The PositionThe City of Riverside, Public Utilities Department (RPU) is accepting applications for the position of
Utilities Power Scheduler/Trader to fill one (1) vacancy in the
Power Generation Division. The eligibility list established may be used to fill the current and/or upcoming vacancies within this classification for up to six (6) months.
This role plays a key part in optimizing Riverside’s energy portfolio through near-term resource planning, real-time power trading, and market operations within the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) and bilateral markets.
The ideal candidate is a forward-thinking energy professional who can balance economic performance, reliability obligations, and regulatory compliance while operating in a dynamic, time-sensitive environment. The most successful individuals in this role are self-directed and are comfortable working independently outside of regular business hours. Candidates must demonstrate flexibility, adaptability, and a strong sense of autonomy.
Under general supervision, the Utilities Power Scheduler/Trader is to forecast and monitor short term system load requirements and meet these demands by economic utilization of power resources. The incumbent is to purchase and market electric energy within contractual guidelines and to do related work as required.
Work PerformedTypical duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Prepare and issue daily, monthly and annual load schedules to meet system requirements.
- Forecast near term system requirements.
- Dispatch system power resources economically.
- Arrange for and pre-schedule power load requirements with other resource agencies.
- Verify all system loads delivered from other resource agencies.
- Initiate Electric Peak sharing programs to maximize savings for Utility customers.
- Maintain records, prepare electric load production and financial reports in monitoring system loads, and verify costs of power delivered by various suppliers.
- May write or participate in the writing of computer programs for forecasting, scheduling and costing electrical power system requirements.
QualificationsOPTION I:Education: A Bachelor's Degree in a related field.
Experience: One year of experience in generation dispatch, power trading or power and transmission scheduling. Knowledge of power system operation, power system forecasting, power scheduling techniques, energy accounting and operation and use of scheduling computer systems is highly desirable.
OPTION II:Education: An Associate's Degree in a related field.
Experience: Three years of experience in generation dispatch, power trading or power and transmission scheduling. Knowledge of power system operation, power system forecasting, power scheduling techniques, energy accounting and operation and use of scheduling computer systems is highly desirable.
OPTION III:Education: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.
Experience: Five years of experience in generation dispatch, power trading or power and transmission scheduling. Knowledge of power system operation, power system forecasting, power scheduling techniques, energy accounting and operation and use of scheduling computer systems is highly desirable.
Necessary Special Requirement:- Possession of an appropriate, valid class "C" California Motor Vehicle Operator's License.
- Ability to work 12 hour rotating shifts as assigned in a 24/7/365 environment.
Highly Desired Qualifications:Experience in the following:- CAISO systems (SIBR, OASIS), E-Tag, and SoCal Gas
- Developing forecasts, bids, and strategies for day-ahead and real-time market participation
- Strong technical skills with Excel, SQL, or programming/scripting tools (e.g., Python)
- Working knowledge of power purchase agreements, ancillary services, congestion management, and regulatory compliance
- Developing and implementing bidding strategies for Day-Ahead and Real-Time Markets (DAM/RTM)
- Evaluating economic performance of trades and schedules; contribute to continuous improvement of tools, models, and procedures
- Negotiating and executing short-term energy transactions consistent with market conditions and risk management guidelines
- Preparing operational reports, financial summaries, and resource analyses for internal use and regulatory compliance
Knowledge in the following:- Bilateral trading platforms and energy trading risk management practices
- Short-term gas and power portfolio management
- Resource Adequacy planning and procurement
- Energy accounting, verification of settlements, and transaction reconciliation with counterparties and operators
- CAISO market design changes, NERC/WECC compliance requirements, and industry trends affecting resource strategy
Selection Process DOCUMENTS REQUIRED AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION: 1) Completed Employment Application
2)Completed Supplemental Questionnaire
FOR GENERAL INFORMATION ON COMPLETING YOUR ON-LINE APPLICATION, CLICK HERE: ( Application Guide). (Download PDF reader)
The selection process will begin with an employment application package screening, with the best qualified candidates being invited to participate further in the assessment process. This process may include any combination of written, performance, and oral assessments to evaluate job-related education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities. Those who successfully complete the selection process will be placed on the eligibility list for this classification.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON SCHEDULING ASSESSMENTS: If you are selected to move forward in the assessment process, you may be required to self-schedule your appointment. You will be notified via email of your status and provided with self-scheduling instructions. Please check your email regularly following the closing date of this recruitment.
