Product Specialist – Demand Response Programs

Job title: Product Specialist – Demand Response Programs
Hybrid: In-office Tue/Wed/Thu; remote Mon/Fri
Duration: ~2 years (long-term extensible W2 contract)
Location: Portland, Oregon

Key Skills: Demand Response Operations, Advanced Excel (Pivot Tables), Analytical Skills with Large Data Sets, Program/Project Management, Utility & Flexible Load Experience, Customer Journey & Engagement

Job Description
The Product Specialist supports two of PGE’s Flexible Load demand response programs:

• Commercial Smart Thermostat Program
• Residential Time of Day (TOD) Rate Program

This role focuses on program operations, vendor coordination, data analysis, and ensuring smooth execution of DR events. It requires strong analytical capability, utility experience, and the ability to collaborate across multiple internal and external teams.
Top Priorities (First 60–90 Days):

• Learn program structure, systems, and operational workflows.
• Build cross-functional and vendor relationships.
• Take ownership of dashboards and daily operational tasks.
• Support planning activities for upcoming DR seasons.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage program operations including enrollments, enablement tracking, connectivity checks, and event readiness.
• Coordinate with a third-party implementer to ensure installations, scheduling, SLAs, and issue resolution.
• Support peak event operations and analyze event results.
• Track program risks, deliverables, and performance metrics.
• Partner with marketing, outreach, legal, regulatory, and program managers to support program goals.
• Help drive installation targets (e.g., 1,000 commercial thermostats next year).
• Maintain clear communication with customers, vendors, and internal partners.

Qualifications:

• Experience working within a utility or as a program implementer for a utility (required).
• Demand Response operations experience (enrollment, enablement, event support).
• Strong Excel skills (pivot tables, dashboards) and comfort working with large datasets.
• Analytical and problem-solving ability; experience interpreting program and event data.
• Program or project management experience with cross-functional collaboration.

Nice-to-Haves:

• Experience with smart thermostat or water heater DR programs.
• Familiarity with DERMS systems.
• Understanding of PGE and Pacific Northwest energy markets.
• CAPM certification.

Experience: Ideal range: 5–7 years in DR, energy efficiency, DER programs, or program/project management.
Education: Bachelor’s degree or 8 years of relevant utility/demand response experience.