Economist II – Energy and Environmental Systems

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory seeks an Economist II to support research in energy policy and economic analysis for decarbonization. The role involves evaluating market needs, conducting technoeconomic analyses, and engaging with stakeholders. Candidates should have a strong background in energy markets and policies, with a collaborative approach to problem-solving. This position is based in West Richland, WA, and offers comprehensive employee benefits.
Overview:
The Electricity Infrastructure and Buildings Division of PNNL is accelerating the transition to a decarbonized, efficient, resilient, and secure energy system through basic and applied research. We leverage a strong technical foundation in power and energy systems and in advanced data analytics to drive innovation, transform markets, and shape energy policy.

The Energy Policy, Economics and Planning Group develops methods for analyzing economic and societal impacts of energy system policies and regulations and performs basic and applied research to speed the deployment of a modernized and equitable energy system. We work closely with subject matter experts across the broader Electricity Infrastructure & Buildings Division to support the Nations transition to a sustainable, efficient, resilient, and secure energy system through innovation and actionable solutions.

We are looking for an Economist II with strong understanding of economic analyses for energy markets and policies, a collaborative approach to problem solving, and a desire to tackle national challenges around energy and decarbonization. This position will support research designed to accelerate the transition to a decarbonized, secure, reliable, and equitable energy system. Rockstar Rewards:

Employees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance*, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, supplemental parental bonding leave**, surrogacy and adoption assistance, and fertility support. Employees are automatically enrolled in our company funded pension plan* and may enroll in our 401k savings plan. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year.

Research Associates excluded.
• *Once eligibility requirements are met.

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Responsibilities:

Key responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to:

Evaluating market needs and opportunities for accelerating decarbonization.

Technoeconomic energy and environmental analyses.

Contributing to projects that address energy market strengths, structures, barriers, metrics, capitalization requirements, climate considerations, code limitations, and supply chain opportunities.
Analyzing demographic and market data, performing market policy analysis, and communicating insights.
Participating in stakeholder engagement activities related to markets and transmission.
Participating in research related to markets, electric transmission, and energy equity and regional planning activities.

The successful candidate will be accountable to:

Project Managers for performing assigned roles, following applicable project and field procedures, and performance of assigned tasks on time and within.
The Energy Policy, Economics & Planning Group Leader, and Energy Economics Team Leader, for general staff performance and development, operational discipline (e.g., maintaining training qualifications, procedural compliance, safe operations), and project execution.
Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

BS/BA and 2 years of relevant experience -OR-
MS/MA -OR-
PhD

Preferred Qualifications:

Doctorate degree in economics or closely related field.
Demonstrated understanding of energy or environmental economics and energy policy.
Demonstrated ability to become familiar with technologies and technical concepts quickly, at sufficient depth for project analysis and comparison to other approaches.
Experience in the publication of technical reports and journal papers.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
A collaborative approach to problem-solving and the ability to work well with inter-disciplinary and geographically distributed teams.
Experience in techno-economic analysis, cost benefit analysis.
Understand market impacts of increased renewable energy on the grid.
Capabilities in tools for econometric and data analysis (Python, R, STATA).
Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment:

The candidate will be required to work in one of our PNNL offices 3-5 days per week. Candidate may telework up to 2 day per week with the ability to come into the office on short notice.
Testing Designated Position (TDP):

This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP).
About PNNL:

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them!

At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, flexible work schedules and telework options. PNNL is located in eastern Washington Statethe dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Labs campus is only a 45-minute flight (or ~3-hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs.
Commitment to Excellence, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Equal Employment Opportunity:

Our laboratory is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment dedicated to solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. In support of this commitment, we encourage people of all racial/ethnic identities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities to apply for employment.

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at careers@pnnl.gov.
Drug Free Workplace:

PNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs.

If you are offered employment at PNNL, you must pass a drug test prior to commencing employment. PNNL complies with federal law regarding illegal drug use. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug. If you test positive for any illegal controlled substance, including marijuana, your offer of employment will be withdrawn.
HSPD-12 PIV Credential Requirement:

In accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, new employees are required to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.