Director, Wildfire Mitigation & Response

Role Overview

• Develop AEP’s wildfire strategy, outline associated goals, monitor successful completion of goals in collaboration with key stakeholders.
• Coordinate all ongoing AEP wildfire activities, associated communications, reporting with internal AEP stakeholders.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive wildfire response plan, in coordination with relevant stakeholders, to minimize the impact of wildfires on our utility infrastructure.
• Stay updated with the latest wildfire management practices, regulations, and technologies, and incorporate them into our response strategies.
• Coordinate and collaborate with government agencies, fire departments, and emergency management organizations to ensure effective wildfire response and resource utilization.
• Conduct regular risk assessments to identify potential wildfire threats to our infrastructure and develop proactive measures to prevent or mitigate them.
• Coordinate with other departments within the utility company to ensure seamless communication and integration of wildfire response efforts.
• Encourage the development and maintenance of strong relationships between operating companies and local communities, ensuring effective communication, education, and support during wildfire events.
• Monitor and analyze wildfire trends and patterns and provide regular reports and recommendations to senior management regarding wildfire risk and response strategies.
• Manage the budget allocated for wildfire response activities, ensuring optimal utilization of resources.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., environmental science, emergency management, engineering, meteorology, atmospheric science, physics, chemistry, or geoscience) or equivalent work experience.
• Extensive experience in wildfire response and management, preferably in a utility or infrastructure-related industry.
• Strong knowledge of wildfire behavior, prevention, mitigation, and suppression techniques.
• Familiarity with relevant federal, state, and local regulations related to wildfire response and emergency management.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel as required.