Positions that require, or may require, a California Commercial Driver’s License are considered Safety Sensitive and are monitored by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Any candidate being considered for a Safety Sensitive position must submit authorization forms to the City immediately upon request to begin the pre-employment process.
It is the responsibility of candidates with a disability requiring accommodation in the assessment process to contact the Human Resources Department in writing to request such accommodation prior to the closing date of this recruitment.
Appointment may be subject to the successful completion of a pre-employment background investigation, drug screen, and/or medical/ physical examination .
NOTE : The City reserves the right to modify selection devices and test instruments in accordance with accepted legal, ethical, and professional standards. Candidates may reapply when there is a posting to establish an eligibility list.
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS: Proof of education listed in your application will be requested at the time of conditional offer. Acceptable documentation consists of transcripts or degree, if applicable, by the accredited U.S. college or university.
Education obtained outside the United States (US) require one of the following options:
An equivalency statement from an evaluation company certified by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) at http://www.naces.org/members.html or the Association of International Credential Evaluators Inc. (AICE) at http://aice-eval.org/members/ . An advanced-level degree from an accredited US college or university.
All applicants will be notified via e-mail or telephone of their application status and the assessment dates/times/locations after the closing date of this announcement. THE PROVISIONS OF THIS JOB ANNOUNCEMENT DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. Benefit Level I includes Para-Professional and Supervisory classifications (Non-exempt)The City offers an attractive benefits package, the central provisions of which are as follows:
- Retirement for Classic Members - For employees hired after 1/1/2013 who are CLASSIC MEMBERS of California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) or a reciprocal agency as of 12/31/12 and have not been separated from service from such agency for six months or more, the retirement benefit shall be 2.7 % @ age 55; 3-year final compensation. The required employee contribution is 8%. The City does not participate in Social Security; thus, employees do not bear this additional 6.2% expense.
- Retirement for New Members - For employees hired 1/1/2013 or later and who ARE NOT a member of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) or a reciprocal agency as of 12/31/12, or those who have been separated from a public agency which contracts with CalPERS or a reciprocal agency for six months or more, the retirement benefit shall be 2% at age 62; 3 year final compensation. The required employee contribution is 50% of the normal cost and is subject to change per CalPERS every fiscal year. The City does not participate in Social Security; thus, employees do not bear this additional 6.2% expense.
- Health Insurance - The City offers six health insurance plans and contributes up to $1,734 per month for HMO plans(family coverage).
- Dental Insurance - The City provides three dental insurance plans and contributes up to $45 per month.
- Vision Insurance - The City provides vision coverage through Vision Service Plan (VSP) for employees and their dependents that are enrolled in medical coverage.
- Life Insurance - The City provides and pays for term life insurance with accidental death and dismemberment equal to two times the annual salary rounded to the next highest $1,000 (up to $700k) plus AD&D. Additional Life Insurance is available and voluntary for employee and eligible dependents (up to $300k).
- Deferred Compensation - The City contributes $100 per month with a minimum employee contribution of $12.50 per check. Participation in the deferred compensation plan is optional.
- Leave Benefits - Includes vacation leave, sick leave, bereavement leave, and holiday benefits. Please refer to the Fringe Benefits and Salary Plan for specific details.
- Flexible Spending Account - The City offers a Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Plan for optional participation.
- Long Term Disability - The City offers optional enrollment in the Long-Term Disability Plan.
- LegalEase Plan - Optional legal services plan for employees and eligible dependents.
- Critical Illness Plan - Optional critical illness insurance plan for employees and eligible dependents.
- Vacation Accrual - 0-9 yrs = 128 hrs., 10+ yrs = 168 hrs.
For additional benefits information, please visit the following page: https://www.riversideca.gov/human/employee-hub/benefits/ about-1
For part-time, benefitted positions the insurance and other benefits (leave accruals, holidays, etc.) are pro-rated based on ½ or ¾ time status.
Closing Date/Time: 8/31/2025 11:59 PM Pacific