Hydro Operations and Optimization Lead at City of Tacoma, WA

About the Department

Tacoma Power’s Power Management Section has an exciting and rare opportunity to join our team as an experienced Hydro Operations and Optimization Lead.  This mission critical role will direct the operations of our four hydroelectric projects and our BPA Slice contract while balancing the various requirements such as flood control, river flows for downstream fisheries, and power production.   This position works collaboratively with the team’s wholesale energy traders with the goal of optimizing the value of our resources and our interaction with the wholesale market.   This is not a typical 9-5 job, during unusually volatile periods, this position requires management of our resources and support of wholesale energy trading after-hours and on weekends.  The ideal candidate will have a passion for hydroelectric power, be committed to supporting our team, and providing value to our community.

In this role, you will be a lead analyst for determining prudent short-term and long-term operating plans for our hydroelectric and contractual resources.  This is accomplished by rigorous analysis and supported by the development and refinement of sophisticated hydro system models.  The position coordinates closely with stakeholders throughout Tacoma Power, including Wholesale Trading, System Operations, Natural Resources, Engineering, and hydro plant staff. 

You will represent Tacoma Power in internal and regional coordination meetings, stay current with emerging technologies to modernize analytical models and tools, and provide executive presentations to our senior leadership. As a critical work unit function, this position serves in a 24/7 on-call capacity to ensure continuous operational support.   Beginning January 2026, this position is required to be in-office at least 2 days per week with the remaining time being allowed to work virtually.

Responsibilities include:

• Lead near-term and mid-term operations and optimization of Tacoma Power’s resource portfolio to maximize value, ensure reliability, and maintain compliance with regulatory, contractual, and license requirements.
• Develop and implement operations plans based on hydrologic conditions, market forecasts, load projections, and unit availability to support efficient resource dispatch and trading strategies.
• Provide guidance and technical expertise to wholesale trading, power scheduling, and operations staff; participate in daily and monthly strategy meetings to align near-term and forward operations.
• Maintain, enhance, and utilize decision support tools and models to optimize water management, unit efficiency, and resource planning; monitor technological advancements to improve operational capabilities.
• Represent Power Management in internal and external meetings, coordinating generation and transmission outages, negotiating operational needs, and supporting cross-departmental collaboration.
• Serve as subject matter expert and on-call resource, including training staff, supporting BPA Slice contract operations, and contributing to forward sales and hedging strategies.

Position Duties

Minimum Education*
Bachelor's degree in engineering, economics, business or public administration or directly related field.

Minimum Experience*
5 years of electric utility analysis experience in power energy markets or energy technology.

*Equivalency: 1 year of experience = 1 year of education

Other Qualifications

Compensation & Benefits

Pay Details: 
 Hourly Rate: $57.00 - $80.25
 Annual Salary: $118,560.00 -$166,920.00

Employee Benefits | City of Tacoma

City of Tacoma’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion:

At the City of Tacoma, we're on a mission to make our workforce as diverse and inclusive as the community we serve. We're committed to eliminating racial and other disparities, and we actively seek out candidates from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. Join our team at the City of Tacoma and help us build a more vibrant, inclusive, and equitable community for all.

The City of Tacoma believes that diversity of thought, background, and experience contributes to our success and innovation. If you’re passionate about this role and our mission, we encourage you to apply. If you have a less traditional background, we want to hear about your transferrable skills and experience. We value a variety of perspectives and are excited to see what you bring to the table.

The Community:

Tacoma is centrally located just 32 miles south of the city of Seattle and 31 miles north of the state capital, Olympia. The City of Tacoma is also home to the Port of Tacoma, which is among the largest container ports in the United States. Like most cities in the northwest, Tacoma is surrounded by beautiful nature, offering residents many opportunities for outdoor adventures.

Largely suburban in nature with a small, but dense, urban core, Tacoma is home to numerous institutes of higher learning that attract students from across the country. The University of Washington Tacoma, Pacific Lutheran University, University of Puget Sound, a satellite campus of the Evergreen State College, three community/technical colleges, and several trade and business schools are within Tacoma's geographic area. Downtown's Cultural District is the site of the Washington State History Museum, Museum of Glass, the Tacoma Art Museum, and America's Car Museum.

With its affordable housing and distinctive neighborhoods and business districts, the city has been recognized numerous times as a best city to live in the nation. To see a few of the great things Tacoma has to offer, view this YouTube Video! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2n5MWl8KFvI

Application Process:

Interested individuals should apply online by completing the application and attaching a resume and cover letter by the closing date and time listed on the job announcement. Applications received without attaching the required materials may not progress in the selection process.

If you are a veteran and would like to be considered for veteran's preference points, please attach a copy of your DD214 to your application.

(Other items that may need to be referenced – writing assignment, drivers abstract, etc.)

Get Assistance

For assistance with the application process or questions regarding this job announcement please contact the Human Resources office at (253) 591-5400 by 4:00 p.m. of the closing date of the job announcement. 

For technical difficulties using the Neogov system, call the applicant support line at 1-855-524-5627 between 6:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. This will allow us to assist you before the job announcement closes.

Communication with the City of Tacoma

We primarily communicate via email during the application process. Emails from Tacoma.gov and/or governmentjobs.com should be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk email folders.