Utility Wildfire Mitigation (or Risk) & Compliance Specialist

Location(s): California
Practice/Department:  Urban Forestry/Fire
Work Environment: Hybrid/Remote
Compensation: $85,000-$120,000/annually*

Dudek’s journey began in 1980 with a vision to serve Southern California’s water and wastewater agencies. 

Today, we are a 100% employee-owned firm supporting clients nationwide and delivering projects that improve and protect the built and natural environments of communities throughout the United States. Our work has been recognized by leading industry organizations, and we’ve been honored with multiple national Top Workplace Awards. 

Our employee-owners are unified by a singular commitment to supporting projects that address key societal issues, such as the transition to renewable energy, infrastructure hardening and repair, environmental protection, and community resilience. 

Learn more about our award-winning culture, the benefits and perks of being a Dudekian, and the projects you will have the opportunity to shape.  

Who You Are 

As an employee-owner, you embrace accountability, working safely, and collaboration while thinking resourcefully and independently. 

Like all Dudekians, you are curious and solution-oriented, with the ability to adapt quickly to changes and approach challenges with a spirit of innovation.  

How You’ll Make an Impact 

We are seeking an experienced professional to join our fire protection planning team. Dudek’s team has been working in the wildfire assessment and fire protection planning field for nearly 25 years. We work with landowners and land management agencies to evaluate wildfire hazard and develop plans to mitigate wildfire risk. This position will be located in one of Dudek’s California offices if local to one. Travel to project sites and client or fire agency offices in their local region will be necessary. Familiarity with state and local building, development, and defensible space codes and standards is also highly desirable.

Duties and Responsibilities  

• Analyzing project maps, plans, and data sets and summarizing wildfire conditions for inclusion in reports and management plans.
• Conducting field assessments to evaluate wildfire hazard conditions.
• Analyzing field data, GIS data, and conducting project-related research.
• Preparing or supporting preparation of utility fire protection plans, wildfire mitigation plans, technical reports and development of fire hazard reduction recommendations.
• Attending meetings to discuss the results of project-related assessments and analyses.
• Representing clients and Dudek to local agencies
• Supports electric utilities and generations projects (BESS, Solar, Wind) to enable the client to operate in compliance with applicable standards, laws, and regulations.
• Identify, manage, and mitigate operational wildfire risk; and help develop and maintain the framework in response to changes to laws, regulations, and standards.
• Works with clients and regulatory agencies to identify operational wildfire risks and effective risk mitigation activities. May be limited to one regulatory agency or may include multiple agencies, laws, and regulations applicable to a specific department or area of business.
• Leads and develops utility wildfire mitigation planning documents and ensures they are implementable, effective, and comply with regulatory requirements.
• Identifies new and changing requirements or standards and ensures utility wildfire mitigation programs and tools are updated accordingly.

Minimum Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in fire science, fire administration, forestry, natural resources, fire ecology, environmental science, or other related field.
• 5+ years experience in any of the following: consulting, fire service, utility, or project management.
• Ability to conduct research and evaluate data sets and planning documents and summarize pertinent information into reports.
• Ability to work independently

Preferred Qualifications 

• Proficiency with fire behavior and wildfire hazard mapping and analysis software packages (e.g., BehavePlus, FlamMap, IFTDSS, etc.) is highly desirable.
• Additional desired qualifications include excellent writing skills and GIS/CAD mapping skills.
• Previous experience working for a fire department as an inspector, investigator, deputy fire marshal, fire marshal
• ICC or CASFM Fire Inspector, Plans Examiner, Fire Investigator, Fire Marshal Certification
• NFPA Certified Wildfire Mitigation Specialist (CWMS)

Compensation: $85,000-$120,000/annually 

*Final agreed-upon compensation will be based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, an individual’s related experience, education, certifications, skills, and work location. Successful candidates must pass a pre-employment drug test and background check prior to beginning employment. 

Working Conditions  

• This job operates in a remote or office-based environment and this role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, printers, etc. 
• This job requires occasional project site visits, based outdoors which can include excessive noise, uneven walking surfaces, extreme weather, and moving vehicles and equipment. 

Physical Requirements 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. This job requires the following:  

• Working on a computer, sitting, or standing for long periods of time in an office or remote office setting. 
• Employees must be capable of bending, squatting, climbing ladders, and lifting up to 35 lbs. unassisted; 50lbs in a team lift (two or more employees). 
• This job requires attending meetings, both in person and virtually as well as speaking on the phone with government agency representatives, members of the public, and others. Speaking, hearing and listening are required. 
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. 
• Outdoor activity may involve walking/trekking in uneven terrain over long distances in extreme weather conditions for extended periods of time. 

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Dudek is committed to creating a workplace where all employees, regardless of their background, feel valued, respected, and have equal opportunities to succeed. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential to our business success, and we are dedicated to fostering a culture where everyone can thrive. We are committed to fair and equitable processes, based on merit, free from any discrimination. 

Dudek is genuinely committed to equal employment opportunities within our company and on our project teams. Dudek is also committed to compliance with all applicable laws providing equal employment opportunities. This commitment applies to all persons involved in Dudek’s operations and prohibits unlawful discrimination by any employee of Dudek, including supervisors and coworkers. Equal employment opportunities will be extended to all persons (including those with disability and veteran status) in all aspects of the employment relationship, including recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, transfer, compensation, benefits, discipline, layoff, recall, and termination. Any employee who violates this policy and Dudek’s commitment to equal employment opportunities will be subject to disciplinary action. 

Dudek is a U.S.-based employer. All positions are based in the United States and require U.S. work authorization.