Assists Fuel Manager with hedging strategies, recommendations on long-term purchases, firm capacity, and other energy risk management strategies. General accounting duties include adjusting journal entries for budget and expense transfers. Assists the Fuels Manager in preparing and monitoring the fuel budget. Assists the Fuels Manager with forecasts to establish fuel rates and long-term procurement planning. Works periodic weekends and after-hours activities, including calls, adjustments to nominations, purchasing additional or reducing natural gas purchases, acquiring capacity, and/or marketing excess supply or capacity. Must be able to assume responsibility for on-call fuel-related activities 24 hours, 7 days a week. Must be able to work remotely (away from the Lakeland Electric office) without close direct supervision for after-hours call duties. The position is designated as Mission Critical.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS:

Performs related work as required.

This posting reflects the essential functions and knowledge, skills, and abilities for Energy Trader Analyst; however, applicants may view the complete job description for Electric Utility Analyst on the City of Lakeland's employment page.

QUALIFICATIONS (EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE)

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QUALIFICATIONS FOR ELECTRIC UTILITY ANALYST:

Bachelor's degree from an accredited four (4) year college or university in Mathematics, Statistics, Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business, Planning, Marketing, Engineering, or a closely related field. Two (2) years of experience in accounting, natural gas trading, or utility modeling and analyzing energy data.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR ENERGY TRADER ANALYST:

Bachelor's degree from an accredited four (4) year college or university in Accounting, Finance, Business, Engineering, or a related field. Four (4) years of experience in a responsible position in natural gas trading or utility modeling and analyzing energy data.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license. Must be willing and able to maintain a valid telephone number and internet service.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES

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Thorough knowledge of the procurement of natural gas, LNG, and No. 2 oil, including the nomination of natural gas on pipeline websites. Thorough knowledge of financial, statistical, utility, fuels, or marketing analysis, techniques, and modeling and the ability to apply knowledge in preparing studies and forecasts. Skilled in the use of various computer software programs. (Excel, Microsoft Word, etc. preferred) Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, other City employees, and the general public. Ability to work under general supervision and to think independently to deal with potentially stressful situations requiring critical time-sensitive responses to challenges so that appropriate solutions can be executed within a limited time frame. Ability to perform technical computations, make estimates, and compile statistical data. Ability to communicate effectively and concisely, both orally and in writing. Exemplifies an appreciation for time-sensitive deadlines and the importance of tracking and meeting these deadlines. Business problem-solving skills and judgment to analyze and solve issues and provide solutions for resolution. Ability to prioritize, track and complete multiple projects within deadlines and competing demands. Considerable knowledge of applicable governmental rules, industry standards, and procedures. Considerable knowledge of electric energy modeling. Knowledge of principles of risk management and general knowledge of natural gas hedging. Knowledge of governmental or utility fuel budgeting and basic accounting procedures.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Requires sedentary work that involves walking or standing some of the time, exerting up to 10 pounds of force regularly, and routine keyboard operations. The job risks exposure to no significant environmental hazards. The job requires normal visual acuity, field of vision, hearing, speaking, color perception, sense of taste, sense of smell, depth perception, and texture perception.

All City of Lakeland positions are subject to testing (e.g. written, oral, performance, computerized, interview and/or any combination). Candidates selected for testing will be notified via email or telephone. Please check your email and telephone messages regularly, including "junk" folders. Test times and locations to be announced.

THE CITY OF LAKELAND IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/EQUAL ACCESS EMPLOYER AND A DRUG FREE WORKPLACE