Duck River Electric Membership Corporation
Wildfire Mitigation and Emergency Preparedness Specialist
Duck River Electric Membership Corporation, Brighton, Colorado, United States, 80601
The ideal candidate is a mission-driven safety professional who pairs hands?on wildfire mitigation experience with strong emergency management acumen to enhance system reliability and community resilience across United Power’s service territory. You are adept at assessing risk, prioritizing high?hazard areas, and translating findings into actionable vegetation management cycles and mitigation projects. You lead the review and continuous improvement of our Wildfire Mitigation Plan and Emergency Response Plan, coordinate spill response,
and drive drills, training, and cross?functional readiness efforts. You excel at contractor oversight and performance reporting, and you build trusted relationships with emergency partners, utilities, and governmental agencies—representing United Power at summits, consortiums, and regulatory forums. Your toolkit includes project management, clear written and verbal communication, and the ability to collaborate across Operations, Engineering, and community stakeholders, with proficiency in Microsoft Office and familiarity with tools that support wildfire prediction (e.g., planning for red flag days). Credentials such as IC S/NIMS, FEMA coursework (IS-700/IS-800, IC S-300/400), ISA utility arborist, Certified Wildfire Mitigation Specialist, or environmental compliance/spill response certifications are highly valued. Candidates typically bring 5+ years in wildfire mitigation/vegetation management, emergency preparedness, utility operations, public safety, or closely related fields—and a valid Colorado driver’s license (or ability to obtain). Former firefighters with wildfire response or mitigation experience are strongly encouraged to apply. Position Purpose and Objectives
Under the general direction of the Vice President of Environmental, Health, Safety, and Risk, the Wildfire Mitigation & Emergency Preparedness Specialist is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing programs that reduce wildfire risk, ensure environmental compliance, and strengthen emergency preparedness across United Power’s service territory. This position oversees vegetation management activities, develops and implements wildfire mitigation strategies, directs spill response, and leads emergency response planning and training. The role emphasizes proactive risk reduction, regulatory compliance, and community engagement to enhance safety, reliability, and resilience. Essential Job Functions
Wildfire Mitigation & Community Engagement
Review and update the Wildfire Mitigation Plan annually, with comprehensive updates every three years. Identify and prioritize high-risk areas and develop circuit trimming cycles, contributing to annual job planning and budgeting processes and integrating wildfire mitigation strategies into both short? and long-term planning. Support vegetation management programs by ensuring contractor quality control, while leading project implementation, tracking, and reporting of performance metrics to ensure program goals and commitments are met. Increase community outreach and wildfire awareness through public communication efforts and coordination with external agencies and utilities. Build and maintain productive relationships with contractors, emergency partners, other utilities, and government entities. Represent United Power at wildfire summits, consortium meetings, and regulatory forums. Assist system operations in predicting and planning for red flag days using advanced tools and technology. Emergency Preparedness & Response
Regularly review and update the Emergency Response Plan (ERP) to reflect current risks and best practices. Lead emergency response training, drills, and exercises for staff. Conduct risk assessments and manage risk reduction initiatives in coordination with staff to strengthen organizational preparedness for environmental and operational emergencies. Collaborate with public safety partners within United Power's service territory. Oversee spill response programs, ensuring proper reporting and compliance with regulatory requirements as part of emergency protocols. Secondary Job Functions
Creates, expands, and maintains professional and productive working relationships with peers and stakeholders. Works collaboratively with colleagues and fosters a spirit of cooperation in the workplace. Performs other such duties as may be requested or assigned to fulfill the needs of United Power in the interest of good management practice. Supervision Received and Exercised
Acts independently to determine methods and procedures for new or special assignments. Coordinates activities of contract personnel but has no direct supervisory responsibilities. Minimum Education, Training, and Experience Required
Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, forestry, natural resource management, emergency management, engineering, or a related field; OR equivalent combination of education, training, and directly relevant experience. Five (5) or more years of progressively responsible experience in one or more of the following areas:
Wildfire mitigation and vegetation management
(utility, forestry, or land management settings). Emergency management and preparedness
(developing emergency response plans, conducting drills, and coordinating with emergency response providers).
Experience in utility operations, public safety, or firefighting is highly desirable. Demonstrated ability to coordinate with external agencies, contractors, and community stakeholders on safety, environmental, or emergency initiatives. Valid Colorado Driver’s License or ability to obtain one. Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple complex, high-visibility programs. Demonstrated problem-solving ability and adaptability in dynamic conditions. Excellent organizational and communication skills (oral, written, presentation, facilitation). Ability to collaborate effectively with emergency response providers, government agencies, contractors, and community stakeholders. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), with the ability to create, analyze, and present documents, spreadsheets, and reports effectively. Preferred Qualifications
Professional certifications such as:
Incident Command System (ICS)/National Incident Management System (NIMS) training. FEMA Emergency Management certifications (e.g., IS-700, IS-800, IC S-300/400). Certified Wildfire Mitigation Specialist or equivalent wildfire risk reduction credential. International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Arborist Certification or Utility Specialist designation. Hazardous Materials Spill Response/Environmental Compliance certifications.
