Wildfire Mitigation - Operational Risk Analyst

Idaho Power Inc. (IDACORP INC.)•Boise, ID

43d•Hybrid

About The Position

Idaho Power - located in vibrant Boise, Idaho - is looking for a Wildfire Mitigation - Operational Risk Analyst to join our Wildfire Mitigation Team. This is a full-time, permanent role. It's an exciting time to work for Idaho Power. Our work plays a critical role in the communities we serve across Idaho and Oregon, and we're working hard to safely provide our customers with the reliable, affordable, clean energy they can depend on. While this position is based at Idaho Power's downtown Boise location, we offer both flexible schedules and the opportunity to work up to 40% remote. Relocation assistance may also be provided to the successful candidate. What does a Wildfire Mitigation Operational Risk Analyst do for us? The Wildfire Mitigation Operational Risk Analyst is a subject-matter expert who applies a wide range of concepts, principles, and practices to analyze complex fire-weather conditions and makes recommendations to inform leadership decisions around operational risk. They operate and validate Technosylva (FireRisk/FireSim/WRA) daily; run scenarios and synthesize outputs with fuels, terrain-wind alignment, observations, and asset-level probability of failure to produce segment/asset risk assessments. They interpret forecast guidance and observations provided from Idaho Power's Atmospheric Sciences team and translate findings into clear, time-bound operational recommendations (EPS enablement, adjacent-area decisions, PSPS initiation). They participate in daily wildfire-risk briefings and provide decision support to leadership, Transmission and Distribution (T&D) Operations/Protection, field teams, and emergency partners; maintain concise decision logs. They steward thresholds and metrics: maintain/recalibrate EPS/PSPS thresholds using long-term climatology and after-action evidence; manage threshold version control and documentation. They improve decision tooling and governance: develop and maintain SOPs, dashboards, decision logs, and after-action reviews; track and report outcomes to internal and external stakeholders. They plan and manage initiatives as part of the Wildfire Mitigation Plan. This includes but is not limited to developing workplans, operational integration, oversight of vendor deliverables, and schedule/budget/performance tracking. They train and enable stakeholders: create and deliver targeted trainings/briefings for internal teams and external partners on tools, thresholds, and operational protocols. They also scan and innovate: monitor climate signals, industry practices, and technology changes to recommend updates to modeling, thresholds, and mitigation strategies. In addition to the meaningful work we do, we offer competitive pay and benefits, an employee incentive plan, and both a 401k employer-match and a pension plan, making Idaho Power one of the best employers in the state.

Requirements

Knowledge of: Common software programs such as Internet Explorer, Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
Knowledge of: Wildfire behavior, hazards, and risks
Knowledge of: Quantitative/statistical models including predictive models, forecasting, and simulation
Knowledge of: T&D utility operations including maintenance, engineering, and systems
Skills in: Strong project management, including managing all facets of large, complex projects
Skills in: Interpersonal communication and clear, concise writing
Skills in: Public presentations
Skills in: Research and complex topic synthesis
Skills in: Organization
Skills in: Program planning and development
Skills in: Issue resolution
Ability to: Manage multiple projects
Ability to: Present program information effectively to internal and external audiences in verbal and written form
Ability to: Create and implement complex solutions in support of wildfire risk decision making
Ability to: Analyze root causes and recommend practical and effective solutions
Ability to: Work effectively in a team environment with a diverse group of people
Ability to: Work independently/self-starter
Ability to: Maintain composure and professionalism while navigating complex, time-sensitive scenarios
Education: Bachelor's degree OR Equivalent combination of education and experience
Experience: 5 years of experience in utility operations, wildfire mitigation, or program management
Licenses & Certifications: Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record based on driving requirements for the position

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of: T&D wildfire operations, including enhanced protection settings and Public Safety Power Shut-Off (PSPS) processes
Knowledge of: Fuel and soil moisture measurements and analysis used in wildfire forecasting and behavioral analysis
Knowledge of: Climatology data manipulation and interpretation
Knowledge of: Advanced knowledge of fire-weather meteorology and impacts of regional and localized weather conditions on the ignition, development and spread of wildfires operations
Knowledge of: Instrumentation (fire weather stations), specialized sensors and their data
Knowledge of: Remote sensing
Skills in: Wildfire behavior modeling platforms and software including Technosylva WRA, IFTDSS, Pyrologix, or other
Skills in: Programming languages such as Java, Python, or other
Skills in: Geospatial information system software such as Esri or other
Skills in: Advanced application of Excel (VBA), PowerBI, Access, MatLab, or other database programs and analytical tools
Ability to: Comprehend technical issues and opportunities
Ability to: Collect, extract, and manipulate complex data files.
Ability to: Perform regression, correlation, and trend analysis
Ability to: Analyze data sets and various information sources to interpret fire-weather conditions and/or wildfire behavior to inform risk assessments
Education: Advanced degree wildfire science, atmospheric science, meteorology or related fields
Experience: 5 - 7 years of experience in operational meteorology including fire weather operational support or fire weather modeling
Experience: Experience in the operation of Technosylva (FireRisk/FireSim/WRA) or equivalent wildfire behavior/risk modeling platforms

Responsibilities

Analyze complex fire-weather conditions and makes recommendations to inform leadership decisions around operational risk.
Operate and validate Technosylva (FireRisk/FireSim/WRA) daily; run scenarios and synthesize outputs with fuels, terrain-wind alignment, observations, and asset-level probability of failure to produce segment/asset risk assessments.
Interpret forecast guidance and observations provided from Idaho Power's Atmospheric Sciences team and translate findings into clear, time-bound operational recommendations (EPS enablement, adjacent-area decisions, PSPS initiation).
Participate in daily wildfire-risk briefings and provide decision support to leadership, Transmission and Distribution (T&D) Operations/Protection, field teams, and emergency partners; maintain concise decision logs.
Steward thresholds and metrics: maintain/recalibrate EPS/PSPS thresholds using long-term climatology and after-action evidence; manage threshold version control and documentation.
Improve decision tooling and governance: develop and maintain SOPs, dashboards, decision logs, and after-action reviews; track and report outcomes to internal and external stakeholders.
Plan and manage initiatives as part of the Wildfire Mitigation Plan. This includes but is not limited to developing workplans, operational integration, oversight of vendor deliverables, and schedule/budget/performance tracking.
Train and enable stakeholders: create and deliver targeted trainings/briefings for internal teams and external partners on tools, thresholds, and operational protocols.
Scan and innovate: monitor climate signals, industry practices, and technology changes to recommend updates to modeling, thresholds, and mitigation strategies.