Power Contracts Specialist I/II

The Modesto Irrigation District is currently recruiting to fill one full-time vacancy of a Power Contracts Specialist I in the Resource Planning and Development Department within the Electric Resources Division. The role of the Power Contracts Specialist is to review and develop power contracts through the evaluation of rate adjustments and coordination with consultants, State, and Federal agencies. 

Any Qualified Individual May Apply. This is an exempt position and is part of the Professional and Supervisory Bargaining Unit. The list established as a result of this recruitment may be used to fill other Power Contract Specialist I/II vacancies within the District that may occur through October 24, 2025. 

Introduction to the Position
The Modesto Irrigation District's Resource Planning & Development Department is responsible for planning decades ahead to determine a least-cost electric generating resource portfolio that will contribute towards reliable electric service to its customers' projected electric demand. The Power Contracts Specialist plays a key role in the execution of the long-term plan by managing, interpreting, drafting, and negotiating detailed contracts for generating resources or other assets like transmission capacity. Contract development requires close coordination with MID legal, operations, finance, engineering, and management stakeholders as well as external project developers, legal representatives, and consultants. Given the dynamic and evolving nature of the electric utility industry, the Power Contracts Specialist will be instrumental in helping to guide the District through a changing resource and markets landscape. The Power Contracts Specialist also has the opportunity to participate in certain regulatory proceedings by providing interpretation and representation, grant submittal writing, and in projects such as program design for novel resources like demand response and electric vehicles.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Power Contracts Specialist I: This is the entry level class in the Power Contracts Specialist series. Positions in this class typically have little or no directly related work experience. The Power Contracts Specialist I class is distinguished from the II level by the performance of less than the full range of duties assigned to the II level. Incumbents work under general supervision while learning job tasks, progressing to direction as procedures and processes of assigned area of responsibility are learned.

Power Contracts Specialist II: This is the journey level class in the Power Contracts Specialist series and is distinguished from the I level by the assignment of the full range of duties. Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new, unusual or unique situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies within the work unit. Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the I level.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Participate in the negotiation of new purchase power contracts; review drafts of purchase power contracts for consistency. 
• Review regulatory and policy proceedings conducted by the California Energy Commission (CEC), California Air Resources Board (CARB), California Independent System Operator (CAISO) and others for their impact on the District.
• Coordinate with legal counsel on the review of power contracts, as necessary. 
• Represent the District on committees, outside organizations and subcommittees as necessary; coordinate assigned activities with other divisions and departments and outside agencies. 
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other District employees, outside agencies, and the public using principles of good customer service. 
• Perform related duties as assigned.
  

Any combination of experience and education that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Power Contracts Specialist I

Knowledge of:

• Basic contract law. 
• Basic electric industry practices related to generation and transmission. 
• Research practices. 
• English usage, spelling, punctuation, and grammar. 
• Principles and practices of project management. 
• Modern office equipment including the use of applicable computer applications. 
• Principles and practices of effective customer service. 

Ability to:

• Learn to review and interpret power contracts. 
• On a continuous basis, know and understand all aspects of the job; intermittently analyze work papers, reports and special projects; identify and interpret technical and numerical information; observe and problem solve operational and technical policy and procedures. 
• Research regulatory decisions and learn to interpret their impact on District operations. 
• Prepare and present clear and concise reports. 
• Learn District policies and procedures. 
• Operate and use modern office equipment including a computer and applicable software. 
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. 
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
  

Experience: One year of increasingly responsible analytical experience that involves the review and interpretation of regulatory/contract requirements. Electric utility experience preferred.

Education: Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college with major course work in Engineering, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field.

License and Certificate: Possession of a valid California driver’s license.

Power Contracts Specialist II

In addition to the qualifications for the Power Contracts Specialist I:

Knowledge of:

• Legal and regulatory guidelines which electric utilities must operate within. 
• Regulatory research practices. 
• Electric utility ratemaking procedures. 
• Fundamentals in methods and techniques of research, statistical analysis, and report presentation. 
• Principles and practices of contract interpretation and application. 
• Pertinent local, State, and Federal laws, ordinances, and rules. 
• Basic engineering principles affecting generation and transmission. 

Ability to:

• Independently read and understand technical contract language. 
• Collect, analyze, and interpret technical data. 

Experience: Three years of progressively responsible experience similar to Power Contracts Specialist I with the District.

Education: Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college with major course work in Engineering, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field.

License and Certificate: Possession of a valid California driver’s license.

Qualified applicants must submit a completed District application. APPLY IMMEDIATELY. Application screening will begin on or after November 22, 2024. Applications received after this date are not guaranteed consideration.     
 
Applications will be reviewed on a comparative basis and only those most qualified will be invited to continue in the selection process, which will consist of an overall assessment of the individual's skills through (1) oral interview; and (2) contacting of references to include current and former supervisors. The applicant must perform successfully in each phase of the recruitment in order to continue in the recruitment process.
 
Applicants requiring necessary accommodations to the application process may contact Human Resources at (209) 526-7341. California Relay Service is available at (800) 735-2922 voice and (800) 735-2929 TDD. The Modesto Irrigation District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply. 
 
THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT WILL BE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE VERIFICATION OF HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA OR GED AND APPLICABLE HIGHER EDUCATION DEGREE, PASS A MEDICAL EXAM INCLUDING A DRUG AND ALCOHOL SCREEN, AND A COMPLETE BACKGROUND CHECK PRIOR TO BEGINNING WORK. 

INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS ANNOUNCEMENT MAY BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.    

Salary : $113,547 - $160,430