Trader (Options) jobs in South Dakota

Job Specifications

CLOSING DATE: This position will remain open until filled.

In this important role you will ensure that all projected electric customer load demand is met, around-the-clock, in the most economic and efficient manner while adhering to operating system constraints and industry or regulatory guidelines.

SALARY RANGE/GRADE: (Determined by the knowledge, skills and abilities of the applicant.)

• Level I: $69,350 - $104,000
• Level II: $82,550 - $123,800
• Senior Level: $92,500 - $152,450

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP: Forward Operations Manager

LOCATION: Our Corporate Headquarters in Rapid City, South Dakota

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Purchase and/or reassign required transmission rights for each transmission segment of each transaction. This requires knowledge of transmission contracts, ownership of transmission systems, NERC (North American Electric Reliability Corporation) registered POR/POD, sources, sinks, and transmission products.
• Conduct trades via contacts with producers, traders and power delivery organizations in compliance with the organization's energy marketing policies and procedures, while analyzing and reacting to market conditions.
• Ensure that all actions are in full compliance with applicable NERC operating standards, other regional and regulatory standards, and the Company's risk policy.
• Assist in analyzing resources, load obligations, generation dispatch and market opportunities to procure energy at the lowest possible cost and to increase margins for real-time transactions.
• Manage load forecasts, actual load and available resources to balance Company's load position and to ensure reliable electric service for Company's native load customers for three load control areas.
• Provide operational support for energy transactions initiated and negotiated in the energy marketing and trading group.
• Verify the creation and processing of complete and accurate hourly data necessary to verify and account for all consummated transactions.
• Respond to generation disturbances and outages to mitigate plant contingencies and ensure integrity of firm contract obligations.
• Implement real-time actions, up to and including coordination of shedding firm load, to ensure stable and reliable operation of the Bulk Electric System.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide assistance to other generation dispatch and power marketing employees as needed, while maintaining effective working relationships with all generation dispatch and power marketing employees.
• Establish and maintain positive business relationships with counterparts at regional or national utilities and marketer organizations, including Joint Ownership Unit participants.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Level I:

• Minimum of (1) one year of mathematics, analytics, electric industry or related experience required.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Finance, Mathematics, Business or related field preferred, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Level II:

• Minimum of (3) three years of mathematics, analytics, electric industry or related experience required.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Finance, Mathematics, Business or related field preferred, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Senior Level:

• Minimum of (5) five years of mathematics, analytics, electric industry or related experience required.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Finance, Mathematics, Business or related field preferred, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

• General understanding of the wholesale electricity marketplace, including the effects from market dynamics such as delivery limitations, regional supply/demand, daily/seasonal diversities, reliability aspects, fuel considerations, etc.
• Basic knowledge of the interconnected bulk power generation and transmission network and the operational aspects of that network.
• Knowledge of OASIS (Open Access Same Time Information System) sites and their functions for the purchase and scheduling of transmission rights.
• Knowledge of physical real-time, day-ahead or monthly physical electrical energy trading including the basic understanding of transaction scheduling and tagging requirements.
• Business knowledge of budgeting, contract management, financial reporting, and managerial accounting.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to articulate, communicate, influence, and negotiate.
• Ability to perform under considerable stress induced by a highly driven environment, impending target dates, emergency situations and a rotating twelve-hour shift schedule.
• Analytical skills to properly assess complex technical and economic variables and the capability to make fast and accurate decisions based on the conclusions reached.
• Proficiency in computer applications including Word, Excel, Outlook and various specialized software/programs.
• Strong planning, organizational and analytical skills.

This description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, duties, and requirements for employees in this position. Job descriptions may and do change periodically. Where positions are covered by a collective bargaining unit agreement, the terms and conditions of the agreement will apply.

About our Company: We are a customer, growth and safety focused utility company that is dedicated to our communities. We improve life with energy as an energy partner of choice. Our diverse culture fuels unique perspectives, opening doors to new insights and possibilities. Based in Rapid City, South Dakota, we have over 3000 employees and serve 1.3 million natural gas and electric utility customers across eight states (South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and Arkansas).

Enjoy our Comprehensive Benefits Package! Annual discretionary bonuses, 401(k) (6% company match and up to 9% company retirement contribution), tuition reimbursement, generous paid time off benefits, including paid holidays and parental leave, company paid life insurance and disability benefits (short and long term), an employee assistance program and well-being benefits, and competitive medical, dental and vision insurance.

Candidates must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check.

Black Hills Energy does not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or status as a protected veteran. If you require reasonable accommodation, please visit for more information.