Load Forecasting Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) has an immediate opening for a Director of Resource Planning & Risk located at Columbus General Officein Columbus, Nebraska. Candidate screening and selection processes will begin May 4, 2026, and the position will remain open until filled.
This position will report to the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer.
Preferred location for this position is Columbus, Nebraska at the Columbus General Office, where the team is currently based. However, location may be flexible, and telecommuting arrangements are available.
Position Summary
Incumbent is responsible for leading all aspects of the Resource Planning and Energy Risk Management processes at the district and has independent decision-making authority. This includes but is not limited to decision-making and strategic planning for the following processes: Load Forecasting, Integrated Resource Planning, and Production Cost Modeling. This position reports directly to the Chief Financial Officer and has a dotted line reporting relationship to the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. The position provides the analysis and explanations to support critical strategic business decisions involving NPPD's resource / generation portfolio, long-term Power Purchase Agreements, capacity sales and purchases, the impact of regulatory requirements that affect NPPD's resource adequacy and product offerings, and alignment and understanding of NPPD's risk exposure before and after mitigation efforts and development of policies for appropriate cash reserves.
The incumbent interfaces with The Energy Authority (TEA) on analysis and decisions regarding energy market risk and related matters and supports the Energy Market Strategies Team in analyzing the risks associated with capacity & market transactions, along with verifying sufficient resources are available for such transactions.
This position participates on the Risk Oversight Committee (ROC) which addresses overall risks of the District including energy market risks, fuel and other matters and review and approval of appropriate management of risk exposures. The incumbent leads a team responsible for managing the District's Resource Adequacy need, and creation of the Load Forecast and Production Model (key input into forecasting and budgeting at the District). This position may participate in the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) Supply Adequacy Working Group. Incumbent may have direct interfaces with, and possible technical presentations to, the District's board of Directors, District customers, executive management and the Nebraska Power Review Board.
Education, Training and Experience
BS in engineering, finance, business or economics, or related field, plus five to ten years utility management experience. Master's degree in a technical or business field is preferred.
A high degree of knowledge of analytical and risk-based modeling is desired as well as the ability to lead a team performing complex analytical modeling.
Demonstrated project management and team leadership experience are essential. Demonstrated strategic planning and business objective development experience preferred. Previous experience in risk management, power generation, energy market development, finance, planning, or rates development is preferred.
Licenses and/or Certifications
None
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Load Forecasting - Creates a District-wide load forecast used in strategic planning, financial planning & resource planning by utilizing different econometric techniques, such as a top down and bottom-up approaches as needed to provide a high-quality load forecast. Results include forecasted peaks and energy requirements for resource planning and billing purposes, along with determining the associated revenue from our wholesale and retail customers. These load forecasts are critical to establishing Resource Adequacy requirements, transmission expansion plans per SPP requirements and long-term scenario planning.
Resource Planning - Support development of an Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) to meet the District's load & resource adequacy obligations in the Southwest Power Pool (SPP) and Western Area Power Administration (WAPA). Manage the process to provide SPP with information on the District's load and resources. Interface with outside organizations, such as the Nebraska Power Association and SPP, and this position could include providing testimony when necessary to the Nebraska Power Review Board with regards to resource planning and new resource additions. Conduct ad hoc studies for specific resource planning needs to support decision-making by the executive team and Board of Directors. Interface with and communicate complex information to NPPD's Board of Directors and customers in ways that support effective and efficient feedback and decision-making on critical issues.
Resource Adequacy - Ensure the successful submittal of all information and documentation to satisfy NPPD's seasonal Resource Adequacy Requirements at SPP, including the resolution of any noted deficiencies prior to the upcoming season. Create and maintain a long-term projection of NPPD's capacity surplus/(deficit) accounting for load growth, resource accreditation, resource additions, firm and deliverable capacity purchases & sales, demand response programs and resources, and future policy impacts under development. Collaborate with peers on the Nebraska Power Association Statewide Load & Capability report and provide support and explanation for the presentation of the report at the Nebraska Power Review Board. Advocate for NPPD in matters of external policymaking that affect the District's Resource Adequacy position, including unit accreditation, demand response policy and accreditation, load forecasting methodologies and accountability.
