Emergency Preparedness Manager - Wildfire

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The Emergency Preparedness Manager - Wildfire leads the planning, coordination, and continuous improvement of wildfire mitigation and response capabilities within regional distribution and transmission functions of Power Grid Operations. This role serves as the critical link between enterprise wildfire strategy and field operations, ensuring that risk-informed decisions are effectively translated into operational actions. The position oversees emergency response readiness and cross-functional coordination to reduce wildfire risk, respond to active wildfire events, and prepare for emergency conditions that may disrupt service, threaten public safety, affect critical infrastructure, or impact Duke Energy's reputation and brand.

The position is responsible for implementing readiness procedures, escalation protocols, training, drills, and cross-functional coordination processes. The role works closely with Operations, Enterprise Preparedness Services, Meteorology, Vegetation Management, Corporate Communications, Government and Community Relations, and external emergency response agencies to support coordinated decision-making before, during, and after wildfire-related events.

This individual serves as a key interface with internal stakeholders and external emergency management partners, including county and state emergency operations centers, public safety agencies, mutual assistance partners, and industry organizations. The role provides strategic direction, prioritization, situational awareness, and response support to Incident Command and business leaders, and helps ensure wildfire preparedness practices align with applicable regulatory expectations, industry practices, and operational risk management objectives.

The position delivers value through the implementation of consistent strategies which:

• Enable Duke Energy to prepare for, respond to, and recover from wildfire-related events using coordinated internal and external resources

• Position Duke Energy to communicate effectively as an active participant in Incident Command structures with internal and external stakeholders before, during, and after wildfire events

• Maintain appropriate focus on preparedness, public safety, operational readiness, policy adherence, and cost effectiveness

• Protect the brand and reputation of Duke Energy

• Incorporate industry practices, lessons learned, technology, meteorological data, risk modeling, and continuous improvement into wildfire mitigation and response activities

• Lead regional implementation and execution of PGO's wildfire mitigation plan, including operational readiness, situational awareness, field response coordination, event investigation, and Public Safety Power Shutoff preparedness.

• Coordinate periodic reviews, tabletop exercises, drills, training, and after-action evaluations to test and improve wildfire readiness and emergency response plans. Provides support during elevated fire weather conditions and active wildfire events by coordinating situational awareness, operational briefings, resource readiness, event documentation, stakeholder communications, and lessons learned. Promotes adoption of the Incident Command System and consistent emergency response practices across the enterprise.

• Ensure wildfire mitigation and response activities are integrated with Corporate Communications, Regulatory Affairs, Government and Community Relations, Business Relations, and operational leadership to provide timely, accurate, and coordinated information to internal teams, external agencies, customers, and community stakeholders.

• Prepare and deliver operational updates, status reports, leadership briefings, documentation, audit support, and data responses related to wildfire mitigation and response program execution.

• Identify and implement process improvements, corrective actions, and lessons learned to enhance wildfire mitigation performance, operational effectiveness, compliance, and continuous improvement.

• Associate's degree in Engineering Technology

• In addition to required degree, six (6) or more years related work experience

• In lieu of Bachelors degree(s) AND six (6) or more years related work experience listed above, High School/GED AND ten (10) or more years related work experience

• Bachelor's degree in Fire Protection Engineering, Forestry, Meteorology or Other Related Degree

• Fire Protection Engineering or Municipal, State or Federal Fire Service 8 plus years

• Knowledge of National Fire Danger Rating System

• Knowledge of NWCG S-130, NWCG S-190, and FEMA ICS-100

• Knowledge of basic fire investigation principles

• Knowledge of electric utility operation

• Research and analytical skills.

• Experience in project management

• Experience in process understanding and process development

• Knowledge of incident command principles

• Demonstrated ability to work self-directed

• Demonstrated collaboration skills

• Proficient at both written and oral communication

• Demonstrated problem solving and analytical skills

• Demonstrated conflict management skills

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with internal and external stakeholders

• Hybrid - Work will be performed from both remote and onsite locations after the onboarding period. However, hybrid employees should live within a reasonable commute to the designated Duke Energy facility.

• Travel 10% with occasional overnight stay required

• Support major storm / event activities when needed

• Availability to work extended hours as needed

• Valid Drivers license

Travel Requirements

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