Senior Manager, Wildfire Mitigation

Job Specifications

Black Hills Energy is people powered and purpose driven. Our team uses the power of energy to improve life for over one million customers in 800+ communities across the West and Midwest. We seek talented, caring people who embody our core values and contribute to a culture of inclusion and growth. As an organization, we believe the best part of working on our team is our commitment to making tomorrow better than today-for our customers, communities and each other.

Position summary:

This role is responsible for the continued development and leadership of Black Hills Energy's wildfire risk mitigation objectives as outlined in its Wildfire Mitigation Plan (WMP), including execution, training, standardization and compliance of the WMP across the organization. The growing risk of wildfire across our electric service territories represents one of our top risks across the electric utilities and this position will influence key risk reduction opportunities across the enterprise.

Pay Range: $116,500 - $192,400 (This posting includes the full pay range for this position. Pay is based on a number of factors and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and internal equity.)

Reporting Relationship: Director, Asset Management Services

Location: Our Corporate Headquarters in Rapid City, South Dakota

Essential Functions:
* Develop and implement plans to reduce risk of utility caused wildfires by leading the continued development of Black Hills Energy's wildfire mitigation program representing the #1 risk to our electric utilities requiring enterprise-wide influence.
* Utilize data analysis techniques to identify trends and patterns in wildfire ignition sources to develop models that predict ignition probabilities based on various factors. Utilize this information to mitigate wildfire risks. Integrate scientific findings into wildfire prevention plans and emergency response protocols.
* Assess and prioritize wildfire ignition risks across Black Hills Energy's service territory. Develop and implement strategies to mitigate ignition risks and working closely with stakeholders.
* Represent Black Hills Energy in community, industry, and regulatory forums to educate and build partnerships with critical wildfire response agencies across our service territory.
* Stay updated on the latest advancements in wildfire science, remote sensing technologies, and other applications relevant to ignition prevention.
* Drive innovation and present to senior leadership on wildfire ignition analysis methodologies and tools, incorporating new technologies and approaches to improve accuracy and effectiveness.
* Partner with internal stakeholders, including Regulatory, Legal, and Government Affairs departments to support applicable wildfire prevention legislation and assist with any pending litigation or claims.
* Support emergency response of a fire to investigate and detail evidence and coordinate with wildfire investigation experts to determine ignition root cause.
* Track, review, and assign company-caused ignitions to the appropriate owner to mitigate and minimize future ignitions and provide data for business decision support. Responsible for tracking progress on these measured outcomes to reduce overall risk across our service territory.
* Develop and manage capital and O&M budgets for relevant wildfire prevention programs.

Additional Responsibilities:
* Engage with internal and external stakeholders to increase awareness and understanding of wildfire risks and mitigation practices.
* Support electric operations and engineering departmental personnel to meet key business objectives.
* Support safety, diversity and social responsibility goals of the department, business unit and corporation.

What Is Required:
* Bachelor's degree in Engineering or other relevant field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
* Minimum of eight years of experience including wildfire science, engineering, utility operations, wildfire suppression, emergency response and/or experience in other electric utility function is required.
* Minimum of three years of leadership experience.
* This position requires driving responsibilities. You must hold and maintain a valid driver's license and a driving record that meets company and insurer standards.
* This role will be required to travel up to 10% of the time.

What Is Desired:
* Solid understanding of wildfire behavior and utility risks associated with wildfire.
* Strong knowledge of National Electrical Code and National Electrical Safety Code.
* Solid understanding of utility electrical system design philosophy and equipment operation.
* In depth knowledge and experience of fire and/or accident investigation principles/procedures.
* Ability to effectively lead and influence others.
* Strong technical writing and communication skills.
* Ability to drive process improvements.

This description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, duties, and requirements for employees in this position. Job descriptions may and do change periodically. Where positions are covered by a collective bargaining unit agreement, the terms and conditions of the agreement will apply.

About our Company: We are a customer, growth and safety focused utility company that is dedicated to our communities. We improve life with energy as an energy partner of choice. Our diverse culture fuels unique perspectives, opening doors to new insights and possibilities. Based in Rapid City, South Dakota, we have over 3000 employees and serve 1.3 million natural gas and electric utility customers across eight states (South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and Arkansas).

Enjoy our Comprehensive Benefits Package! Annual discretionary bonuses, 401(k) (6% company match and up to 9% company retirement contribution), tuition reimbursement, generous paid time off benefits, including paid holidays and parental leave, company paid life insurance and disability benefits (short and long term), critical illness, accident & group hospital insurance, pet insurance, an employee assistance program and well-being benefits, and competitive medical, dental and vision insurance.

Candidates must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check. If there is anything that may show up in these reports that may conflict with the position requirements, feel free to contact the Black Hills Energy recruiting team at jobs@blackhillscorp.com.

Black Hills Energy does not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or status as a protected veteran. If you require reasonable accommodation, please visit careers.blackhillsenergy.com for more information.