What are the responsibilities and job description for the Energy Resource Planner II/III position at Colorado Springs Utilities?
Energy Resource Planner II/III
Colorado Springs Utilities is seeking an Energy Resource Planner to help shape the future of our energy portfolio and support our community’s transition to a cleaner, more modern, and more reliable energy system. As part of our Energy Resource Planning team within the Energy Planning & Innovation section, you will contribute to our long‑term strategy as we add renewable resources, pilot emerging technologies, modernize our grid, and prepare for integration into the Southwest Power Pool Regional Transmission Organization (SPP RTO).
Your work will directly support the development and implementation of our Sustainable Energy Plan, our renewable energy goals, and our ongoing commitment to reliable, affordable power for Colorado Springs.
This position may be filled at either the Resource Planner II or Resource Planner III level, depending on qualifications, experience, education, and certifications.
How you’ll make an impact…
- Support the development of long‑range Integrated Resource Plans (IRPs), including scenario modeling, risk analysis, and portfolio optimization
- Run, maintain, and continuously enhance our energy systems model (PLEXOS) to inform long-term generation strategy
- Support resource adequacy and capacity expansion initiatives
- Translate complex modeling outputs into clear, actionable insights for executive leadership and regulatory filings
- Collaborate with engineering, finance, operations, and other internal stakeholders to align assumptions, strategies, and long-term planning efforts
- Prepare monthly reporting to keep the department informed of shifts in resource strategy and planning direction
Who you are…
Resource Planner II
- 2 years in Resource Planning or a closely related field
- Work involves well-defined tasks of moderate scope
Resource Planner III
- 5 years of direct experience in Electric Resource Planning
- Leads complex work with a broad scope, often in ambiguous environments
Education & Experience
- A bachelor's degree in Engineering, Economics, Accounting, Data Science or a closely related field is valued
- The ability to perform complex analysis, planning, and technical writing functions
- A sound understanding of the principles of electricity generation, transmission, distribution, and infrastructure is valued
- Knowledge of wholesale energy market dynamics and trends
- The ability to continuously grow knowledge and abilities through the future energy transition
- Must be a strong team player who recognizes how their decisions may impact others and seeks input from other stakeholders across the organization and industry
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS:
- Exerts up to 10 lbs. of force occasionally and/or small amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.
- Positions in this class typically require talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions within an office working environment.
Our Commitment to Our Employees…
Our people are the heart and soul of Colorado Springs Utilities. They keep the lights on, gas flowing, water coming in, and wastewater leaving. We don't just say people are important – we prove it! That’s why we are honored to invest in protecting the health and financial security of our employees and their families through our rich benefits program.
Time Off to Recharge
- Vacation – Start with 13 days annually, increasing to 24 days with tenure
- Personal Leave –3 days per year
- Paid Holidays –12 paid holidays per year
- Sick Leave – 12 days per year for personal or family health needs
- Vacation Buy – Option to purchase up to 40 additional hours annually
Health & Wellness – Benefits elected are effective the first of the following month
- Medical Plans: Three comprehensive options, including a $0 premium High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) with Health Savings Account (HSA) eligibility
- Zero Health: Access to hundreds of medical services at no cost
- Dental & Vision: Two dental plans and one vision plan
- Family Building-Benefits: Support for fertility, preservation, adoption, and surrogacy
- Wellness Program: A voluntary program that rewards you for prioritizing self-care! If you're enrolled in a our medical plan, you and your spouse can earn up to $600 in HRA or HSA contributions by completing healthy activities
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Pre-tax contributions for healthcare and dependent care expenses
- Health Savings Account (HSA): Available with HDHP
Financial & Retirement Security
- Pension Plan: Colorado PERA provides retirement benefits and peace of mind
- Supplemental Retirement Plans: PERAPlus 401(k), MissionSquare Roth IRA, and 457 plans
- Disability Coverage: Short-Term and Long-Term Disability insurance available
- Life Insurance: Employer-paid coverage with optional supplemental plans
- Long-Term Care Insurance: Available for purchase to support extended care needs
Additional Support
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential support for mental health, stress, legal, financial, and work-life balance
- Tuition Reimbursement: Up to $5,250 annually to support continued education
Public Service Loan Forgiveness: As a qualifying employer, your student loan payments may be eligible for loan forgiveness