Utility Rate Analyst

Full Job Description

Priority review will be given to applications received before February 3rd.

Seattle Public Utilities is seeking a qualified individual for the position of Utility Rate Analyst. This position provides critical support to the Rates and Financial Planning Team.

This position is responsible for developing analysis that includes critical information such as Utility Discount Program impacts, Special Charges, and Fund status compliance with Municipal Bond and Loan requirements.

This position may also be responsible for various reports required by contracts, such as the Wholesale Water contract and the King County Wastewater Treatment contract.

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is one of the region's most highly respected and innovative public utilities.

With an annual budget of over $1 billion, SPU is a dynamic and multi-faceted, rate payer funded utility. Our promise focuses on what's important to residential and business customers.

Our mission is to provide efficient, forward-looking utility services that keep Seattle the best place to live.

SPU is committed to the delivery of a high-quality water supply, essential wastewater, storm water, and solid waste services to more than 1.5 million customers we serve in the greater Seattle metropolitan area.

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is seeking a Utility Rate Analyst (Economist) to provide support to the Rates and Financial Planning Team.

The Rates and Financial Planning Team provide financial analysis for changes in policy, rate design, and revenue management, as well as compliance with various reporting requirements.

This position is responsible for developing analysis that includes critical information such as Utility Discount Program impacts, Special Charges, and Fund status compliance with Municipal Bond and Loan requirements.

This position may also be responsible for various reporting required by contracts, such as the Wholesale Water contract and the King County Wastewater Treatment contract.

This position is part of a team that reports to the Rates Manager in the Finance Division of the Finance, Administration, and Risk Services Branch.

If you feel this may be the perfect job for you, please continue reading ...and APPLY!

About Seattle Public Utilities (SPU): Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is a Community Centered Utility whose mission is to foster healthy people, environment, and economy by partnering with our community to equitably manage water and waste resources for today and future generations.

We deliver high quality, vital services, across four major lines of business: providing water, solid waste, drainage and wastewater services for Seattle residents and businesses.

In addition, SPU provides drinking water for 1.5 million regional customers in Seattle and other municipalities.

Our customers depend on us to deliver high quality, reliable, and cost-conscious utility services and to achieve the highest benefits possible for every investment we make.

For more information about Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), please visit:

• SPU Website
• SPU Workplace Expectations (Download PDF reader)
• Strategic Business Plan

SPU commits to Our City Values and Race and Social Justice as core principles that guide our work. We actively take steps to dismantle systemic racism and increase service equity.

We value diverse life experiences and strive to create a workplace that is welcoming to all. We take steps to be inclusive and equitable in our recruiting, hiring, and promotional opportunities.

Why join us?

We know work isn’t only about what you do, it’s also about who you work for and with! SPU provides a fun and family-friendly work environment that supports a work life balance, including:

• Family-friendly and multicultural work environment
• Generous benefits package
• Free public transportation options
• City pension plan with employer/employee contributions
• Growth potential and advancement opportunities

Requirements

• Query, aggregate and analyze data from a variety of sources relating to solid waste, water, wastewater and drainage services.
• Monitor, create reports, and provide analysis related to low-income programs, including the utility discount program.
• Support the development of utility rate studies and financial models.
• Coordinate loan applications and ongoing administration.
• Support development of programs related to rate design.
• Manage sub-components of projects to support discrete operational and/or policy-related needs, as directed by utility fund leads.
• Conduct research and analysis relating to financial, policy or operational concerns, including projections of costs for grant or loan applications or management analysis.
• Enhance procedures and processes to ensure efficiency and compatibility with frequently changing grant reporting requirements.
• Review and support of Fiscal Notes.
• Complete and submit annual industry surveys.
• Work effectively within a multicultural workforce serving a diverse customer base.

Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Qualifications

Experience: Requires Two (2) years professional experience in finance, the fields of economics, financial research or analysis, policy research or analysis, or other comparable data or business-related analytical work experience.

Education: A Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Statistics, Economics or other field involving extensive course work in economic and/or financial theory and/or analysis OR four (4) additional years of relevant experience.

The year of graduate study may be replaced by two years of related professional experience.

Experience and Education Equivalency: Other combinations of education and experience will be evaluated on an individual basis for comparability.

Work Environment/Physical Demands:

• Most work is performed in a normal City work/office environment.

Desired Qualifications:

• High level of competence in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Experience working with databases, including developing queries, analyses and summaries in programs such as SQL, Tableau, Power BI, and GIS-related programs.
• Experience in financial analysis and forecasting.
• Experience coordinating and managing projects spanning multiple work groups.
• Public sector bond, loan, or grant management experience.
• Experience in developing and applying a variety of analytic and modeling methods to different problems.
• Ability to identify information requirements for completing a task and willingness to seek out related information sources.
• Knowledge of basic accounting principles and financial statements and reporting.
• Excellent oral, written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Self-starter with demonstrated ability to accomplish work tasks independently, but in close coordination with a team.
• Ability to set priorities, meet deadlines and manage multiple projects.
• Ability to apply knowledge of multidisciplinary business principles and practices to achieve successful outcomes in cross-functional projects and activities.
• Comfortable working with ambiguity.
• Ability to work within the organizational framework of SPU Workplace Expectations including our values on Safety, Respect, Diversity, Trust, Humor, Productivity, Integrity, Innovation, Partnership and Accountability.
• Ability to communicate effectively within a multicultural workforce serving a diverse customer base.

Additional Information

How to Apply: In addition to fully completing the online application, please attach your resume and cover letter addressing the Desired Qualifications.

These are required to be considered for this position. Your cover letter should also include your general knowledge and experience related to the position.

Work Schedule: This position allows for the flexibility of a hybrid work schedule. Employees are required to come into the office three times a week. Individual schedules will be agreed upon by the employee and their supervisor.

Salary: The full salary range for this position is $54.01 - $62.90 per hour.

Benefits: The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.

More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans

Who may apply: The City of Seattle encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experience.

This position is open to all qualified candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences.

Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

If you have any questions, please contact Charles Gilmore at charles.gilmore2@seattle.gov

Learn more about Seattle Public Utilities at our web page www.seattle.gov/util/.