Job Type: Full-time, hybrid (Washington-based)
Location: Bothell, WA
Salary: $104,500-$174,100/year
Job Description:
Functions as Puget Sound Energy's technical advisor and subject matter expert on wildfire management, establishing and maintaining critical relationships with fire suppression agencies and emergency response partners throughout the service territory and adjacent regions. Partners in wildfire preparedness initiatives, including emergency response planning, infrastructure hardening assessments, and compliance with safety protocols. Represents PSE in regional wildland fire associations and serves as the organization's principal liaison for fire-agency coordination. Contributes expert knowledge to advance wildfire mitigation strategies through collaborative partnerships, emergency preparedness exercises, and infrastructure project reviews. Provides specialized guidance in analyzing fire risk data and partners with fire response agencies to support real-time operational response during wildfire-conducive conditions, including potential Public Safety Power Shut-offs.
Responsibilities:
Operates as PSE's primary subject matter expert on wildfire management, providing strategic direction and technical expertise in the development and implementation of the company's Wildfire Mitigation Plan in collaboration with regional fire response agencies.
Establishes and maintains critical relationships with fire response agencies, serving as PSE's principal liaison for wildland fire response planning, coordination, and information sharing.
Partners with stakeholders in the implementation of wildfire detection protocols, leveraging expertise to optimize smoke-detection camera systems and response procedures.
Provides guidance in the development, evaluation, and enhancement of PSE's comprehensive emergency management plans specific to wildfire response, incorporating industry best practices and emerging technologies.
Conducts assessments of existing infrastructure and proposed infrastructure projects to:
Evaluate wildfire risks and vulnerabilities.
Recommend hardening strategies and mitigation measures.
Ensure compliance with wildfire safety standards and regulations.
Collaborates in the development and facilitation of PSE's wildland fire training exercises and workshops, contributing expert knowledge to strengthen response partner readiness and coordination.
Participates in the activation and operation of the ECC (Emergency Coordination Center).
Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in fire science, natural resource, forestry, or other related field; or an equivalent combination of professional education and applicable work experience.
Ten (10) years of progressive leadership experience with a fire-suppression agency focused on or inclusive of wildland fire suppression and response.
Five (5) years of wildland fire coordination experience in the fire service, or as part of an Emergency Operation Center, or Incident Management Team.
Working knowledge of wildfire response software programs and support sites.
Excellent communication skills to include verbal, written, interpersonal, and public relations.
Working knowledge of general administrative practices related to fire functions, Homeland Security Exercise & Evaluation Program, and emergency management best practices.
Understand principles, methods, and techniques used in emergency preparedness and disaster relief as well as public relations methods, and data collection practices.
Ability to travel throughout PSE’s service territory.
Valid Washington State Driver’s License.
24/7 availability to support emergency operations and disasters.
Desired Qualifications:
ICS (Incident Command System) Type 3 or higher qualification.
Certification and/or completion, or the ability to acquire certification within 6 months of hire:
ICS study courses 100, 200, and 300
National Wildfire Coordinating Group Qualification holder
Certification and/or completion in all of the following:
Study course IS 190: Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior
Study course IS 320: Wildfire Mitigation Basics for Mitigation Staff
Graduate of a wildland firefighting or firefighting academy.
Master’s degree or higher in fire science or other closely related field.
Familiarity with GIS (Geographic Information System) Mapping tools.
Experience working with UAV (Un-crewed Aerial Vehicles) in a fire-suppression/response capacity.
NFPA Certified Wildfire Mitigation Specialist designation and/or additional NFPA certifications (CEPSS-HC, CEPSS, CFPS).
IAAI Certified Fire Investigator (CFI) and/or NAFI Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (CFEI) certification(s) or equivalent.
Incident Command System Instructor HSEEP Master Exercise practitioner qualifications.
See the “Learn More” link below for more information.