Prior experience with wildfire response or mitigation strongly preferred. Experience chairing committees, leading cross-functional teams, or representing organizations at consortiums, summits, or regulatory forums. Familiarity with tools and technology for vegetation management, wildfire prediction, and environmental monitoring. Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret technical data, regulatory requirements, and operational plans. Proven ability to engage communities and stakeholders in outreach, awareness, and resilience-building initiatives. Problem Solving
Works on problems of diverse scope requiring evaluation of multiple factors. Demonstrates sound judgment in selecting methods and techniques for solutions. Networks with senior internal and external personnel. Liaison
Frequently interacts with United Power members, contractors, vendors, government officials, emergency response providers, and internal departments (Operations, Design, Procurement, Engineering) to coordinate wildfire mitigation, environmental compliance, and emergency preparedness activities. Essential Physical & Mental Requirements
Medium work: exerting up to fifty pounds (50lbs.) occasionally, up to twenty pounds (20lbs.) frequently, and up to ten pounds (10lbs.) constantly. Stooping, kneeling, crouching, walking long distances, and handling equipment. Talking and hearing to convey and receive detailed instructions. Repetitive motions of wrists, hands, and fingers. Close visual acuity for data analysis, inspections, and computer work. Driving for extended hours on rough terrain as required by job duties. Working Conditions
The worker is subject to environmental conditions for activities performed both indoors and outdoors. Potential exposure to extreme cold (below 32°F) and extreme heat (above 100°F) for extended periods. Occasional exposure to noise requiring a raised voice for communication. Department:
Safety
FLSA Status:
Exempt
Grade:
18
Updated:
December 2025 NOTE: This position description is not intended to be all-inclusive; an employee will also perform other job responsibilities as assigned by the immediate supervisor or management. Management reserves the right to change position descriptions, specifications, or work schedules to accommodate individuals with disabilities or as the need arises. This position description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment. In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a generous benefits package that includes an employee retirement plan, 401K with match, paid holidays, vacation & sick leave, medical, dental, vision, short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance. For a full list of benefits, please visit our careers page at https://www.unitedpower.com/careers. We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. United Power is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. United Power prohibits discrimination against applicants or employees on the basis of age 40 and over, race, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, color, religion, military or veteran status, national origin, disability, genetic information or any other applicable status protected by state or local law.
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and drive drills, training, and cross?functional readiness efforts. You excel at contractor oversight and performance reporting, and you build trusted relationships with emergency partners, utilities, and governmental agencies—representing United Power at summits, consortiums, and regulatory forums. Your toolkit includes project management, clear written and verbal communication, and the ability to collaborate across Operations, Engineering, and community stakeholders, with proficiency in Microsoft Office and familiarity with tools that support wildfire prediction (e.g., planning for red flag days). Credentials such as IC S/NIMS, FEMA coursework (IS-700/IS-800, IC S-300/400), ISA utility arborist, Certified Wildfire Mitigation Specialist, or environmental compliance/spill response certifications are highly valued. Candidates typically bring 5+ years in wildfire mitigation/vegetation management, emergency preparedness, utility operations, public safety, or closely related fields—and a valid Colorado driver’s license (or ability to obtain). Former firefighters with wildfire response or mitigation experience are strongly encouraged to apply. Position Purpose and Objectives
Under the general direction of the Vice President of Environmental, Health, Safety, and Risk, the Wildfire Mitigation & Emergency Preparedness Specialist is responsible for developing, implementing, and overseeing programs that reduce wildfire risk, ensure environmental compliance, and strengthen emergency preparedness across United Power’s service territory. This position oversees vegetation management activities, develops and implements wildfire mitigation strategies, directs spill response, and leads emergency response planning and training. The role emphasizes proactive risk reduction, regulatory compliance, and community engagement to enhance safety, reliability, and resilience. Essential Job Functions
Wildfire Mitigation & Community Engagement
Review and update the Wildfire Mitigation Plan annually, with comprehensive updates every three years. Identify and prioritize high-risk areas and develop circuit trimming cycles, contributing to annual job planning and budgeting processes and integrating wildfire mitigation strategies into both short? and long-term planning. Support vegetation management programs by ensuring contractor quality control, while leading project implementation, tracking, and reporting of performance metrics to ensure program goals and commitments are met. Increase community outreach and wildfire awareness through public communication efforts and coordination with external agencies and utilities. Build and maintain productive relationships with contractors, emergency partners, other utilities, and government entities. Represent United Power at wildfire summits, consortium meetings, and regulatory forums. Assist system operations in predicting and planning for red flag days using advanced tools and technology. Emergency Preparedness & Response
