Researcher - Academic jobs in Fargo, ND

At Otter Tail Power (OTP), our employees help us to serve the communities we support by producing reliable, affordable, and environmentally responsible electricity. Our employees’ impact can take many forms. In this role, the Load Researcher will develop and analyze load research data and sample designs to help our company assign costs and develop rates for our customers.

Some examples of those activities will include:

• Collaborate with determining appropriate sample selection procedures for classes of customers to be sampled. This will include emerging electro technologies, such as, electric vehicle charging and battery storage.
• Develop and determine a statistically optimum load survey design for each class of customer to be sampled.
• Analyze hourly load research data – developing load data necessary for rate design calculations, inputs to cost of service studies and relationships between demographic data, electrical demands and energy used.
• Update the Customer Information System database extracts and perform analysis on this data for multiple areas of the company.
• Monitor all Load Research data to insure sample validity in relation to OTP’s customers.
• Perform other miscellaneous analysis using statistical software and other mathematical modeling tools.
• Ensure internal control of important load research data.
• Develop customer end use hourly load data to support various departments within the company.
• Exposure to how customers utilize renewable energy sources in conjunction with power delivered by OTP.

Qualifications:

We’re seeking candidates with a wide range of skills who find great satisfaction and accomplishment with developing and analyzing data for our customers while aligning with our values: Integrity, Safety, Community, Resourcefulness, Customer Service and People. Some examples of what we’re looking for include:

• There’s a lot of innovation in our industry and we want positive, can-do people who are resilient through the challenges that sometimes come with change.
• We have a lot to accomplish so top candidates will be efficient and have excellent communication and organizational skills.
• An understanding of mathematics and statistical analysis, including sample design.
• Knowledge of utility regulatory rules and regulations, the governing statutes and legal process.
• Ability to interact and work cooperatively and persuasively with utility regulators and other parties involved in the regulation of the utility industry.
• To hit the ground running, a 4-year degree in a mathematics, statistics, or equivalent work experience is required.
• Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that some candidates are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At OTP, we are dedicated to building a workplace that fosters diverse perspectives and skillsets, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Selected applicants will be required to complete a pre-interview assessment.

Offering:

We believe employment is a partnership and we expect excellence from our talented employees. To support our employees and help drive their career experience and goals.

• Competitive wage & benefit package.
  • Employee stock ownership options
  • Retirement savings fund with employer match
  • Health insurance plan options
• Training – our average employee spends up to 40 hours in training and development each year! This includes safety – one of our 5 values and key to our success – technical, compliance and developmental training.
• Career development is critical to our long-term success. Otter Tail Power employees have opportunities to participate in various leadership development programs, gain access to an a la carte online leadership course catalog, receive mentorship from current leaders and more!
• Access to mental health support from the experts via SupportLinc.

Not sure if this sounds like the right fit for you? Why not give us a try? Don’t wait too long though! We’ll accept applications through April 28, 2024.