Production Cost Modeling - Provide accurate production cost modeling results of projected energy, sales, purchases, and costs associated with NPPD's participation in the SPP Integrated Market to support the requirements of the Financial Planning and Pricing, Rates, & Wholesale Departments. Perform what-if and other scenario modeling as requested, including long-term production modeling in support of NPPD's 30-year Power Plan Interface with and communicate complex information to NPPD's Board of Directors and customers in ways that support effective and efficient feedback and decision-making on critical issues.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities (Continued)
Support advocacy with SPP to ensure the interests of NPPD and other Load Responsible Entities (LREs) are appropriately considered in the policy-making process. Support communication on the impacts of policymaking at SPP in these matters to the affected internal work groups, the executive team, Board of Directors, and customers to ensure alignment and understanding.
Accountable for other duties as assigned.
Core Competencies
Customer Focus
Employees & Teamwork/Diversity & Inclusion
Integrity/Excellence
Public Service/Environmental Stewardship
Safety
Salary Information - Nebraska Public Power District offers a competitive starting salary with opportunities for growth. In addition to the base salary range listed below, NPPD employees may also be eligible for our Annual Incentive Program (AIP) that may supplement total compensation at a level above and beyond the stated salary range. Successful applicants will be provided more information regarding the incentive program at the time of an interview.
Pay Grade - 18 Monthly
Typical Pay Grade Starting Salary Range: $15,081.00 - $19,228.00
Travel Required: Up to 25% (With frequent overnight stays, more than 3 per month, in state and out of state travel) Travel required may fluctuate by business need. This is an estimate and will be discussed further with candidates that receive an interview.
Nebraska Public Power District offers a competitive starting salary and an excellent benefits package including medical and dental insurance, 401K retirement plan, paid holidays, paid vacation, paid medical, training opportunities and more.
If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact Human Resources at Nebraska Public Power District.
Nebraska Public Power District is an Equal Opportunity Employer
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer who values the contributions of its diverse work force. We are only legally able to hire persons who are 1) a United States citizen or national, 2) a lawful permanent resident of the United States, or 3) an alien legally authorized to work in the United States.
Benefits
Customers around the state know what to expect from NPPD - quality, reliability and performance excellence. Our values also extend to the way we take care of our employees and their families. We remain on the leading edge by providing competitive benefits that respond to the diverse lifestyles of our people in an ever-changing world.
Salary
Nebraska Public Power District offers a competitive starting salary with opportunities for growth. In addition to the base salary listed in posting, NPPD employees may also be eligible for our Annual Incentive Program (AIP) that may supplement total compensation at a level above and beyond the stated salary range.
Retirement Savings
NPPD employees may participate in two retirement plan options - a 401(k) plan and a 457(b) plan. Both plans allow for pre-tax or Roth contributions. After the first six months of employment, the 401(k) plan includes a generous matching contribution from NPPD. The five-year vesting period begins on an employee's hire date. Our retired employees are eligible for retiree healthcare benefits as well as a life benefit paid out to designated beneficiaries upon their passing.
Health & Wellness
At NPPD, we care about the health and wellness of our employees. We offer new teammates two competitive hospital / medical plan options to fit their lifestyle and family needs. We also make an annual contribution to employee Health Savings Accounts, which can be used to offset out-of-pocket expenses. Employees and their spouse are invited to participate in a variety of wellness initiatives offered throughout the year as a way to enhance their wellness, reduce health risks and promote healthy lifestyles.
Other Benefits
Employees earn vacation on a schedule commensurate with their years of service. We also offer paid holidays as well as personal and family medical leave, including birth mother recovery leave and parental child bonding leave. All full-time employees receive a life insurance policy equivalent to two times the participant's annual salary at no cost to the employee. NPPD also offers dental and vision insurance as well as personal accident, accidental death and dismemberment, critical illness, hospital indemnity, long-term care, pre-paid legal/identity theft, and short-and long-term disability insurance plans. Additional benefits include college tuition reimbursement, relocation assistance and complimentary access to an Employee Assistance Program.