Economist 3 - Energy and Environmental Systems

Overview

At PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that we refer to as Directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget.

Our Science & Technology directorates include National Security, Earth and Biological Sciences, Physical and Computational Sciences, and Energy and Environment. In addition, we have an Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility housed on the PNNL campus.

The?Electricity Infrastructure and Buildings Division, part of the Energy and Environment Directorate, is accelerating the transition to an efficient, resilient, and secure energy system through basic and applied research. We leverage a strong technical foundation in power and energy systems and advanced data analytics to drive innovation, transform markets, and shape energy policy

The Energy Policy, Economics, and Planning Group develops methods for analyzing economic impacts of energy system policies and regulations and defines new planning frameworks that speed the deployment of a modernized energy system. We work closely with subject matter experts across the broader Electricity Infrastructure & Buildings Division to support the Nation's transition to an affordable, reliable, and secure energy system through innovative and actionable solutions.

We are looking for an Economist III to serve as a technical contributor and task leader within a multidisciplinary team of engineers, economists, researchers, and analysts. This position will support applied economic research that evaluates technology and market trends, assesses impacts on energy systems and consumers, and analyzes implications for infrastructure investment, competitiveness, and system performance-research whose outcomes will inform strategies to strengthen U.S. energy infrastructure, enhance manufacturing competitiveness, and improve long-term system resilience.

Responsibilities

The position requires knowledge, or the ability to rapidly develop expertise, in the following areas:

• Understanding energy system economics, including market design, cost formation, and system impacts.

• Experience analyzing energy market and economic data to assess technology trends, policy impacts, and consumer behavior.

• Evaluating market structures, cost drivers, barriers to deployment, regulatory considerations, and supply chain dynamics affecting energy system outcomes.

• Expertise in lifecycle cost analysis, cost-benefit analysis, and technoeconomic analysis to evaluate energy technologies and programs.

• Proficient in econometric techniques and quantitative methods for program assessment and policy evaluation.

• Skilled in applying economic and statistical tools to support energy investment, planning, and decision-making.

• Communicating technical and economic findings clearly to policy makers, program managers, industry stakeholders, and technical audiences.

This position requires strong analytical and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with federal and state agencies, regional energy organizations, trade groups, and utilities. The role also involves engaging with DOE scientists and engineers, national laboratories, consultants, academics, manufacturers, trade organizations, utilities, and stakeholders across the energy supply chain, including consumers.

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 budget.

• 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.

On-site in Richland WA, Seattle WA, or Portland OR is strongly preferred. Remote work may be considered.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• BS/BA and 5+ years of relevant work experience -OR-

• MS/MA and 3+ years of relevant work experience -OR-

• PhD with 1+ year of relevant experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Graduate degree in economics (or closely related field). A doctorate degree is preferred.

• Demonstrated understanding of energy science, energy policy, or technology assessment.

• Expertise in lifecycle cost analysis, cost-benefit analysis, and technoeconomic analysis.

• Proficient in econometric techniques and quantitative methods with capabilities in statistical tools (Python, R, or Stata).

• 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.

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment

On-site in Richland WA, Seattle WA, or Portland OR is strongly preferred. Remote work may be considered.

Additional Information

Requires U.S. Citizen, or Person who is currently in the U.S. or U.S. Territory with residency for the preceding 3 continuous years.

Testing Designated Position

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, and flexible work schedules. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State-the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab's 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 and Equal Employment Opportunity

Our laboratory is committed to fostering a work environment where all individuals are treated with fairness and respect while solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. PNNL considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, 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 [email protected] .

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.

Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements

As a national laboratory, PNNL is responsible for adhering to the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which require new employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identify Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication. The tier of federal background investigation will be determined by job duties and national security or public trust responsibilities associated with the job. All tiers of investigation include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the applicable tier of investigation). Illegal drug activities include marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

For foreign national candidates:

If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) Federal risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement thereafter, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment. The tier of federal background investigation required to obtain the PIV credential will be determined by job duties at the time you become eligible for the PIV credential.

Mandatory Requirements

Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a "country of risk" without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment.

Rockstar Rewards

Employees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, robust telehealth care options, several mental health benefits, free wellness coaching, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance , employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, relocation, backup childcare, legal benefits, 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 401 (k) savings plan with company match*. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year.

• Research Associates excluded.

**All benefits are dependent upon eligibility.

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Notice to Applicants

PNNL lists the full pay range for the position in the job posting. Starting pay is calculated from the minimum of the pay range and actual placement in the range is determined based on an individual's relevant job-related skills, qualifications, and experience. This approach is applicable to all positions, with the exception of positions governed by collective bargaining agreements and certain limited-term positions which have specific pay rules.

As part of our commitment to fair compensation practices, we do not ask for or consider current or past salaries in making compensation offers at hire. Instead, our compensation offers are determined by the specific requirements of the position, prevailing market trends, applicable collective bargaining agreements, pay equity for the position type, and individual qualifications and skills relevant to the performance of the position.

Minimum Salary

USD $112,500.00/Yr.

Maximum Salary

USD $168,600.00/Yr.