Regularly review and update the Emergency Response Plan (ERP) to reflect current risks and best practices. Lead emergency response training, drills, and exercises for staff. Conduct risk assessments and manage risk reduction initiatives in coordination with staff to strengthen organizational preparedness for environmental and operational emergencies. Collaborate with public safety partners within United Power's service territory. Oversee spill response programs, ensuring proper reporting and compliance with regulatory requirements as part of emergency protocols. Secondary Job Functions
Creates, expands, and maintains professional and productive working relationships with peers and stakeholders. Works collaboratively with colleagues and fosters a spirit of cooperation in the workplace. Performs other such duties as may be requested or assigned to fulfill the needs of United Power in the interest of good management practice. Supervision Received and Exercised
Acts independently to determine methods and procedures for new or special assignments. Coordinates activities of contract personnel but has no direct supervisory responsibilities. Minimum Education, Training, and Experience Required
Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, forestry, natural resource management, emergency management, engineering, or a related field; OR equivalent combination of education, training, and directly relevant experience. Five (5) or more years of progressively responsible experience in one or more of the following areas:
Wildfire mitigation and vegetation management
(utility, forestry, or land management settings). Emergency management and preparedness
(developing emergency response plans, conducting drills, and coordinating with emergency response providers).
Experience in utility operations, public safety, or firefighting is highly desirable. Demonstrated ability to coordinate with external agencies, contractors, and community stakeholders on safety, environmental, or emergency initiatives. Valid Colorado Driver’s License or ability to obtain one. Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple complex, high-visibility programs. Demonstrated problem-solving ability and adaptability in dynamic conditions. Excellent organizational and communication skills (oral, written, presentation, facilitation). Ability to collaborate effectively with emergency response providers, government agencies, contractors, and community stakeholders. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), with the ability to create, analyze, and present documents, spreadsheets, and reports effectively. Preferred Qualifications
Professional certifications such as:
Incident Command System (ICS)/National Incident Management System (NIMS) training. FEMA Emergency Management certifications (e.g., IS-700, IS-800, IC S-300/400). Certified Wildfire Mitigation Specialist or equivalent wildfire risk reduction credential. International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Arborist Certification or Utility Specialist designation. Hazardous Materials Spill Response/Environmental Compliance certifications.
Prior experience with wildfire response or mitigation strongly preferred. Experience chairing committees, leading cross-functional teams, or representing organizations at consortiums, summits, or regulatory forums. Familiarity with tools and technology for vegetation management, wildfire prediction, and environmental monitoring. Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret technical data, regulatory requirements, and operational plans. Proven ability to engage communities and stakeholders in outreach, awareness, and resilience-building initiatives. Problem Solving
Works on problems of diverse scope requiring evaluation of multiple factors. Demonstrates sound judgment in selecting methods and techniques for solutions. Networks with senior internal and external personnel. Liaison
Frequently interacts with United Power members, contractors, vendors, government officials, emergency response providers, and internal departments (Operations, Design, Procurement, Engineering) to coordinate wildfire mitigation, environmental compliance, and emergency preparedness activities. Essential Physical & Mental Requirements
Medium work: exerting up to fifty pounds (50lbs.) occasionally, up to twenty pounds (20lbs.) frequently, and up to ten pounds (10lbs.) constantly. Stooping, kneeling, crouching, walking long distances, and handling equipment. Talking and hearing to convey and receive detailed instructions. Repetitive motions of wrists, hands, and fingers. Close visual acuity for data analysis, inspections, and computer work. Driving for extended hours on rough terrain as required by job duties. Working Conditions
The worker is subject to environmental conditions for activities performed both indoors and outdoors. Potential exposure to extreme cold (below 32°F) and extreme heat (above 100°F) for extended periods. Occasional exposure to noise requiring a raised voice for communication. Department:
Safety
FLSA Status:
Exempt
Grade:
18
Updated:
December 2025 NOTE: This position description is not intended to be all-inclusive; an employee will also perform other job responsibilities as assigned by the immediate supervisor or management. Management reserves the right to change position descriptions, specifications, or work schedules to accommodate individuals with disabilities or as the need arises. This position description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment. In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a generous benefits package that includes an employee retirement plan, 401K with match, paid holidays, vacation & sick leave, medical, dental, vision, short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance. For a full list of benefits, please visit our careers page at https://www.unitedpower.com/careers. We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. United Power is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. United Power prohibits discrimination against applicants or employees on the basis of age 40 and over, race, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, color, religion, military or veteran status, national origin, disability, genetic information or any other applicable status protected by state or local law.
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