Utility Mitigation Assistant Program Mgr

The Utility Mitigation Assistant Program Manager supports the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management (DFFM) in wildfire mitigation planning requirements under ARS § 30-901 et seq., ARS § 37-1311, and ARS § 40-1301 et seq. as established in House Bill 2201. This position assists the Utility Mitigation Program Manager in overseeing the review, approval, and monitoring of wildfire mitigation plans submitted by public power entities and electric utilities. This position manages program activities, and facilitates collaboration with utilities, local, county, and tribal governments, state and federal partners, community organizations, and the public. The role blends technical knowledge with program coordination and stakeholder engagement to ensure plans are scientifically sound, meet statutory requirements, and reflect the public interest.

This position may offer the ability to work remotely, within Arizona, based upon the department's business needs and continual meeting of expected performance measures.

The State of Arizona strives for a work culture that affords employees flexibility, autonomy, and trust. Across our many agencies, boards, and commissions, many State employees participate in the State’s Remote Work Program and are able to work remotely in their homes, in offices, and in hoteling spaces. All work, including remote work, should be performed within Arizona unless an exception is properly authorized in advance.

• Program Coordination: Assist the Program Manager in coordinating the statewide wildfire mitigation plan review and approval program under HB 2201.Track timelines, deliverables, and compliance milestones (120-day review and 60-day decision windows). Support the development of workflows, policies, and procedures to ensure consistent review and monitoring.
  
• Utility and Stakeholder Engagement: Serve as a point of contact for public power entities, electric utilities, attachors, and stakeholders. Support outreach efforts with local, county, and tribal governments, and coordinate feedback during plan reviews. Help organize workshops, targeted training sessions, and public engagement forums.
  
• Review and Analysis: Review wildfire mitigation plans to confirm statutory compliance. Provide recommendations and input to the Program Manager and State Forester.
  
• Interagency and Public Coordination: Support public notice and comment processes as required by HB 2201.Assist in planning and facilitating public meetings, including virtual participation options. Coordinate across state, local, county,tribal, and federal partners to ensure alignment of wildfire mitigation and risk reduction strategies.
  
• Program Development and Training: Assist in the development of training modules and workshops on wildfire risk modeling and mitigation planning. Build capacity among staff and stakeholders for consistent application of risk assessment tools and best practices.
  
• Perform related duties as assigned to support agency wildfire prevention and mitigation initiatives.
  
• Other duties as assigned as related to the position.

Knowledge of:

• Wildland fire behavior, fuels, suppression strategies, and weather influences.
  
• Public power and electric utility infrastructure, operations, and wildfire risk reduction best practices.
  
• HB 2201 statutory requirements, Arizona wildfire management policies, and interagency agreements.
  
• Risk assessment and fire modeling tools (FSPro, STFB, WFDSS).
  
• Collaborative conservation and stakeholder engagement strategies.
  
• Basic program and project management principles.
  

Skills in:

• Application of fire behavior modeling and predictive service tools.
  
• Program coordination and project tracking.
  
• Stakeholder engagement and interagency collaboration. Professional written and oral communication with diverse audiences.
  
• Use of GIS, risk modeling, and decision-support platforms.
  
• Workshop facilitation and public engagement support.
  

Ability to:

• Assist in review and validation of wildfire mitigation plans for compliance and feasibility.
  
• Translate technical wildfire data into accessible recommendations for utilities, stakeholders, and decision-makers.
  
• Support collaborative planning sessions and public hearings.
  
• Work effectively with diverse partners, including utilities, conservation NGOs, and local governments.
  
• Perform field visits for plan validation and site assessments.
  
• Drive on state business and travel statewide as needed

The ideal candidate for this position will have:

• NWCG Firefighter 1

• Valid Arizona Drivers License
  

Any employee operating a motor vehicle on State business must possess and retain a current, valid class-appropriate driver’s license, complete all required training, and successfully pass all necessary driver’s license record checks. The license must be current, unexpired, and neither revoked nor suspended. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver’s license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records, and must complete all required driver training. An employee who operates a personally owned vehicle on state business shall maintain the statutorily required liability insurance (see Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) R2-10-207.11).

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

• The State of Arizona provides an excellent comprehensive benefits package including:
  
• Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
  
• Top-ranked retirement and long-term disability plans
  
• 10 paid holidays per year
  
• Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program, learn more at hr.az.gov/family-leave-expansion).
  
• Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years
  
• Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weekly
  
• Deferred compensation plan
  
• Wellness plans
  
• Tuition reimbursement eligible after one year of employment

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

• Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS).
  
• Participation is a mandatory condition of employment for all employees who meet the eligibility and membership criteria as defined in statute.
  
• Enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment.
  
• The current contribution rate is 11.98%

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Selene Rojas at srojas@dffm.az.gov for assistance.

The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by calling (623) 236-6664. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.