Sr Load Forecaster-Economist

About the role

Avista seeks an experienced professional who will advance long-term energy forecasting and methodologies to support optimization of the integrated planning process. The position is responsible for developing and leading Avista's medium-term and long-term load forecast for both gas and electric businesses, supporting the integrated system plan, financial plan, energy supply procurement, and other strategies. The role includes articulating the load forecast to internal management, state utility commissions, and public interest groups, explaining drivers of customer growth and energy consumption trends to diverse audiences, and working within a highly collaborative team to develop robust modeling approaches, analyses, and forecasts.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead medium-term and long-term load forecasts for gas and electric businesses.
• Support the integrated system plan, financial plan, energy supply procurement, and other strategies.
• Articulate Avista’s load forecast to internal management, state utility commissions, and public interest groups, explaining customer growth and energy consumption trends.
• Collaborate with a team to develop robust modeling approaches, analyses, and forecasts.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in economics, engineering, finance, math, business or a related field (required).
• Master's or doctorate degree in Economics, Engineering, Finance, Math, Business, or a related field (preferred).
• Seven (7)+ years of progressively responsible experience in forecasting, economics, utility planning, qualitative analysis, or a related field (required).

Skills

• Effective, adaptable, and exceptional communication skills for internal and external audiences.
• Ability to develop and manage relationships at all levels and influence stakeholders.
• Demonstrated excellence in creative problem‑solving and critical‑thinking.
• Broad and deep understanding of electric and/or gas utility business operations.
• Mastery of advanced forecasting tools and methods.
• Demonstrated experience with statistical analyses, analytical software and modeling, forecasting and econometric theory.
• Experience with modeling frameworks used for long‑term load forecasting (preferred).
• Experience as an expert witness and/or ability to represent Avista with outside organizations and regulatory processes (preferred).

Benefits

• Affordable healthcare options including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Retirement benefits with an enhanced 401(k) match.
• Incentive programs rewarding performance and contributions.
• Competitive paid time off including holidays, personal days, and vacation.
• Life and disability insurance.
• Wellness resources supporting mental and physical health.
• Education and development support including tuition assistance.
• Community giving programs encouraging employee engagement and impact.
• Other optional benefits such as legal insurance, pet insurance, and more (eligibility subject to bargaining unit affiliation).

Pay

Hiring range: $114,207 to $150,183. Full salary range for the position: $114,207 to $186,159.

Schedule

Hybrid work options available; required to work at the Spokane office at least 3 days per week (including Mondays and Tuesdays) with additional day(s) determined by the manager.